Star Wars is an American science fiction/fantasy film series that has been released since 1977. It has grossed $10,315,843,646, becoming the 2nd-highest-grossing film series of all time. The following are the 15 films in the franchise arranged in order from “best” to “worst” according to the collective opinions of Rotten Tomatoes film critics. Contained is each film’s critical approval, average rating and critical consensus (if there is one). I’ve previously made two lists of The Star Wars Movies from Best to Worst – RT Critics, and one of The Star Wars Movies from Best to Worst – RT Audiences, but they’re all rather out of date. I’ll keep the old ones up for comparison.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
94% – 8.9/10 (107 reviews)
Dark, sinister, but ultimately even more involving than A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back defies viewer expectations and takes the series to heightened emotional levels. Read critic reviews
Star Wars (1977)
93% – 8.8/10 (135 reviews)
A legendarily expansive and ambitious start to the sci-fi saga, George Lucas opened our eyes to the possibilities of blockbuster filmmaking and things have never been the same. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
93% – 8.3/10 (448 reviews)
Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series’ former glory while injecting it with renewed energy. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
91% – 8.1/10 (485 reviews)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi honors the saga’s rich legacy while adding some surprising twists — and delivering all the emotion-rich action fans could hope for. Read critic reviews
Rogue One (2016)
84% – 7.5/10 (461 reviews)
Rogue One draws deep on Star Wars mythology while breaking new narrative and aesthetic ground — and suggesting a bright blockbuster future for the franchise. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
83% – 7.2/10 (98 reviews)
Though failing to reach the cinematic heights of its predecessors, Return of the Jedi remains an entertaining sci-fi adventure and a fitting end to the classic trilogy. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
79% – 7.3/10 (302 reviews)
With Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, George Lucas brings his second Star Wars trilogy to a suitably thrilling and often poignant — if still a bit uneven — conclusion. Read critic reviews
Solo (2018)
69% – 6.4/10 (483 reviews)
A flawed yet fun and fast-paced space adventure, Solo: A Star Wars Story should satisfy newcomers to the saga as well as longtime fans who check their expectations at the theater door. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
66% – 6.6/10 (254 reviews)
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones benefits from an increased emphasis on thrilling action, although it’s undercut by ponderous plot points and underdeveloped characters. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
52% – 6.1/10 (517 reviews)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker suffers from a frustrating lack of imagination, but concludes this beloved saga with fan-focused devotion. Read critic reviews
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
51% – 5.9/10 (235 reviews)
Burdened by exposition and populated with stock characters, The Phantom Menace gets the Star Wars prequels off to a bumpy — albeit visually dazzling — start. Read critic reviews
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
33% – 5/10 (3 reviews)
Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
27% – 3.4/10 (15 reviews)
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)
21% – 4.1/10 (14 reviews)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
18% – 4.2/10 (171 reviews)
[What do you think of these movies? Be sure to let me know in the comments! Also, send me your review of any movie, and I’ll post it on this site.]
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