When it comes to Star Wars, the highs are legendary, and the lows are…memorable, to put it politely. So, from CGI nightmares to pure cinematic bliss, here’s a definitive ranking of all Star Wars movies in the order they deserve. May the Force be forgiving.

1. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

If you didn’t expect this to take the top spot, are you even a Star Wars fan? This isn’t just the best Star Wars movie; it’s a gold standard in sci-fi and sequels. Darker, grittier, and with that mind-blowing Vader twist, “The Empire Strikes Back” has it all—Yoda’s wisdom, the Battle of Hoth, and that climactic duel. It’s bold, brave, and built on the emotional stakes that give Star Wars its heart.

2. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Okay, yes, hear me out. Jar Jar Binks and trade negotiations aside, “The Phantom Menace” offers one of the most epic lightsaber duels with Darth Maul and “Duel of the Fates.” Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn almost makes up for the midichlorian nonsense, and let’s be honest, the pod race is still a thrill. A guilty pleasure? Maybe. But it’s earned its place here in all its prequel glory.

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

This movie surprised everyone by grounding Star Wars in a grittier, war-torn reality. Focusing on the unsung heroes who fought (and died) for the Rebellion, “Rogue One” hits with heavy doses of sacrifice and honor. The Vader hallway scene is pure fan-service perfection, and the final act’s intensity makes this standalone story a worthy addition to the saga.

4. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Sure, it has Ewoks—fuzzy, kid-friendly guerrilla fighters—but “Return of the Jedi” wraps up the original trilogy with an emotional punch. We get Luke’s showdown with Vader, Palpatine’s cackling menace, and a redemptive finale that brings balance to the Force. The highs here far outweigh the Ewok awkwardness, cementing it as a classic conclusion.

5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Remember that cringe-worthy sand line? “Attack of the Clones” could easily be dismissed for Anakin and Padmé’s awkward romance alone, but it delivers on larger-than-life moments too. Yoda’s lightsaber duel, Obi-Wan’s detective arc, and the first glimpses of the Clone Wars are all fantastic—once you wade past the romance subplot that feels more like a soap opera than a space epic.

6. Episode IV: A New Hope

The one that started it all. “A New Hope” laid the foundation for an entire galaxy of storytelling, with a simple yet captivating tale of good vs. evil. It might feel dated now, but that’s part of its charm. The Death Star trench run, Han Solo’s swagger, and the spark of rebellion make it essential viewing—and we owe it everything, even if it’s fallen from the top of this list.

7. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Finally, we get the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker, the ultimate “I told you so” moment for the Jedi Council. “Revenge of the Sith” might still have clunky dialogue, but it’s packed with the emotional gravitas that the prequels needed. From Order 66 to that climactic duel on Mustafar, it’s a fiery, operatic descent into darkness that almost makes you forget all the sand complaints.

8. Solo: A Star Wars Story

“Solo” isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a fun romp that gives us a glimpse into Han’s backstory, whether we asked for it or not. Alden Ehrenreich has his moments, and seeing Han meet Chewbacca is a decent payoff. It’s the popcorn flick of the franchise, not memorable enough to reach the top tier, but not terrible enough to scrape the bottom.

9. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Is it a rehash of “A New Hope”? Sure. But it brought Star Wars back after years of stagnation and introduced us to new characters like Rey and Kylo Ren. J.J. Abrams played it safe, but safe was exactly what Star Wars needed at that point. “The Force Awakens” succeeds as a love letter to the original trilogy, even if it doesn’t blaze any new trails.

10. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Trying to stick the landing for the sequel trilogy, “The Rise of Skywalker” crashes like the Millennium Falcon with a busted hyperdrive. Palpatine’s return with no clear explanation is just the tip of the chaotic iceberg. Rey’s lineage retcon, Finn’s sidelined story, and rushed plot twists leave fans scratching their heads more than cheering. Fan service is one thing, but this feels like a checklist gone wrong.

11. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

And then we reach the movie that nearly tore the fandom in half. “The Last Jedi” takes risks that sometimes pay off (hello, throne room fight) and sometimes miss the mark (casino subplot, anyone?). Killing off Snoke without explanation and having Luke milk that Thala-siren—brave choices, but choices no one asked for. If anything, it’s the most divisive entry, making it a controversial, frustrating watch.

In Conclusion

From cringey romance to life-altering plot twists, the Star Wars movies are nothing if not memorable. Even at their worst, they give us moments to love (or rage about) in this vast galaxy. Some of these films push boundaries, others test our patience, but the saga remains one of the most beloved (and argued about) franchises of all time. And as always, we’ll keep showing up to see where the Force will lead us next.