Star Wars is one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time. It has captivated audiences for over four decades with its epic storylines, memorable characters, and stunning visuals.
But with so many installments in the series, which one is considered to be the highest rated Star Wars movie? Let’s take a closer look.
The Original Trilogy
The first three Star Wars movies were released between 1977 and 1983, and they are commonly referred to as the original trilogy. These films introduced us to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader, and they set the tone for the entire franchise.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The original Star Wars movie is widely regarded as a classic. It has a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.6 rating on IMDb. The film was groundbreaking in its use of special effects and its epic storytelling.
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Many fans consider The Empire Strikes Back to be the best Star Wars movie ever made. It has a score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.7 rating on IMDb. The film is darker than its predecessor but still manages to capture the magic of the original.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Return of the Jedi received mixed reviews upon its release but has since become a beloved entry in the franchise. It has a score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3 rating on IMDb. The film wraps up the original trilogy in a satisfying way and features some iconic moments.
The Prequel Trilogy
The next three Star Wars movies were released between 1999 and 2005 and are commonly referred to as the prequel trilogy. These films told the story of Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Phantom Menace was met with mixed reviews upon its release, but it has since gained a bit of a following. It has a score of 53% on Rotten Tomatoes but a 6.5 rating on IMDb. The film introduced us to new characters like Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul and gave us our first look at young Anakin Skywalker.
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Attack of the Clones was also met with mixed reviews but is generally considered to be one of the weaker entries in the franchise. It has a score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6. The film features an awkward romance between Anakin and Padmé Amidala and some questionable dialogue.
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Revenge of the Sith is widely regarded as the best of the prequel trilogy. It has a score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7. The film features some epic battles, including Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader, and sets up events that lead directly into the original trilogy.
The Sequel Trilogy
The most recent three Star Wars movies were released between 2015 and 2019 and are commonly referred to as the sequel trilogy. These films introduced us to new characters like Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron and wrapped up the story of the Skywalker family.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force Awakens was generally well-received upon its release. It has a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.9 rating on IMDb. The film introduced us to new characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren and set up some intriguing mysteries.
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
The Last Jedi was met with mixed reviews from fans but generally positive reviews from critics. It has a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes but only a 7.0 rating on IMDb. The film subverted some expectations and took the franchise in a new direction.
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Rise of Skywalker received mixed reviews from both fans and critics. It has a score of 52% on Rotten Tomatoes and only a 6. The film wrapped up the story of the Skywalker family but left some fans feeling unsatisfied.
The Highest Rated Star Wars Movie
So, which Star Wars movie is considered to be the highest rated? According to Rotten Tomatoes, it’s actually a tie between two movies: The Empire Strikes Back and A New Hope, both with a score of 94%. However, according to IMDb ratings, The Empire Strikes Back comes out on top with an impressive rating of 8.7.
Ultimately, the best Star Wars movie is a matter of personal opinion. Each film has its own strengths and weaknesses, and different fans will have different favorites. But no matter which movie you prefer, there’s no denying that Star Wars has had a major impact on popular culture and will continue to be beloved by generations of fans to come.
