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How does The Book of Boba Fett fare amongst the other adventures from a galaxy far, far away?
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00:00So this is a big one. With so many movies, TV shows, and holiday specials, the Star Wars canon
00:06is only going to get bigger from here on out. And this franchise means something different to
00:12everyone, which makes a list like this ranking everything a truly imposing task, because I'm
00:18not going to please anyone. Hell, I might not even please half of you. Quite simply, we aren't going
00:22to agree on everything here, and you know what? I'd have it no other way. As long as the criticism
00:27is in good faith, I genuinely can't wait to see what people would chop and change compared
00:31to the order that we've listed on here. And that's because, no matter what, I think we can all agree
00:36that Star Wars, it's bloody good, isn't it? So with that in mind, I'm Josh from WhatCulture.com,
00:42and this is Star Wars, every movie and TV show ranked worst to best. Number 22, Star Wars Holiday
00:48Special. There are a few Star Wars projects that are outright bad, but the Holiday Special is sadly
00:53one of them. To call it a travesty would be an understatement. In fact, it's such a vilified
00:59work of temporary insanity that George Lucas once famously said that he'd smash every copy with a
01:05sledgehammer if he had the chance. Directed by Stephen Binder, the 1978 TV special takes place
01:11just after the events of A New Hope, and follows Han Solo and Chewbacca as they race to visit the
01:16Wookiee's family whilst being pursued by the Empire. With its atrociously cheap sets and painfully
01:22uncomfortable performances, the Holiday Special really is as bad as it sounds. Featuring nonsense
01:28sing-alongs, half-formed characters, and the poor introduction of future franchise legend,
01:33Boba Fett. Number 21, The Ewok Spin-Offs. If there were any characters in the Star Wars universe who
01:39didn't need their own spin-offs, it probably would have to be the Ewoks who were first introduced in
01:44Return of the Jedi. But in yet another spell of madness, Lucasfilm thought the idea showed promise,
01:50so an animated series titled Ewoks and two made-for-TV movies, those being Caravan of Courage
01:56and the Battle of Endor, were released between 1985 and 1986. And sadly again, aside from the
02:03Holiday Special, Star Wars as a franchise has never been more empty or meritless than this.
02:09Number 20, Droids. Droids, also known as The Adventures of C-3PO and R2-D2, was originally
02:15aired with his companion series Ewoks, and only just manages to rank higher than that Miss Fire
02:20because it includes Anthony Daniels. With the same dull humour and technically unimpressive aesthetic,
02:26Droids is yet another wonky attempt to make a kids' TV show by people who seem to have never
02:31interacted with a child or Star Wars before in their lives. In attempting to tell audiences what 3PO and
02:38R2 were up to between The Fall of the Republic and The Birth of the Empire, the thankfully short-lived
02:43series takes much of the magic out of their development, so much so that it's occasionally
02:47kinda sad to watch. Number 19, Star Wars The Clone Wars.
02:52This intriguing animated movie was released in 2008 as the feature-length pilot to the upcoming
02:58Clone Wars TV show, and despite some inescapable flaws, remains a landmark instalment for the
03:03franchise's most recent era. Introducing fan-favourite Ahsoka Tano to the saga as the Padawan learner of
03:09Anakin, the movie follows the pair as they engage in the early stages of the eponymous war, and are
03:14eventually called in to help Jabba the Hutt find his missing son. Split into shifting segments though,
03:19The Clone Wars is choppy and seemingly unfinished, watching like 3 different episodes spliced together,
03:25but it does well to set the table for things to come, especially where the war and characters are
03:30concerned. From this point on, things would never be the same again, and Star Wars fans are still reaping the
03:35benefits of the stage it's set. Number 18, Attack of the Clones.
03:39Attack of the Clones is the most disappointing of the prequel trilogy, because its highs are so
03:44bloody high, but good lord are its lows low. For one thing, this was the prequel that featured the
03:49epic Battle of Geonosis, the introduction of the Clone Army, as well as Anakin and Obi-Wan clashing with
03:55the nefarious Count Dooku. In terms of world-building and character development, it's great to revisit
03:59Attack of the Clones and realise just how much of it really adds to the Skywalker saga.
04:04Bringing Anakin's darkness out and allowing the galaxy to get one step closer to war.
04:09The problem with all of this though, and much of the prequel trilogy in general,
04:13is the execution, which comes complete with a laughably bad script, atrocious performances,
04:18and a central romance between Anakin and Padme that borders on unforgivable.
04:23The groundwork is there, setting up big things, but it's seriously kinda hard to get through it at times.
04:28Number 17, Resistance.
04:30One of the more underrated additions to the franchise, Resistance is set before the events
04:34of the sequel trilogy, and follows the Rebels as they spy on the looming threat of the First
04:39Order. With sharp visuals and a terrific voice cast such as sequel star Oscar Isaac, the two-season
04:44exploration of the New Republic and the inner workings of the Rebel Alliance makes for both
04:49engaging and easily digestible fun for the whole family. It's not particularly challenging,
04:54and suffers in part due to its lack of necessity to the overall story of the films, but Resistance
04:59is basically what Ewoks and droids tried to do in the 80s, be an exciting kid-friendly adventure
05:06show with heart, soul, and wit.
05:08Number 16, Visions.
05:11Visions is unlike anything else Star Wars has ever produced.
05:15Currently consisting of one season and nine episodes, it's an anime anthology series that's
05:19not canon, but nonetheless is totally in keeping with the legacy of the franchise.
05:24Each episode of Visions forms its own story, produced by seven different Japanese animation
05:30studios, giving free reign on what stories they wanted to tell in how they used the franchise's
05:35mythology. The final results of this experimental mission are to die for, thanks in large part
05:40to its stunning visual appeal and powerful stories that are both unique and recognizable to
05:45long-time fans. It may not be the Star Wars that fans know and love, but Visions is a
05:49fresh take on the galaxy far, far away, is impossible not to fall for.
05:54Number 15, The Phantom Menace.
05:57The Phantom Menace definitely, definitely has its issues, many of them glaring.
06:02There's the introduction of Jar Jar Binks, young Anakin's many cringeworthy lines, and
06:06the heavy-handed politics of the Republic's world-building.
06:09But there are more virtues to the prequel trilogy's debut than you may remember.
06:14Amongst them, the strong performances and chemistry of Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson,
06:18the development of the Jedi Council, and John Williams' epic score.
06:22Then, of course, there's the film's highlight, The Jewel of the Fates, in which Obi-Wan and
06:28Qui-Gon Jinn clash with the silent villain Darth Maul, setting the stage for the chaotic
06:32war between light and dark that colors the entire saga.
06:36Its high points might not be enough to overcome its subtle-as-a-rock storytelling, strangely
06:40convoluted mythology or tacky humor, but the Phantom Menace is far from being an all-out failure
06:45just because of them.
06:46Number 14, The Book of Boba Fett.
06:49The most recent series to be added to Star Wars' back catalogue, The Book of Boba Fett
06:53acts as a thrilling, lore-heavy continuation of several major plotlines set up in its groundbreaking
06:58predecessor, The Mandalorian.
07:00Most enjoyably, though, is the way the show has finally given Boba Fett a chance to live
07:04up to his massively overhyped legacy, portraying him with the steely determination and general
07:09toughness that he's always deserved.
07:12The show is still in its infancy, so it has some key problems currently weighing it down,
07:16from its struggles to actually keep Boba involved in the action, to its too-clean TV aesthetic,
07:21but it's already got more than enough twists, turns, and long-awaited character interactions
07:25to give it a strong start and a bright future.
07:29Number 13, The Rise of Skywalker.
07:31As the final chapter of the Skywalker saga, The Rise of Skywalker had a lot riding on its shoulders,
07:36and for the most part, it kinda squandered its potential.
07:40Despite some bright spots found in the bracing duels between Rey and Kylo Ren, and its striking
07:44visual flair, the movie offers up a barrage of unwanted twists, such as the sudden return
07:49of Emperor Palpatine, and nonsensical character motivations.
07:54But still, there is a lot to love in here.
07:56It's clear that the cast still really care about this material, and J.J. Abrams is trying
08:00his hardest to wrap up a sequel trilogy that clearly had loads of holes poked into it.
08:06It's not quite as divisive as its predecessor, but The Rise of Skywalker certainly has as
08:11many haters as it does fans.
08:13Number 12, Solo.
08:15One of the more underrated installments of the Star Wars saga, Solo's main issue stems
08:20from just how safe and arguably unneeded it is.
08:24But even then, its visual extravagance and exciting action does make it a worthwhile watch.
08:29Casting as so-so Alden Ehrenrich as the eponymous smuggler and emerging galactic hero, the prequel
08:34sheds light on Han's fun pre-Rebel days, the origins of his relationship with Chewbacca
08:39and Lando Calrissian, and his famously speedy Kessel Run, originally teased in A New Hope.
08:45It's genuinely enjoyable stuff as well, managing to pack enough action and gorgeous effects
08:49into the mix to overcome the issues with its predictable on-the-nose drama.
08:54Yes, poring over the vast Star Wars catalog, Solo does feel like the biggest cash grab it's
08:59ever clutched for, but it's far from the all-out failure that many wish to paint it as.
09:03Number 11, The Bad Batch
09:05The unexpected but welcome sequel to The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch follows a group of mutated
09:10clones who survive Order 66 with their minds intact, and set out as hidden guns for hire
09:15in a world far removed from the one that they once fought for.
09:19With awe-inspiring animation, it's already proven itself to be a magnificent addition to
09:23the canon.
09:24The voice work of Dee Bradley Baker, mixed with the tightly plotted writing that effortlessly
09:28continues several major storylines set up in both the Clone Wars and Rebels, has made
09:33The Bad Batch yet another crowning success for Star Wars' animated landscape.
09:38And that's without getting into the richly envisioned clone protagonists, all of whom,
09:41especially Hunter, Omega and Crosshair, are surely some of the most colourful characters
09:46the franchise has ever produced.
09:48Bring on the future of this show.
09:50Number 10, The Mandalorian
09:52The Star Wars series that nobody knew they needed, The Mandalorian is about to enter its
09:57third season and cement itself as a classic of the franchise.
10:01Thanks in large part to its infusion of Mandalorian mythology, heavily influenced by the works
10:05of TV shows like The Clone Wars and Rebels, and gripping action sequences, the series has
10:10hit new highs with each episode, and two seasons in, seems to have single-handedly ushered in
10:16a new great era for the franchise's fans.
10:18Its clean production and slight overindulgence on fan service has dampened things at times,
10:24sure, but The Mandalorian is still modern Star Wars at its best.
10:27Number 9, Revenge of the Sith
10:29Revenge of the Sith suffers from many of the same flaws as the rest of the prequels, most
10:34notably a melodramatic script emphasised by atrocious acting and rushed payoffs.
10:40But, and it is a big but, aside from its detours into ridiculousness and meme-ability, it's
10:46actually pretty damn good. Especially the second half. Between some really, really good performances
10:51like Ewan McGregor's, the haunting execution of the Order 66 sequence, and the way that
10:56it leans into the good versus evil theme of the saga, there is so much to love in this
11:01movie. It's not perfect, few movies are, but Revenge of the Sith captures the magic
11:06and darkness of the Star Wars saga almost as well as the originals, only with more CGI
11:11Yoda and coughing cyborgs who never live up to their potential. Also, who could possibly
11:16hate the final duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin? It makes the movie better whether you initially
11:21liked it or not.
11:23Number 8, Rebels
11:24Set several years before the events of A New Hope, Rebels ran for 4 seasons and 75 episodes
11:29and shed some revealing light on the early years of the original Rebel Alliance and the
11:34effects the fall of the Republic had on the galaxy. Uniquely animated to suit the original
11:39Star Wars concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, Rebels never shies away from the darkest recesses
11:44of the saga, but with its light humour and endearing gaggle of anti-heroes, makes itself
11:49fun for the whole family as well as top tier Star Wars through and through.
11:54Number 7, The Force Awakens
11:55In terms of story, it's tough to argue that The Force Awakens is mostly a rehash of the
11:59original trilogy. You know, an orphan with a forgotten past is thrust into an intergalactic
12:04war and finds their true calling as a Jedi Knight. But whilst its plot is derivative and
12:09sets in motion a story that leaves the events of the previous six movies a little bit forgotten,
12:14there is still so much to love about the first chapter of the sequel trilogy. For one thing,
12:19there's the characters, including troubled survivor Rey, roguish fighter pilot Poe, former
12:24stormtrooper Finn and conflicted antagonist Kylo Ren, all of whom work well with legacy characters
12:29such as Han and Leia. Even with its divisive cliffhanger and predictable story, The Force Awakens
12:35is heaps of fun and captures the spirit of the franchise's message and characters beautifully.
12:40It's aged very well and deserves a major reappraisal.
12:43Number 6, Return of the Jedi
12:45The most common complaint leveled towards Return of the Jedi is that it's a little bit too silly,
12:50especially when compared to its two classic predecessors. Ewoks and the cartoonish Battle
12:55of Endor notwithstanding though, the final chapter of the original trilogy might actually be the darkest
13:01of the three films, thanks in large part to Jabba the Hutt's general vileness and Luke Skywalker's final
13:07clash with his soon-to-be-redeemed father. But it's not all bleak, instead striking a rewarding balance
13:14between the saga's heavier twists and its exciting sense of wonder and adventure. Even in its lesser
13:19moments there's something here for everybody to enjoy. Return of the Jedi brings the trilogy to a
13:24fantastic conclusion all told, tying up loose ends and riveting character arcs with violent and
13:30heartwarming payoffs to spare. Number 5, The Last Jedi
13:34Without question the most divisive addition to Star Wars' mighty back catalogue, The Last Jedi
13:39followed on from the cliffhanger of The Force Awakens as Rey seeks a reclusive Luke's guidance on
13:44honing her skills as a Jedi. Directed by Rian Johnson, The Last Jedi digs deep into the characters at its
13:50center more intensely than any Star Wars vehicle before or since. As Luke grapples with the results
13:56of his regrettable actions, Rey struggles to control her mysterious powers and Kylo Ren seesaws between
14:01villainy and anti-hero. On top of that it's also the most visually beautiful chapter of the entire saga,
14:07rich with vibrant colour, impressive set pieces and a final act showdown between Luke and Kylo that's one
14:13of the best scenes in the franchise. It's not flawless of course, I mean Leia traveling through space is a
14:18little bit silly, whilst the Finn and Rose subplot does feel like directionless filler,
14:23but it's a daring adventure that takes risks and makes them work much better than expected.
14:28Number 4, Rogue One
14:30Yep, that's right I guess, The One without any Jedi and a large ensemble of never before seen
14:35characters is in fact one of the best Star Wars projects of all time. Yet another story to take
14:40place before the events of A New Hope, Rogue One follows a group of mismatched rebel soldiers as they
14:45risk everything to steal the Death Star plans from a highly protected Imperial planet. Visually
14:51gorgeous and rife with subtle tragic characters we really wish had more time, the prequel source
14:56thanks to its avoidance of formula. There's no prophecies here or super powered beings battling for the
15:02galaxy, just everyday people with an eclectic set of skills willing to fight for what they believe in.
15:08Rogue One is epic, harrowing and unpredictable stuff, it makes the events of the original trilogy that much
15:13richer to revisit. It really is that great. Number 3, The Clone Wars
15:19The best Star Wars show on offer, The Clone Wars is the franchise's most expansive and eye-opening
15:25descent into the complexities and inner workings of the galaxy, confidently shedding light on its
15:30politics, the Jedi Order and the turmoil of conflict. Focusing on a wide variety of characters
15:36during the titular war, the seven season series told stories about rookie clones, one-off Jedi,
15:41bounty hunters, behind the scenes political betrayal and more, with each development adding a new layer
15:47of brilliance to the saga's impressive worldbuilding. Aside from its stunning animation, epic battles and
15:53endless supply of engrossing characters though, The Clone Wars' true power came from how it explored the
15:58downfall of Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka and his master Obi-Wan. The Clone Wars is such a rewarding
16:05experience, mixing the franchise's humor, darkness and heartbreak together perfectly, that there's only
16:11two things on this list that can beat it. Number 2, A New Hope
16:15It all started here, with an orphan farmer called Luke Skywalker who escaped from his mundane existence
16:21and, along with a princess, an infamous smuggler, a Wookiee, two droids and a weathered Jedi Master,
16:27became the face of a war without end. Undeniably one of cinema's most important cultural landmarks,
16:32A New Hope gave birth to the modern blockbuster and set in motion the lives of a group of fantastical
16:38characters who continue to shape pop culture and the entire Star Wars franchise to this day.
16:43Yeah, there are aspects of the space opera that haven't aged well, from some of the special effects
16:47to the lacklustre lightsaber duels, but watching it some 40 years later, it's impossible to not be
16:53gripped by George Lucas' vision and the innovation taking place on screen. From here, the Star Wars saga
16:59would go bigger, but it would never be this important and unique ever again. Number 1,
17:05The Empire Strikes Back In the end, there could only be one,
17:08couldn't there? As obvious a pick as it may be, there's few who can argue against The Empire Strikes
17:13Back being the pinnacle of the franchise. Taking what was set up in A New Hope, the second chapter
17:18of the original trilogy finds our assorted heroes stretched thin in a galaxy torn apart by war,
17:24as Luke Skywalker hunts down the elusive Jedi legend Yoda in an attempt to master his still
17:29emerging power. With more epic action and emotion than its predecessor, The Empire Strikes Back
17:35continues to be the gold standard of Star Wars. Bursting to life as a thrilling war movie, an
17:40engaging tale of good versus evil, and a blockbuster that dares to hurt its characters and shock audiences
17:46with its secrets. From the duel between Luke and Darth Vader that culminates in a devastating twist,
17:51to the loss of Han Solo and the opening battle of Hoth, Star Wars has never been more as sure
17:56of itself or flawless as it was with The Empire Strikes Back. So, that's our list. Like I said
18:01at the beginning, this is a big one and I really want to know what you guys think down in the
18:05comments below. What's your ranking? What do you think of this one? And am I dumb for putting The
18:09Last Jedi at number 5? Hey, maybe I am. While you're down there as well, could you please give us
18:13a like, share, subscribe and head over to WhatCultureStarWars for more lists and news like this
18:17every single day. Even if you don't though, I've been Josh. Thanks so much for watching
18:21and I'll see you soon.
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