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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
00:36all agree that Star Wars, it's bloody good, isn't it? So with that in mind, I'm Josh from
00:41whatculture.com, and this is Star Wars, every movie and TV show ranked worst to best.
00:46Number 22, Star Wars Holiday Special. There are a few Star Wars projects that are outright
00:51bad, but the Holiday Special is sadly one of them. To call it a travesty would be an understatement.
00:57In fact, it's such a vilified work of temporary insanity that George Lucas once famously said
01:03that he'd smash every copy with a sledgehammer if he had the chance. Directed by Stephen Binder,
01:08the 1978 TV special takes place just after the events of A New Hope, and follows Han Solo
01:14and Chewbacca as they race to visit the Wookiees' family whilst being pursued by the Empire.
01:19With its atrociously cheap sets and painfully uncomfortable performances, the Holiday Special
01:24really is as bad as it sounds. Featuring nonsense singalongs, half-formed characters,
01:30and the poor introduction of future franchise legend, Boba Fett.
01:34Number 21, the Ewok spin-offs. If there were any characters in the Star Wars universe who didn't
01:39need their own spin-offs, it probably would have to be the Ewoks who were first introduced in Return of
01:44the 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 aired
02:15with his companion series Ewoks, and only just manages to rank higher than that misfire because
02:20it 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
02:373PO and R2 were up to between the fall of the Republic and the birth of the Empire, the thankfully
02:42short-lived series takes much of the magic out of their development, so much so that it's occasionally
02:47kind of sad to watch. Number 19, Star Wars The Clone Wars. This intriguing animated movie was
02:54released in 2008 as the feature-length pilot to the upcoming Clone Wars TV show, and despite some
03:00inescapable flaws, remains a landmark instalment for the franchise's most recent era. Introducing fan
03:06favourite Ahsoka Tano to the saga as the Padawan learner of Anakin, the movie follows the pair as they
03:11engage in the early stages of the eponymous war, and are eventually called in to help Jabba the
03:15Hutt find his missing son. Split into shifting segments though, The Clone Wars is choppy and
03:21seemingly unfinished, watching like 3 different episodes spliced together, but it does well to
03:26set the table for things to come, especially where the war and characters are concerned. From this point
03:31on, things would never be the same again, and Star Wars fans are still reaping the benefits of the stage
03:36it's set. Number 18, Attack of the Clones. Attack of the Clones is the most disappointing of the
03:41prequel trilogy, because its highs are so bloody high, but good lord are its lows alone. For one
03:48thing, this was the prequel that featured the epic Battle of Geonosis, the introduction of the clone
03:52army, as well as Anakin and Obi-Wan clashing with the nefarious Count Dooku. In terms of world building
03:57and character development, it's great to revisit Attack of the Clones and realise just how much of it
04:02really adds to the Skywalker saga, bringing Anakin's darkness out and allowing the galaxy to get one
04:07step closer to war. The 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. The groundwork is there,
04:24setting up big things, but it's seriously kind of hard to get through it at times.
04:28Number 17, Resistance. One of the more underrated additions to the franchise, Resistance is set
04:34before the events of the sequel trilogy, and follows the Rebels as they spy on the looming threat of the
04:38First Order. With sharp visuals and a terrific voice cast such as sequel star Oscar Isaac, the two
04:44season exploration 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, and suffers
04:55in part due to its lack of necessity to the overall story of the films, but Resistance is basically what
05:00Ewoks
05:01and droids tried to do in the 80s, be an exciting, kid-friendly adventure show with heart, soul, and wit.
05:08Number 16, Visions.
05:10Visions is unlike anything else Star Wars has ever produced. Currently consisting of one season and nine episodes,
05:18it's an anime anthology series that's not 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 studios,
05:31giving free reign on what stories they wanted to tell in how they used the franchise's mythology.
05:36The final results of this experimental mission are to die for, thanks in large part to its stunning visual appeal
05:42and powerful stories that are both unique and recognizable to longtime fans.
05:46It may not be the Star Wars that fans know and love, but Visions' fresh take on the galaxy far,
05:52far away
05:52is impossible not to fall for.
05:54Number 15, The Phantom Menace.
05:56The 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,
06:06and the 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,
06:27in which Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn clash with the silent villain Darth Maul,
06:30setting the stage for the chaotic war between light and dark that colors the entire saga.
06:35Its high points might not be enough to overcome its subtle-as-a-rock storytelling,
06:40strangely convoluted mythology or tacky humor,
06:42but the Phantom Menace is far from being an all-out failure just because of them.
06:47Number 14, The Book of Boba Fett.
06:49The most recent series to be added to Star Wars' back catalogue,
06:52The Book of Boba Fett acts as a thrilling, lore-heavy continuation
06:55of several major plotlines set up in its groundbreaking predecessor, The Mandalorian.
07:00Most enjoyably, though, is the way the show has finally given Boba Fett a chance to live up
07:04to his massively overhyped legacy,
07:07portraying him with the steely determination and general toughness that he's always deserved.
07:11The 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,
07:19to its too-clean TV aesthetic,
07:21but it's already got more than enough twists, turns,
07:24and long-awaited character interactions to 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,
07:33The Rise of Skywalker had a lot riding on its shoulders,
07:36and for the most part, it kind of squandered its potential.
07:39Despite some bright spots found in the bracing duels between Rey and Kylo Ren,
07:44and its striking visual flair,
07:45the movie offers up a barrage of unwanted twists,
07:48such as the sudden return of Emperor Palpatine,
07:51and nonsensical character motivations.
07:53But still, there is a lot to love in here.
07:56It's clear that the cast still really care about this material,
07:59and J.J. Abrams is trying his hardest to wrap up a sequel trilogy
08:02that clearly had loads of holes poked into it.
08:06It's not quite as divisive as its predecessor,
08:09but The Rise of Skywalker certainly has as many haters as it does fans.
08:13Number 12, Solo.
08:15One of the more underrated installments of the Star Wars saga,
08:18Solo's main issue stems from just how safe and arguably unneeded it is.
08:24But even then, its visual extravagance and exciting action does make it a worthwhile watch.
08:28Casting as so-so Alden Ehrenrich as the eponymous smuggler and emerging galactic hero,
08:33the prequel sheds light on Han's fun pre-Rebel days,
08:37the origins of his relationship with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian,
08:40and his famously speedy Kessel Run originally teased in A New Hope.
08:45It's genuinely enjoyable stuff as well,
08:47managing to pack enough action and gorgeous effects into the mix
08:50to overcome the issues with its predictable on-the-nose drama.
08:54Yes, poring over the vast Star Wars catalogue,
08:56Solo does feel like the biggest cash grab it's ever clutched for,
08:59but 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,
09:08The Bad Batch follows a group of mutated clones who survive Order 66 with their minds intact,
09:13and set out as hidden guns for hire in a world far removed from the one that they once fought
09:18for.
09:19With awe-inspiring animation,
09:21it's already proven itself to be a magnificent addition to the canon.
09:24The voice work of D. Bradley Baker,
09:26mixed with the tightly plotted writing that effortlessly continues several major storylines
09:30set up in both Clone Wars and Rebels,
09:33has made The Bad Batch yet another crowning success for Star Wars' animated landscape.
09:38And that's without getting into the richly envisioned clone protagonists,
09:41all of whom, especially Hunter, Omega and Crosshair,
09:44are surely some of the most colourful characters the 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,
09:55The Mandalorian is about to enter its third season and cement itself as a classic of the franchise.
10:01Thanks in large part to its infusion of Mandalorian mythology,
10:04heavily influenced by the works of TV shows like The Clone Wars and Rebels,
10:08and gripping action sequences,
10:09the series has hit new highs with each episode,
10:13and two seasons in seems to have single-handedly ushered in a 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,
10:34most notably a melodramatic script,
10:36emphasised by atrocious acting and rushed payoffs.
10:39But, and it is a big but, aside from its detours into ridiculousness and meme-ability,
10:45it's actually pretty damn good.
10:47Especially the second half.
10:49Between some really, really good performances like Ewan McGregor's,
10:53the haunting execution of the Order 66 sequence,
10:56and the way that it leans into the good versus evil theme of the saga,
10:59there is so much to love in this movie.
11:02It's not perfect, few movies are,
11:04but Revenge of the Sith captures the magic and darkness of the Star Wars saga
11:07almost as well as the originals,
11:10only with more CGI Yoda and coughing cyborgs who never live up to their potential.
11:15Also, who could possibly hate the final duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin?
11:19It makes the movie better whether you initially liked it or not.
11:23Number 8, Rebels.
11:24Set several years before the events of A New Hope,
11:27Rebels ran for four seasons and 75 episodes,
11:29and sheds some revealing light on the early years of the original Rebel Alliance
11:33and the effects the fall of the Republic had on the galaxy.
11:37Uniquely animated to suit the original Star Wars concept art by Ralph McQuarrie,
11:42Rebels never shies away from the darkest recesses of the saga,
11:45but with its light humour and endearing gaggle of anti-heroes,
11:48makes itself fun for the whole family as well as top-tier Star Wars through and through.
11:53Number 7, The Force Awakens.
11:55In terms of story, it's tough to argue that The Force Awakens
11:58is mostly a rehash of the original trilogy.
12:01You know, an orphan with a forgotten past is thrust into an intergalactic war
12:04and finds their true calling as a Jedi Knight.
12:07But whilst its plot is derivative and sets in motion a story
12:10that leaves the events of the previous six movies a little bit forgotten,
12:13there is still so much to love about the first chapter of the sequel trilogy.
12:18For one thing, there's the characters, including troubled survivor Rey,
12:21roguish fighter pilot Poe, former stormtrooper Finn,
12:24and conflicted antagonist Kylo Ren,
12:27all of whom work well with legacy characters such as Han and Leia.
12:31Even with its divisive cliffhanger and predictable story,
12:34The Force Awakens is heaps of fun
12:36and captures the spirit of the franchise's message and characters beautifully.
12:40It's aged very well and deserves a major reappraisal.
12:44Number 6, Return of the Jedi.
12:46The most common complaint leveled towards Return of the Jedi
12:48is that it's a little bit too silly,
12:50especially when compared to its two classic predecessors.
12:54Ewoks and the cartoonish Battle of Endor notwithstanding though,
12:57the final chapter of the original trilogy
12:59might actually be the darkest of the three films,
13:02thanks in large part to Jabba the Hutt's general vileness
13:05and Luke Skywalker's final clash with his soon-to-be-redeemed father.
13:09But it's not all bleak,
13:11instead striking a rewarding balance
13:13between the saga's heavier twists
13:15and its exciting sense of wonder and adventure.
13:18Even in its lesser moments,
13:20there's something here for everybody to enjoy.
13:22Return of the Jedi brings the trilogy to a fantastic conclusion all told,
13:26tying up loose ends and riveting character arcs
13:29with violent and heartwarming payoffs to spare.
13:32Number 5, The Last Jedi.
13:34Without question the most divisive addition
13:36to Star Wars' mighty back catalogue,
13:38The Last Jedi followed on from the cliffhanger of The Force Awakens
13:41as Rey seeks a reclusive Luke's guidance
13:43on honing her skills as a Jedi.
13:46Directed by Rian Johnson,
13:47The Last Jedi digs deep into the characters at its centre
13:50more intensely than any Star Wars vehicle before or since.
13:54As Luke grapples with the results of his regrettable actions,
13:57Rey struggles to control her mysterious powers
13:59and Kylo Ren seesaws between villainy and anti-hero.
14:04On top of that,
14:04it's also the most visually beautiful chapter of the entire saga,
14:07rich with vibrant colour, impressive set pieces,
14:10and a final act showdown between Luke and Kylo
14:12that's one of the best scenes in the franchise.
14:15It's not flawless, of course,
14:17I mean, Leia travelling through space is a little bit silly,
14:19whilst the Finn and Rose subplot does feel like directionless filler,
14:23but it's a daring adventure that takes risks
14:25and makes them work much better than expected.
14:28Number 4, Rogue One.
14:29Yep, that's right, I guess,
14:31the one without any Jedi
14:33and a large ensemble of never-before-seen characters
14:35is, in fact,
14:36one of the best Star Wars projects of all time.
14:39Yet another story to take place
14:40before the events of A New Hope,
14:42Rogue One follows a group of mismatched rebel soldiers
14:45as they risk everything
14:46to steal the Death Star plans
14:48from a highly protected Imperial planet.
14:50Visually gorgeous and rife with subtle tragic characters,
14:53we really wish had more time,
14:55the prequel source thanks to its avoidance of formula.
14:58There's no prophecies here
15:00of super-powered beings battling for the galaxy,
15:02just everyday people with an eclectic set of skills
15:05willing to fight for what they believe in.
15:08Rogue One is epic, harrowing, and unpredictable stuff.
15:11It makes the events of the original trilogy
15:13that much richer to revisit.
15:15It really is that great.
15:17Number 3, The Clone Wars.
15:19The best Star Wars show on offer,
15:21The Clone Wars is the franchise's most expansive
15:24and eye-opening descent
15:25into the complexities and inner workings of the galaxy,
15:29confidently shedding light on its politics,
15:31the Jedi Order, and the turmoil of conflict.
15:34Focusing on a wide variety of characters
15:36during the titular war,
15:37the seven-season series told stories
15:39about rookie clones, one-off Jedi,
15:42bounty hunters, behind-the-scenes political betrayal,
15:44and more,
15:45with each development adding a new layer of brilliance
15:48to the saga's impressive world-building.
15:50Aside from its stunning animation,
15:52epic battles,
15:53and endless supply of engrossing characters, though,
15:55The Clone Wars' true power came from how it explored
15:58the downfall of Anakin Skywalker,
16:00his Padawan Ahsoka,
16:01and his master, Obi-Wan.
16:03The Clone Wars is such a rewarding experience,
16:06mixing the franchise's humor,
16:08darkness, and heartbreak together perfectly,
16:10that there's only two things on this list that can beat it.
16:14Number 2, A New Hope.
16:15It all started here,
16:17with an orphan farmer called Luke Skywalker
16:19who escaped from his mundane existence,
16:21and, along with a princess,
16:23an infamous smuggler,
16:24a Wookiee, two droids,
16:25and a weathered Jedi Master,
16:27became the face of a war without end.
16:29Undeniably, one of cinema's most important cultural landmarks,
16:32A New Hope,
16:33gave birth to the modern blockbuster,
16:35and set in motion the lives of a group of fantastical characters
16:38who continue to shape pop culture
16:40and the entire Star Wars franchise to this day.
16:43Yeah, there are aspects of the space opera that haven't aged well,
16:46from some of the special effects
16:47to the lackluster lightsaber duels,
16:49but watching it some 40 years later,
16:52it's impossible to not be gripped
16:53by George Lucas's vision
16:55and the innovation taking place on screen.
16:58From here, the Star Wars saga would go bigger,
17:00but it would never be this important and unique ever again.
17:04Number 1, The Empire Strikes Back.
17:06In the end, there could only be one, couldn't there?
17:09As obvious a pick as it may be,
17:10there's few who can argue against The Empire Strikes Back
17:13being the pinnacle of the franchise.
17:15Taking what was set up in A New Hope,
17:17the second chapter of the original trilogy
17:19finds our assorted heroes stretched thin
17:22in a galaxy torn apart by war,
17:24as Luke Skywalker hunts down the elusive Jedi legend Yoda
17:27in an attempt to master his still emerging power.
17:31With more epic action and emotion than its predecessor,
17:34The Empire Strikes Back continues to be the gold standard of Star Wars,
17:37bursting to life as a thrilling war movie,
17:40an engaging tale of good versus evil,
17:42and a blockbuster that dares to hurt its characters
17:44and shock audiences with its secrets.
17:47From the duel between Luke and Darth Vader
17:49that culminates in a devastating twist
17:51to the loss of Han Solo and the opening battle of Hoth,
17:54Star Wars has never been more as sure of itself
17:56or flawless as it was with The Empire Strikes Back.
18:00So, that's our list.
18:01Like I said at the beginning,
18:02this is a big one
18:03and I really want to know what you guys think down in the comments below.
18:06What's your ranking?
18:07What do you think of this one?
18:08And am I dumb for putting The Last Jedi at number five?
18:11Hey, maybe I am.
18:12While you're down there as well,
18:13could you please give us a like, share, subscribe,
18:14and head over to What Cultures Star Wars
18:16for more lists and news like this every single day.
18:19Even if you don't though, I've been Josh.
18:20Thanks so much for watching
18:21and I'll see you soon.
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