Most Loved and Hated Star Wars Movies and Shows

Key Takeaways

Star Wars fandom is divided over certain movies and TV shows for various reasons.
From prequels to sequels, different projects in the Star Wars franchise face criticism and love.
Despite controversies, all entries in the franchise have a mix of devoted fans and haters.

As a longtime Star Wars enthusiast who has grown up with this galaxy far, far away, I find myself intrigued by both The Acolyte and The Rise of Skywalker. Each presents unique aspects that appeal to different facets of my fandom heart.

In the realm of fandoms, few are as frequently debated as that of Star Wars. Ever since the introduction of its distant galaxy nearly half a century ago, discussions among fans have continued about whether certain movie and more recently TV series elements truly merit a spot among the most memorable moments in this saga.

Regardless of where art is found, there’s usually a variety of perspectives on its intended message, purpose, and overall value. In today’s social media era, it’s simple to witness numerous opinions about hit films and television series. Pieces belonging to the Star Wars universe, in particular, are constantly scrutinized, with every detail being closely examined by various factions of dedicated fans.

7 Solo: A Star Wars Story

A Prequel Reliant on a Recast and the Story of a Character Whose Story Had Been Told

Release Date: 25th May, 2018
Directed by: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover & Woody Harrelson
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 69%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 63%

Despite fading somewhat from recollection due to limited continuation for characters other than Qi’ra in some comics and games, the movie Solo: A Star Wars Story has garnered both praise and criticism within the Star Wars community. As a prequel to Harrison Ford’s iconic character, Han Solo, the film was always likely to be contentious due to the new portrayals of Han and Lando Calrissian by younger actors. However, in recent years, fans have scrutinized the story for reasons beyond just the casting changes.

The film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” didn’t strike a chord with many fans due to its plot that assumed prior viewing of certain animated “Star Wars” shows featuring Darth Maul, and the overly virtuous portrayal of young Han Solo. However, it has its share of supporters who argue that it offers an enjoyable prequel story, maintains character and galaxy authenticity, and features the talented and endearing performances of Alden Ehrenreich as Han and Donald Glover as Lando.

6 Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Made Some Bold Creative Choices And Focused On New Elements That Surprised Fans

Release Date: May 19th, 1999
Directed by: George Lucas
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman & Jake Lloyd
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 52%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 59%

For a long time, discussions about the entire prequel trilogy will continue to be intense, not only concerning the correct order to watch these films but also other aspects. The criticism aimed at actors like Hayden Christensen and Ahmed Best is something that has been widely recorded, and many fans still have mixed feelings towards some of the productions, especially “The Phantom Menace“, which introduced the younger versions of cherished characters. Negotiations and pod races are significant elements in a runtime that remains divisive within the universe of Star Wars.

Despite facing numerous critics, “The Phantom Menace” has a devoted fanbase who enthusiastically quote everything from the peculiar dialogue of Jar Jar Binks to “There’s always bigger fish.” While both groups remain steadfast in their opinions, over time, many “Star Wars” fans have shifted from heavy criticism to praise for the prequel trilogy. This could indicate a positive outlook for other recent “Star Wars” projects that initially faced intense disapproval. It’s also essential not to overlook the fact that “The Phantom Menace” was a significant box office success.

5 The Book Of Boba Fett

Didn’t Focus On Boba’s Bounty Hunting & Spent A Lot Of Time On The Mandalorian & Grogu

Release Date: 29th December, 2021
Created By: Jon Favreau
Starring: Temuera Morrison, Ming-Na Wen, Pedro Pascal & Matt Berry
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 66%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 49%

Despite the fact that there might not be a second season featuring Boba Fett, it doesn’t diminish the fact that The Book of Boba Fett has a dedicated fanbase. Many Star Wars enthusiasts have longed for a project focusing on the legendary bounty hunter since his brief appearance in Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back. However, some parts of the fandom were dismayed by Boba’s transformation into a surprisingly benevolent warlord on Tatooine.

The changes to the character were argued about by fans. Some had hoped for a more ruthless view of Boba as a bounty hunter, while others have praised the change of pace from The Mandalorian. Of course, the choice to include Din Djarin and Grogu so prominently in later episodes was also questioned, but it pleased fans of that show who got to see the pair back together sooner than they had expected. Overall, while The Book of Boba Fett didn’t work out, it helped expand the post-original trilogy part of the timeline that is being much explored across many of the Disney Plus Star Wars projects, and of course, Temuera Morrison should always be welcomed back to the galaxy far, far away as Boba.

4 Star Wars: The Last Jedi

An Entry That Changed Tact From The Last Entry & Made Some Controversial Major Decisions

Release Date: 15th December, 2017
Directed By: Rian Johnson
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver & John Boyega
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 91%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 41%

In simpler terms, it’s worth noting that the third trilogy within the Star Wars universe remains a contentious topic among fans. Despite featuring the original cast in mentor roles and presenting intriguing narratives, films such as “The Last Jedi” have faced significant backlash from viewers. The narrative departed somewhat from the plotlines introduced in “The Force Awakens,” with director Rian Johnson adding his distinctive style to the series.

In Finn and Rose’s case, they dash to a casino; Rey is learning from the reluctant Luke while experiencing glimpses of her main adversary, Kylo Ren; meanwhile, Poe Dameron and Vice-Admiral Holdo are having disagreements regarding the Resistance’s salvation. These narratives intertwine to bring about cherished scenes, a theme concerning hope, and surprising actions, such as the choice to eliminate Snoke. To this day, six years later, fans continue to be divided over this film, and their opinions are likely to persist for a long time.

3 Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi

The Empire Losing to Cuddly Teddy Bears on Endor Wasn’t Well-Received

Release Date: 25th May, 1983
Directed By: Richard Marquand
Starring: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford & James Earl Jones
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 82%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%

Over time, the recurring theme in the Star Wars saga has allowed viewers who first experienced it as children to reconsider films that were initially met with intense criticism. For instance, the widespread disdain for Return of the Jedi when it debuted in 1983 might be hard to imagine now. The ewoks, who are cherished and integral to the franchise today, were once harshly criticized by some fans, and the conclusion was deemed weak by others following the powerful setup in The Empire Strikes Back.

However, much of that criticism has been forgotten and left in the past. While Return of the Jedi is still considered by many to be the weakest entry of the original trilogy, it remains beloved alongside them. Highly entertaining, filled with hijinks and a grand finale between Luke, Darth Vader and The Emperor, Return of the Jedi is about redemption and it, better than any other entry, shows the redemption arc that Star Wars projects can have from one generation to the next.

2 The Acolyte

Was Viewed As Diminishing The Importance Of Anakin Skywalker & Breaking Canon

Release Date: 4th June, 2024
Created By: Leslye Headland
Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen & Rebecca Henderson
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 78%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 18%

The latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, titled The Acolyte, has sparked a lot of conversation lately, even though it’s already been canceled after just one season. This show offers glimpses into unexplored territories that the Star Wars series might venture into, elements fans have longed for from the Legends side of the Universe, particularly aspects revolving around fallible Jedi and, of course, Darth Plagueis.

In the final stage of the High Republic era, a century prior to “The Phantom Menace,” the storyline of “The Acolyte” follows a young ex-Jedi Padawan, who is gradually lured towards the dark side by a fallen Jedi. As she delves into secrets surrounding a coven of witches she once lived with, potential corruptions within the Jedi Order, and her twin sister, this series has gained renewed interest as it becomes fully available to viewers. With the subsiding online backlash from certain quarters, more people are able to appreciate the emergence of a new Sith character, grand-scale battles, and a narrative that doesn’t wrap up neatly, offering an intriguing exploration instead.

1 Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker

The Sudden Reappearance Of Palpatine & Changes In Direction Weren’t Well-Received

Release Date: 20th December, 2019
Directed By: JJ Abrams
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega & Carrie Fisher
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 51%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 86%

The latest “Star Wars” movie to be released, titled “The Rise of Skywalker“, concludes the sequel trilogy which has garnered significant interest across various groups of “Star Wars” fans. J.J. Abrams assumed direction from Colin Trevorrow in a significantly altered ending, both in terms of plot and mood. Notable storylines, like Palpatine’s reappearance, seem to be additions not initially intended for the trilogy’s original plan.

Despite some viewers finding certain aspects of the film off-putting, there are still a good number who support it due to its successful conclusion of the Skywalker saga, paving the way for the franchise to explore new characters such as Rey, Finn, and Poe on Disney Plus projects. The storyline surrounding Kylo Ren provided a satisfying resolution through redemption and tragic romance, resolving many long-standing questions and mysteries about the Star Wars films that left numerous fans delighted. With Star Wars being cherished by so many people across multiple generations, each project will always have its share of both admirers and detractors.

2024-10-02 01:34