By Nate Johnson

1. The Phantom Menace– This is the film I was on the edge of my seat when I was five years old. I was mesmerized by the big screen. I fell in love with Qui-Gon and Darth Maul. I vividly remember “Duel of the Fates”, this was a real Jedi fight. The elegance and the swiftness of Jedi’s in their prime. Phantom Menace brought in a new era of CGI into the Star Wars universe. The battles were mass scale. I wish Darth Maul didn’t die and instead developed him through all three movies. That would have been an epic climax.
2. The Last Jedi- The latest installment in the Star Wars franchise was original. Every ten minutes I would be caught off guard. The movie is rich in plot and develops the new characters well and gives timely commentary on war and culture and brings the Force into a new light.
3. The Empire Strikes Back– The best sequel to any film franchise. The infamous quote “I am your father,” defined a generation of filmmaking. Empire gave a bittersweet ending and leaves viewers unease. What will happen to the rebellion? Or Luke? Is Han lost in the galaxy? It’s a stark contrast to A New Hope.
4. Revenge of the Sith–  The galactic climax to the trilogy. The back and forth of Yoda vs. Palpatine and Obi vs. Vadar is top-notch. It shows the fall of a republic is brought from within. I was sad when “Order 66” was carried out. Plenty of action setting up the climax. Many saber battles and poetic endings for many characters.
5. Solo – It’s a different kind of Star Wars movie. It has the potential to show a different side of the galaxy. A side that doesn’t include the Skywalker family. Bonus points for Darth Maul at the end. It’s the most underutilized villain in the saga.
6. A New Hope– The first one that started it all. “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi you’re my only hope,”. The first Death Star.
7. Return of the Jedi– Before everyone complained about Jar Jar, there were the Ewoks. I enjoyed the back and forth during the battle of Endor. All three elements complemented each other. Plus “It’s a Trap!” is a line that will stand the test of time.
8. Rogue One- I was in awe of the music score, sound, and the way the movie was executed. It’s a good start for stand-alone films and brings back nostalgia for fans. The ending scene is the best of the film franchise. Vadar destroys. And it’s EPIC!
9. Rise of Skywalker– The movie was amazing for the first time I saw it. I was on the edge of my seat. I didn’t agree with Palpatine returning, but I can get behind it. I was also disappointed with the big space battle at the end. It was anti-climatic for me.
10. The Force Awakens- I felt it was a rehash. Being the first film in 10 years, it did extremely well. Star Killer base was a trumped-up Death Star. I liked the fact of not knowing who had the Jedi power. Finn and Poe were great complementary characters.
11. Attack of the Clones- I feel like it’s a setup film for Revenge of the Sith. It’s a slow movie until the Battle Arena scene. Count Dooku is my least favorite villain in all of the movies. Jango Fett dies an unceremonious death.