After years of anticipation since its announcement, the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, has released in theatres worldwide. The film was received well with positive reviews, high ratings from critics, record-breaking box office numbers, and has proven to be the best received film of the saga since Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in 1983. Having seen the movie myself, I can agree that this is a film that truly lives up to the hype, but may not finish as the best in the trilogy. To see where it ranks in my personal opinion, here is how I would rank all seven films in order from worst to first.

7. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Although I enjoyed this movie at a younger age, given I was only six-years old during its release, I can understand why older Star Wars fans have issues with this episode as I watch this film today. It had been 16 years since the last episode had released, and fans anticipated a film from Director George Lucas that would deliver the same ingredients that made the first three films so successful. Instead, the movie provided a poorly assembled script with too many unnecessary corny moments throughout, few elements that resembled the first three films and the worst characters created in the entire trilogy, Jar-Jar Binks. If there is one thing that can save this film, however, it was the villain, Darth Maul, who is one of my favorite sith lords created in the trilogy, and his battle with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi at the conclusion of the film.

6. Star Wars Episode: Attack of the Clones

Much like its predecessor, this movie once again provided a poor script, an unbearable amount of green screen effects and a poor use of the Anakin Skywalker character. Another negative about the film was the heavy emphasis on the romance story between Anakin and Padme Amidala, which seemed to bore most Star Wars fans out of their minds for nearly half the film. The film showed little action until the end, but when it did, it sure delivered. With the first battle of the clone wars and a duel between Count Dooku, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Yoda, the action was brief but successful. We also received a tease of the death star being built, and a hint earlier in the film of Anakin beginning his path towards becoming the greatest villain in cinematic history: Darth Vader.

5. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

The conclusion to the first three films of the trilogy, this film brought Luke Skywalker’s journey to full circle, giving us a film that delivered a tremendous ending. The story was great, the cast delivered wonderful performances, and it was an episode that triggered several emotions with revelations throughout its plot. What made this film, to me, was the final battle between Luke, Vader and The Emperor himself, which caused Vader’s decision to save Luke and return to the light side. One thing this film could have done without, however, was the Ewoks, who were not intimidating whatsoever, and makes it confusing as to how they were able to help destroy the empire.

4. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Yeah, I know. I ranked a prequel film above a sequel. So what? Although many believed this movie once again delivered a poor script, terrible acting, and too much green screen assistance, I enjoyed the plot of this episode. The moment that Anakin chose the dark side and The Emperor ordered the execution of all the Jedi, I felt a deep emotion that I had not in any other film. It was a very sad moment in the saga, and one that triggered the events that would lead to the setup of episode IV. The final battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan, and the duel between The Emperor and Yoda, were by far my favorites in all the films and moments that had me on the edge of my seat, even if I knew what the outcome was.

3. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

The latest and highly-anticipated movie of the saga, this episode successfully returns Star Wars to its former glory amongst critics and fans, thanks to the creative mind of Director J.J. Abrams. In this film, we are introduced to new and unfamiliar characters, while being reconnected with older characters from the first three films including Luke, Princess Leia and Han Solo. What makes this film great is how well these characters, both new and old, were able to gel together and create a movie that would successfully extend the story of this saga’s universe. The use of real-life sets, improved technology and the use of real camera film instead of digital film helped create a movie that seemed realistic once again, compared to the fake green screen creations in the prequel trilogy.

2. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

It was the film that started what would become one of the most adored film franchises in cinematic history. The introduction of a galaxy far, far away, which would change our world in terms of pop culture amongst billions of consumers. In this film, we are introduced to the story of the dark vs. the light side, the jedi and the sith, the force and the story of one man’s journey from having nothing to live for, to becoming the one hope of saving his world and several others from their doom to an opposition with the most lethal weapon, the death star. This story is one of the greatest I have ever witnessed in a movie, one that will be treasured for generations to come, and a story that will continue to serve as an inspiration for fans and movies both in the present and in the future.

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Following the events of episode IV, this movie was the greatest in the saga, because of its development of the main characters and the plot of the film, which is considered by many the greatest in cinematic history. When Darth Vader finally reveals to Luke of his true decadence by saying “I am your father,” it was considered by many fans and critics the greatest and most shocking revelation in an movie ever created. It threw a twist in the saga that would alter the perception of how fans would perceive where the story was headed, and the interaction amongst the characters, especially including that between Luke and Vader. The film also introduced one of the most iconic characters in Yoda, who would help continue training Luke to becoming a Jedi knight and help him continue his journey to achieving his destiny of saving the galaxy.

So how does this list add up to how you would have ranked these films? If you feel differently, leave a comment below to share your list! If you agree with mine, share it!