As today marks Star Wars day — May 4, as in, “May the Fourth be with you” — I take a look back on the iconic trilogy that has entertained audiences throughout the years. Many argue about “Star Wars’” best releases between the prequels, originals and sequels. From worst to best in the trilogy, here’s where I stand.

#3: Sequels (Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019))

Disney buying Star Wars introduced LucasFilm, and I’d call this the true downfall of the franchise. New characters, such as Rey, were poorly written. The way she became a Jedi felt rushed, and most of the lightsaber battles went downhill. Bringing back Palpatine from his death was also uncalled for, and the romantic aspect between Rey and Ben didn’t sit right in the end. 

I don’t even want to bring up the whole Luke Skywalker script. The whole thing was out of character and disappointing, as he went from a charismatic and courageous Jedi to a hermit who gave up most of the time. The sequels included fewer heartfelt moments within the movies and became a lot more grim and predictable, not to mention the abrupt deaths of classic characters. I understand some of the actors either passed away or didn’t want to be in the movies anymore, but the deaths of classic characters were just brushed over. 

It’s worth mentioning that unlike the originals and prequels, the sequel’s storyline changes focus throughout its movies. My father thinks that the sequels failed because instead of George Lucas, the former creator of Star Wars, dictating the story, a bunch of different people now have separate visions for the story’s direction, all meshed together. I couldn’t agree more with this statement. 

#2: Originals (Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return Of The Jedi (1983))

Dont hate me for this, because in all honesty, the original movies and prequels both have a special place in my heart. The originals are whimsical and funny, and they still had a deep story with characters that became known worldwide. A lot of moral lessons are also scattered throughout these movies, and say what you want, but if it takes a fictional green Jedi to motivate me to do my homework, so be it. 

The characters flawlessly progressed, and the amount of times Luke fails or missteps shows the real process of his Jedi training. The only flaw I found was that sometimes the story moved slower than I’d like it to, but for what’s it’s worth, I love the originals.

#1: Prequels (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002), Star Wars Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005))

Nothing will ever impress me more than the depth of the storyline between Anikan and Padme and how it leads into the originals. Likewise with the originals, the prequels have heartfelt moments with plenty of laughable scenes. What sets it apart for me is the thrilling story of the downfall of the Jedi along with Anakin’s future. 

To this day, I can’t watch “Revenge of the Sith” without sobbing. Its story and sentiments will forever have a grasp on my heart. I think the prequels set the stage for just how thrilling the trilogy is. The downsides to the prequels would be between some of the script giving me secondhand embarrassment or the first episode, “The Phantom Menace,” being the introductory movie with the slow pace.

Between the originals and prequels, I think it’s really personal preference; I find that both of them are cinematic masterpieces. When it comes to the sequels though? I might have a problem with those. All these movies come as a big comfort to me and many other fans. Either way, the Star Wars trilogy has a special place for me.