The greatest villains of Star Wars cast a shadow over it's unlikely band of heroes.
Since Disney acquired LucasFilm in 2012, Star Wars has been growing at an unimaginable rate. . In 2022 alone, 3 new Star Wars television shows were released on Disney Plus (Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Tales of the Jedi.) This year, viewers can look forward to 4 brand-new TV shows, including the much-anticipated Ahsoka.
There is certainly no shortage of content, and fans can count on each television show, movie, or video game being connected to the large Star Wars universe at large.
9. Every generation has their own story
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War veteran Luke Skywalker trains aspiring-Jedi Rey.
When my Dad thinks of Star Wars, he envisions Luke Skywalker as a lanky and awkward Mark Hamill. Generation Z knows Luke as a grizzly old man who looked for every opportunity to dunk on Kylo Ren.
With three spectacular eras of Star Wars cinema, every fan can claim their favorite trilogy as the one they grew up on. This has never been more important, as Disney strives for viewers to connect with each story.
8. It can be read, watched, or played
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Cal Kestis faces off against a superior Darth Vader.
You could argue that there’s never been a better time to be a fan of Star Wars. If you’re a bookworm, you can find countless novels that tell an original adventure – most of which are considered canon.
If you’re more comfortable with a controller in-hand, check-out Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. With the sequel arriving in March of 2023, there’s never been a better time to journey as Jedi Cal Kestis.
7. The underdog is often victorious
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Farmer Luke Skywalker brooding with teenage angst.
Since the inception of Star Wars, the underdog has been championed. Luke Skywalker was a farmhand from Tatooine who helped take down an entire galactic Empire. Jar-Jar Binks overcame his IQ of 45 to become a Senator for the Republic, which may be the most impressive accomplishment in Star Wars history.
Star Wars has always been a David and Goliath story, where a much-smaller Rebellion helped take down an oppressive Empire. This centuries-old trope is always a guarantee to tug at the heartstrings.
6. Owning a lightsaber is every nerd’s dream
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Darth Maul might have the coolest lightsaber to ever exist in Star Wars lore.
Has there ever been a cooler weapon than a lightsaber? If your answer is yes, you’ve clearly never watched Darth Maul dance with his dual-blade. Watching a Jedi or Sith battle with their kyber crystal-powered swords is always awe-inspiring.
While not quite as dangerous in real life, it’s never been easier to customize and own a lightsaber of your own – if you’re willing to shell out some serious coin for a trip to Disney World, that is. If you’re looking to save some dough, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order offers an immersive lightsaber customization experience.
5. It revolutionized sci-fi
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Han Solo fends off storm troopers from the ramp of the Millenium Falcon.
Star Wars wasn’t the first sci-fi epic, but it changed the genre and movie industry forever. When A New Hope was released in theaters in 1977, it became an instant blockbuster hit, grossing nearly 776 million dollars.
Prior to Star Wars, the sci-fi genre was sterile, metallic, and robotic — almost stiff. Compare that to A New Hope, which humanized the vast world of space by showcasing lived-in and grungy environments that are much more comparable to Earth than not. Star Wars brought a touch of modernity and authenticity that sci-fi desperately needed.
4. It humanizes the non-human
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This droid puts the 'EMO' in B2EMO.
A futuristic drama, Star Wars is famous for its humanistic aliens. In this universe, it’s easy to fall in love with a furry giant like Chewbacca or despise a gross giant slug like Jabba the Hutt.
I was reminded of this more than ever while recently watching Andor. My favorite character is droid B2EMO, an anxiety-ridden bucket of bolts that requires a ton of motivation to get up every morning. We can all relate, B2EMO.
3. It’s heroes are inspiring
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Cassian Andor fights against all odds to become a hero of the Rebellion.
Star Wars is chock-full of heroes that are easy to admire. Generally, the Jedi are always characterized by great strength and moral virtues. However, the most inspiring heroes are the everyday folks who make up the Rebellion.
Andor does a fantastic job of showing that inspiration can come from anyone, not just Force-wielders. Cassian Andor and other rebel fighters don’t have magic laser swords, but they inspire audiences with their resolve and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity.
2. It showcases great villains
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Darth Vader is a force of pure domination and destruction.
The villains of Star Wars are arguably even better and larger than its heroes. Darth Vader is the biggest character in all of Star Wars and one of the best antagonists ever introduced in fictional media. The big baddie has stolen every scene he’s appeared in, including his brief appearance in Rogue One.
Of course, the best Star Wars villains are incomplete without a redemption arc. Both Darth Vader and Kylo Ren allow their good to shine through in their final moments, furthering their legacies in Star Wars canon.
1. It represents the fight against fascism
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The First Order's iconography is designed to potray fascism and fear.
More than good vs. evil, Star Wars has always represented the fight against an oppressive, fascist government. The First Order (which is just a rebranded Empire) prominently displayed fascist iconography throughout the sequel trilogy. Each and every Star Wars movie is focused on the politics and warfare involved in overthrowing a dictatorship. The power and inspiration behind this continued fight is what continues to enrapture audiences across the globe.
