Star Wars Review: Pros and Cons
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through qualifying links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Category: Entertainment
Star Wars is one of the most recognizable entertainment franchises in the world, but is it still worth watching? If you are looking for a Star Wars review, pros and cons, whether Star Wars is worth watching, which Star Wars movie is best, or where a beginner should start, the answer depends heavily on which part of the franchise you mean.
The original 1977 film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, established the foundation. It was followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, then the prequel trilogy, sequel trilogy, standalone movies, television series, animated productions, books, games, collectibles, and merchandise.
That enormous amount of content is one of Star Wars’ greatest strengths—but it can also make the franchise intimidating for someone who has never watched it.
Critics continue to rank several Star Wars movies extremely highly. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists A New Hope at 93%, The Empire Strikes Back at 93%, The Force Awakens at 93%, The Last Jedi at 91%, and Rogue One at 84%. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial) Metacritic’s franchise ranking similarly gives A New Hope a 90 and The Empire Strikes Back an 82. (Metacritic)
So, is Star Wars worth your time?
Yes—but you should choose your starting point carefully.
Table of Contents
- What is Star Wars about?
- Is Star Wars worth watching?
- What are the pros and cons of Star Wars?
- Why is Star Wars so popular?
- Is Star Wars good for beginners?
- Which Star Wars movie should you watch first?
- Should you watch Star Wars in release order or chronological order?
- Is the original Star Wars trilogy still good?
- Are the Star Wars prequels worth watching?
- Are the Star Wars sequels worth watching?
- What do Star Wars fans say about the franchise?
- Who should watch Star Wars?
- What are the biggest disadvantages of Star Wars?
- What Star Wars merchandise is worth buying?
- Final Star Wars review: Is it worth it?
What is Star Wars about?
Star Wars is a science-fiction adventure franchise about good versus evil, the Force, family, rebellion, and the struggle for control of the galaxy.
At its simplest, Star Wars tells stories about ordinary and extraordinary characters caught in conflicts involving the Jedi, Sith, Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Republic, and other political and military powers.
The original trilogy centers on Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, and the Rebel Alliance.
The prequel trilogy explores the earlier history of Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader.
The sequel trilogy introduces characters including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren while bringing back major characters from the original trilogy.
There are also standalone movies such as Rogue One and Solo, plus numerous television series and animated productions.
What makes Star Wars different from ordinary science fiction?
Star Wars combines science-fiction settings with fantasy-style storytelling.
Lightsabers, starships, aliens, robots, space battles, Jedi Knights, Sith Lords, mystical powers, ancient traditions, and enormous galactic conflicts all coexist.
The result is less like hard science fiction and more like a space fantasy adventure.
That combination is a major reason the franchise has remained accessible to children, teenagers, adults, longtime fans, and newcomers.
Is Star Wars worth watching?
Yes, Star Wars is worth watching if you enjoy science fiction, fantasy, adventure, memorable characters, space battles, and large-scale storytelling.
The strongest argument for watching Star Wars is the quality and cultural importance of its best films.
A New Hope remains one of the most highly rated Star Wars movies, while The Empire Strikes Back is frequently regarded as the fan favorite. Metacritic specifically notes that The Empire Strikes Back remains a fan favorite while A New Hope is the highest-scoring title in the series on its ranking. (Metacritic)
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives both A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back a 93% Tomatometer score. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
That is a strong indication that the original trilogy remains an excellent starting point.
Why should a new viewer try Star Wars?
Star Wars offers several things at once:
- Memorable characters
- Iconic villains
- Space battles
- Adventure
- Humor
- Fantasy elements
- Family themes
- Political conflict
- Mysticism
- Dramatic storytelling
- Distinctive music
- Memorable creatures and worlds
It also gives viewers an enormous universe to explore if they become interested.
You can watch only the major films, or you can eventually explore television series, animated shows, books, video games, and collectibles.
Affiliate disclosure: If you purchase through an affiliate link on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Shop Star Wars movies and collections on Amazon:
Star Wars movies and Blu-ray collections
What are the pros and cons of Star Wars?
The biggest advantages of Star Wars are its characters, world-building, visual spectacle, music, mythology, and enormous variety of stories.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic characters | Huge franchise can be confusing |
| Excellent world-building | Quality varies between movies |
| Memorable villains | Some stories rely heavily on nostalgia |
| Fantastic music | Some dialogue can feel dated |
| Exciting space battles | Continuity can become complicated |
| Strong mythology | Different eras appeal to different viewers |
| Great merchandise | Franchise can feel oversaturated |
| Multiple genres and formats | Some installments are divisive |
| Accessible to new viewers | Fan debates can be intense |
What is the biggest advantage of Star Wars?
The universe.
Star Wars feels much larger than any single movie.
Even when a particular movie doesn’t work for every viewer, the underlying universe can remain fascinating.
There are countless planets, civilizations, characters, conflicts, creatures, ships, weapons, religions, political organizations, and historical events.
That gives fans an enormous amount of material to explore.
What is the biggest disadvantage?
The franchise can be overwhelming.
A new viewer might ask:
- Should I start with Episode I?
- Should I start with the 1977 movie?
- Do I need to watch the animated series?
- Should I watch the spin-offs?
- What is canon?
- Which shows matter?
- What order should I use?
Fortunately, you don’t need to know all of that to enjoy the original movies.
Why is Star Wars so popular?
Star Wars became popular by combining groundbreaking visual effects with an accessible hero’s journey, memorable characters, exciting action, and a distinctive science-fiction fantasy universe.
The cultural impact of the original 1977 movie was enormous.
Rotten Tomatoes describes Star Wars as a cinematic phenomenon whose legacy can still be felt today and credits it with changing movie culture on multiple levels. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
The franchise also created a powerful merchandising model.
Star Wars wasn’t merely a series of movies. It became a world of toys, clothing, collectibles, books, video games, costumes, home video releases, and other products.
How did Star Wars become more than a movie?
The characters are immediately recognizable.
Darth Vader’s helmet and breathing.
Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber.
Princess Leia’s hairstyle.
Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon.
Chewbacca’s appearance.
R2-D2 and C-3PO.
The Death Star.
Stormtroopers.
The Jedi.
The Force.
These concepts became part of popular culture far beyond the movies themselves.
Is Star Wars good for beginners?
Yes, Star Wars is particularly beginner-friendly when you start with the original trilogy rather than trying to consume the entire franchise immediately.
You don’t need extensive background knowledge to understand A New Hope.
The story establishes the important concepts naturally.
You learn about the Empire, the Rebels, the Force, the Jedi, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the larger conflict as the story progresses.
That simplicity is one of the original trilogy’s strengths.
Who should start with the original trilogy?
Almost anyone who has never watched Star Wars.
The original trilogy provides the foundation for much of the franchise.
Once you’ve watched those movies, you can decide whether you want to explore the prequels, sequels, spin-offs, and television series.
Recommended beginner path:
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- Revenge of the Sith
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
This isn’t the only possible order, but it gives newcomers the historical experience of discovering the original story before exploring its earlier and later chapters.
Shop Star Wars movies:
Star Wars movie collections on Amazon
Which Star Wars movie should you watch first?
If you have never seen Star Wars, start with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
There is a strong argument for beginning with the movie that started it all.
A New Hope introduces the core mythology without requiring knowledge of previous Star Wars stories.
It also remains extremely well reviewed.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists A New Hope at 93%, describing it as an ambitious beginning that changed blockbuster filmmaking. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Metacritic gives it a 90 Metascore, the highest score among the live-action Star Wars movies in its franchise ranking. (Metacritic)
What if you prefer darker movies?
Watch The Empire Strikes Back after A New Hope.
It has a darker tone and explores the characters and mythology more deeply.
Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 93% Tomatometer score and describes it as darker and more emotionally involving than its predecessor. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
What if you want something more modern?
The Force Awakens is another accessible entry point, particularly if you want modern visuals and a new generation of characters.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists it at 93%. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Should you watch Star Wars in release order or chronological order?
For first-time viewers, release order is usually the simplest choice because it preserves the way the story and major reveals were originally presented.
The major movie release order is:
Original trilogy
- Episode IV – A New Hope
- Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Prequel trilogy
- Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Sequel trilogy
- Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Then there are standalone films including Rogue One and Solo.
What is chronological order?
Chronological viewing starts with The Phantom Menace and follows the story timeline through the prequels, original trilogy, and sequels.
That can work well for returning fans.
However, a first-time viewer may benefit from release order because it allows the mythology and major characters to develop in the way audiences originally experienced them.
Rotten Tomatoes also maintains a chronological viewing guide covering the franchise’s movies and other Star Wars productions. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Is the original Star Wars trilogy still good?
Yes, the original Star Wars trilogy remains the safest recommendation for someone who wants to experience the franchise at its best.
The three films are not identical.
A New Hope is an accessible adventure.
The Empire Strikes Back is darker and more dramatic.
Return of the Jedi provides the conclusion to the central story.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives the three films Tomatometer scores of 93%, 93%, and 83%, respectively. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
What are the pros of the original trilogy?
The original trilogy has:
- Strong character development
- Memorable villains
- Practical visual effects
- Iconic music
- Simple but effective storytelling
- Humor
- Adventure
- Emotional stakes
- Memorable locations
- A satisfying central conflict
What are the cons?
Modern audiences may notice the age of the movies.
Some effects and production techniques are obviously from earlier decades.
The pacing can also feel slower to viewers accustomed to contemporary blockbuster movies.
Nevertheless, the storytelling remains remarkably accessible.
Are the Star Wars prequels worth watching?
Yes, the prequels are worth watching if you want to understand Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader, although they are more divisive than the original trilogy.
The prequels are:
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- Revenge of the Sith
They explain the political and personal events that eventually lead to the original trilogy.
Critics have historically been more mixed about them.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists The Phantom Menace at 54%, Attack of the Clones at 62%, and Revenge of the Sith at 79%. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Why do some people dislike the prequels?
Common criticisms include:
- Uneven dialogue
- Heavy exposition
- Political storylines
- Pacing issues
- CGI-heavy environments
- Uneven character development
Those criticisms are also reflected in fan discussions.
One Reddit discussion, for example, describes the prequels as a mixed bag while praising their story connections, battles, music, and lightsaber sequences. (Reddit)
Another community discussion highlights awkward dialogue and uneven plotting while still praising elements such as the battles and emotional moments. (Reddit)
What are the advantages of the prequels?
The prequels provide important context.
They explain:
- Anakin Skywalker’s childhood
- Obi-Wan Kenobi’s relationship with Anakin
- The rise of Palpatine
- The Clone Wars
- The decline of the Jedi
- The transformation of the Republic
- The creation of the Empire
For fans interested in Star Wars lore, that makes them valuable.
Are the Star Wars sequels worth watching?
The sequel trilogy is worth watching if you want to see a new generation of Star Wars characters, although it remains one of the most debated parts of the franchise.
The sequel trilogy consists of:
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
The first two received strong critical scores on Rotten Tomatoes: 93% for The Force Awakens and 91% for The Last Jedi. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
The Rise of Skywalker has been considerably more divisive.
What are the pros of the sequels?
The sequel trilogy offers:
- Modern visual effects
- New characters
- Strong performances
- Large-scale action
- New planets
- Familiar characters
- New interpretations of the Force
What are the cons?
The major criticism is inconsistency between the movies.
Some viewers feel that the trilogy doesn’t establish one cohesive direction.
Fan discussions frequently disagree about character development, story choices, nostalgia, and the treatment of legacy characters. Reddit discussions show particularly strong disagreements about which trilogy is best and which movies work least effectively. (Reddit)
That disagreement shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from watching them.
It simply means expectations matter.
What do Star Wars fans say about the franchise?
Star Wars fans generally agree that the franchise has exceptional highs, but there is significant disagreement about which era represents the best version of Star Wars.
This is one of the most interesting things about the fandom.
Some fans prefer the original trilogy.
Others prefer the prequels because of the larger political story and Jedi mythology.
Some prefer the sequels because of the modern production values and new characters.
Others prefer standalone productions such as Rogue One.
Reddit discussions illustrate just how varied these preferences can be. One ranking discussion praises Empire and Revenge of the Sith, while criticizing The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. (Reddit)
Another recent discussion praises Andor and Rogue One for exploring a more grounded side of the Star Wars universe. (Reddit)
Why are Star Wars fans so divided?
Because Star Wars means different things to different generations.
Someone who grew up with Luke Skywalker may have a very different emotional attachment to the franchise than someone who grew up with Anakin Skywalker or Rey.
That’s why trying to identify one universally “best” trilogy is difficult.
Is Rogue One worth watching?
Yes, Rogue One is one of the strongest choices for viewers who want a more serious and grounded Star Wars story.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story follows a group involved in obtaining information connected to the Death Star.
It works as a standalone story while connecting directly to the original trilogy.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives Rogue One an 84% Tomatometer score, with its critics consensus emphasizing its ability to draw from Star Wars mythology while taking the franchise in a different narrative and visual direction. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Who should watch Rogue One?
Rogue One is particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy:
- Military science fiction
- Rebellion stories
- Serious drama
- Ensemble casts
- Ground-level perspectives
- Star Wars lore
- Action
It is also a useful choice if you want Star Wars without beginning a nine-film saga.
Who should watch Star Wars?
Star Wars is best suited to viewers who enjoy adventure, science fiction, fantasy, action, family-friendly entertainment, and expansive fictional universes.
It is particularly suitable for:
Families: Many Star Wars stories are accessible to younger viewers, although individual productions can vary in intensity.
Science-fiction fans: The franchise has spaceships, aliens, futuristic technology, planets, robots, and galactic civilizations.
Fantasy fans: The Force, Jedi, Sith, prophecy, mythology, and lightsabers give the series a fantasy-like structure.
Action fans: Star Wars contains numerous space battles, lightsaber fights, ground battles, and chase sequences.
Collectors: The franchise has an enormous range of merchandise.
Who might not enjoy Star Wars?
You may not enjoy it if you prefer:
- Realistic science fiction
- Hard science
- Minimal fantasy
- Completely realistic dialogue
- Small-scale stories
- Little franchise continuity
Star Wars intentionally embraces mythology and spectacle.
What are the biggest disadvantages of Star Wars?
The biggest disadvantages are franchise complexity, inconsistent quality, divisive storytelling decisions, and the sheer amount of available content.
The franchise is now so large that new viewers can feel like they need to study a guide before watching anything.
You don’t.
Start with the original trilogy.
Then decide whether you want more.
What is another major drawback?
Not every Star Wars production is equally strong.
Even within the movie series, critical scores vary substantially.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists The Phantom Menace at 54%, Attack of the Clones at 62%, and The Rise of Skywalker at 51%, while A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Force Awakens each sit at 93%. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
That difference illustrates why “Is Star Wars good?” isn’t quite the right question.
A better question is:
Which Star Wars story is right for me?
What Star Wars merchandise is worth buying?
The best Star Wars merchandise depends on whether you want practical products, collectibles, toys, clothing, or premium display pieces.
For affiliate marketing purposes, this is also where Star Wars becomes particularly useful as a shopping category.
Potential product categories include:
- Blu-ray movie collections
- Books
- LEGO sets
- Action figures
- Lightsabers
- Costumes
- Clothing
- Home décor
- Collectibles
- Video games
- Board games
- Toys
For higher-ticket purchases, premium LEGO sets, collectible figures, display-quality lightsabers, home theater editions, and large franchise collections can provide stronger purchase intent than inexpensive novelty items.
Shop Star Wars products on Amazon:
Browse Star Wars merchandise and collectibles
How should you choose a Star Wars product?
Consider:
Who: Is it for a child, collector, movie fan, or Star Wars enthusiast?
What: Are you buying a movie, toy, collectible, LEGO set, book, or display piece?
When: Is it for a birthday, holiday, Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal collection?
Where: Will it be displayed or stored?
Why: Is the purchase primarily for entertainment, collecting, decorating, or gifting?
How: Compare the edition, size, included accessories, reviews, and current price before purchasing.
This question-and-answer approach can help prevent impulse purchases, particularly with expensive collectibles.
How much should you spend on Star Wars?
You don’t need to spend much to enjoy Star Wars, but serious collectors can spend considerably more on premium merchandise.
A new viewer can simply stream or purchase the movies.
A casual fan may want a Blu-ray collection or a video game.
A serious collector might eventually purchase premium LEGO sets, limited-edition figures, replica lightsabers, artwork, or other display pieces.
The important point is to match the purchase to your interest level.
Why buy expensive Star Wars merchandise?
Higher-priced products can offer:
- Larger scale
- More detailed construction
- Better display value
- More accessories
- Collectibility
- Premium packaging
- Greater long-term enjoyment for dedicated fans
However, expensive does not automatically mean better.
Always compare the specific product rather than buying solely because it carries the Star Wars name.
How does Star Wars compare with other science-fiction franchises?
Star Wars is less focused on scientific realism than franchises such as Star Trek and more focused on mythology, adventure, characters, and spectacle.
A simplified comparison looks like this:
| Franchise | Main strength |
|---|---|
| Star Wars | Space fantasy and adventure |
| Star Trek | Science fiction and exploration |
| Dune | Political and philosophical science fiction |
| Alien | Science-fiction horror |
| Guardians of the Galaxy | Superhero space adventure |
Star Wars occupies a distinctive position because it combines science-fiction imagery with fantasy storytelling.
That makes it relatively accessible even to people who aren’t traditional science-fiction fans.
What are the pros and cons of watching all the Star Wars movies?
Watching all the movies provides a much broader understanding of the saga, but it requires a significant time investment.
Pros:
- Complete major-film story
- Better understanding of character relationships
- More appreciation for recurring themes
- Greater knowledge of the Star Wars universe
- Ability to form your own opinions about each trilogy
Cons:
- Considerable time commitment
- Some movies are more divisive
- Different filmmaking styles
- Continuity can become complicated
- You may prefer some eras much more than others
When should you watch the entire saga?
Don’t feel obligated to watch everything immediately.
A better approach is:
Step 1: Watch the original trilogy.
Step 2: Decide whether you enjoy Star Wars.
Step 3: Watch the prequels.
Step 4: Explore the sequels.
Step 5: Try Rogue One or Solo.
Step 6: If you’re hooked, explore television and animated series.
That creates a much more manageable viewing experience.
Final Star Wars review: Is it worth it?
Star Wars is absolutely worth watching, especially if you start with the original trilogy and explore the wider franchise according to your interests.
The franchise isn’t perfect.
Some movies are considerably stronger than others.
Some stories are divisive.
Some dialogue hasn’t aged particularly well.
And the sheer quantity of Star Wars content can make the universe feel overwhelming.
But those weaknesses don’t erase what makes Star Wars special.
The franchise has produced iconic characters, unforgettable villains, memorable worlds, groundbreaking filmmaking, influential music, exciting action, and a mythology that has remained relevant for decades.
The critical reception of the movies demonstrates the difference in quality between individual installments. A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back currently sit at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Return of the Jedi sits at 83%. (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)
Who should watch Star Wars?
Anyone who enjoys science fiction, fantasy, adventure, action, memorable characters, or expansive fictional universes.
What is the best Star Wars movie for beginners?
A New Hope is the safest starting point because it introduces the universe without requiring previous knowledge.
When should you watch the prequels?
After the original trilogy if you’re watching Star Wars for the first time.
Where should you start exploring the franchise?
Start with the original three movies before expanding into the prequels, sequels, spin-offs, and television series.
Why is Star Wars still popular?
Because its combination of adventure, mythology, characters, visual spectacle, music, humor, and world-building remains remarkably effective.
How would I rate Star Wars overall?
Overall franchise rating: 4.5/5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Characters | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| World-building | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Adventure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Visual spectacle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Story consistency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beginner accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Franchise consistency | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Merchandise/collecting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
Final verdict: Star Wars is worth watching. The original trilogy should be your first stop, particularly A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Once you’ve experienced those movies, you can decide whether the prequels, sequels, Rogue One, television series, games, and collectibles are right for you.
For shoppers, Star Wars also offers an unusually broad range of products, from inexpensive gifts to premium collectibles. If your goal is to make a purchase, compare the specific edition, size, features, customer reviews, and current price before clicking Buy Now.
Shop the Star Wars collection on Amazon:
Shop Star Wars movies, collectibles, toys, LEGO sets and more
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase after clicking one of these links, the publisher may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.