USA TODAY’s Watch Party: Ranking the Galaxy’s Greatest – The 75 Best Star Wars Live-Action Characters
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For nearly half a century, the Star Wars universe has captivated audiences, expanding from a single, groundbreaking film into a sprawling saga encompassing 11 movies, seven live-action TV shows, and a seemingly infinite array of characters. From the noble Jedi to the menacing Sith, the courageous Rebels to the tyrannical Imperials, and the peculiar bounty hunters to the inexplicably adorable porgs, Star Wars has gifted us with a cast of characters that have etched themselves into the annals of pop culture.
In celebration of Star Wars Day and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith (released May 19, 2005), we embark on a journey to rank the 75 best live-action characters in Star Wars history. This list spans the generations, from the original heroes of 1977 to the fresh faces gracing Disney+ shows like Andor and The Mandalorian. While some characters are destined for legendary status, others, well, let’s just say Jar Jar Binks won’t be making the cut.
Here’s our definitive rundown, moving from the admirable to the absolutely atrocious:
The Honorable Mentions (And Some Not So Much)
Some Imperial officers, like the unfortunate Admiral Ozzel, meet a swift end at the hands of Darth Vader’s Force choke. However, Motti, who survived a similar encounter (before his eventual demise on the Death Star), earns a spot for his sheer resilience.
Captain Phasma, the First Order’s supreme female Stormtrooper, possessed a sleek suit of armor and immense potential, which sadly went unrealized. Her demise in a trash compactor in The Force Awakens and apparent death in The Last Jedi left fans yearning for more.
While Luke Skywalker and Poe Dameron dominate the X-wing pilot narrative, Teva, a friend of the Mandalorian, stands out as the kind of individual you’d share a beer with at a New Republic watering hole, or enlist to navigate bureaucratic red tape.
Supreme Leader Snoke led the nefarious First Order for two films in the new trilogy. His inclusion stems from the online frenzy he ignited among Star Wars fans speculating about his origins, and for accepting a lightsaber slice with a certain panache.
Cobb Vanth, the old-fashioned cowboy donning Boba Fett’s armor as marshal of Mos Pelgo on Tatooine, proves himself a loyal ally to the Mandalorian until his untimely demise at the hands of Cad Bane.
R5-D4, the unassuming droid, boasts a remarkable history. He was present in the first film when Luke Skywalker’s uncle acquired R2-D2 and C-3PO from the Jawas on Tatooine. Decades later, he continues to aid the Mando and Grogu in their adventures. A Disney+ spinoff seems long overdue.
Sy Snootles, the intergalactic equivalent of Stevie Nicks (arguably better), captivated audiences as the lead singer and dancer of the Max Rebo Band. Her ability to prevent Jabba the Hutt from feeding her to the Rancor is a testament to her talent.
John Williams, the legendary Star Wars composer, makes a cameo as the one-eyed Kijimi City bartender in The Rise of Skywalker.
The brave soul who flew into battle as the unofficial mascot of a famous starship after its furry pilot – in this case, Chewbacca – attempted to roast it for dinner.
Krrsantan, a Wookiee warrior who deviates from Chewbacca’s dietary preferences, first appeared in comic books and later made his mark in The Book of Boba Fett. Initially a bounty hunter for Jabba’s cousins, he eventually joined the Mando as muscle for Fett’s crew.
Jod, also known as Crimson Jack and Captain Silvo, is a galactic pirate with Force abilities, a penchant for treasure hunting, a mysterious past, and a talent for irritating everyone. However, his defeat at the hands of space kids diminishes his appeal.
Senator Bail Organa, the senator from Alderaan, not only sheltered Baby Leia, protecting her from the Empire, but played a crucial role in the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
Qi’ra, Han Solo’s childhood sweetheart on Corellia, eventually parted ways with him, each venturing into separate corners of the underworld. Qi’ra aligned herself with the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate, prioritizing it over her love.
Babu Frik, the little droidsmith from Rise of Skywalker, extracted Sith secrets from C-3PO’s memory banks.
Galen Erso, the J. Robert Oppenheimer of the Star Wars universe, developed the technology powering the Death Star’s destructive laser, but knowing its violent potential, purposely included a weakness in the deadly space station.
Max Rebo, Jabba the Hutt’s house band leader, combines the essence of Paul Shaffer, Dumbo, and Blue Man Group.
Greef Karga, the former leader of the Bounty Hunters Guild, became a key figure in the fight against the Imperial Remnant and assumed the role of Head Magistrate of Navarro, championing his people.
Peli Motto, Tatooine’s quirkiest and coolest space mechanic, outfitted the Mandalorian with a super-speedy N-1 Starfighter after the Razor Crest’s destruction. She also willingly babysits Grogu.
Luthen Rael, the antiques shop owner on Coruscant, recruits individuals like Cassian Andor to join a spy network against the Empire.
Nien Nunb, the Sullustan pilot, participated in pivotal Star Wars moments. He piloted the Millennium Falcon alongside Lando Calrissian during the Rebellion’s destruction of the second Death Star, flew an X-wing in the assault on Starkiller Base, and joined the ragtag crew confronting the First Order during the Battle of Crait.
Reva Sevander, a former Jedi youngling who joined the Dark Side as one of Darth Vader’s Inquisitors, harbored animosity towards Obi-Wan Kenobi but refused to harm Luke Skywalker, revealing a flicker of light within her.
Biggs Darklighter, who died a hero during the Battle of Yavin, inspired those with dad bods to squeeze into X-wing cockpits.
L3-37, Lando Calrissian’s confidante and co-pilot, championed robot rights. Her essence lives on in the Millennium Falcon’s navigational computer.
Director Orson Krennic, the Imperial officer overseeing the Death Star project, is a relatable figure in middle management.
Salacious Crumb, Jabba the Hutt’s court jester, avoided becoming street meat and mocked those who crossed his boss.
Mayfeld, the former Imperial sniper turned mercenary, helped the Mandalorian dismantle an Imperial refinery and confronted his old commanding officer.
Count Dooku, portrayed by Christopher Lee, wielded an awesome cape and a lightsaber.
Admiral Holdo, the Resistance leader with purple hair, sacrificed herself for her fellow rebels in a strategic maneuver against the First Order.
Syril Karn, the cockroach of a civil servant in the Empire, desperately seeks to climb the ranks.
Greedo, infamous for the "Han shot first" debate, faces death no matter the edits.
Wedge Antilles, the Tom Cruise of the Rebel Alliance, excelled in aerial combat during pivotal battles.
Cad Bane, the ruthless gun-for-hire, met his end in a showdown with Boba Fett.
Mon Mothma, the Rebel’s primary mover and shaker, opposed Palpatine in the Galactic Republic and later resisted the Empire.
Darth Maul, the Sith apprentice from The Phantom Menace, made a lasting impression with his horns, tattoos, and double-bladed lightsaber.
Wicket W. Warrick, arguably the cutest Ewok, became the unofficial mascot of the Rebel Alliance.
Qui-Gon Jinn, Liam Neeson’s wise Jedi master, recognized Anakin Skywalker’s exceptional nature.
Fennec Shand, Boba Fett’s loyal right hand, is a former bounty hunter known for her strength and deadpan zingers.
Armitage Hux, the stressed-out First Order military man, faced numerous setbacks.
Maz Kanata, who likes Wookiees, running a crazy space bar, looking into peoples eyes to see their souls and collecting antique lightsabers.
Enfys Nest, the Cloud-Riders leader from Solo, led pirates and freedom fighters years before the Rebellion.
Moff Gideon, the baddie who wielded the Darksaber, kidnapped Grogu, and created robotic Dark Troopers.
Mace Windu, Samuel L. Jackson’s groovy Jedi master.
C-3PO, the snarkiest robot in the Rebel Alliance, adored for his imperfections.
Padmé Amidala, Luke and Leia’s mom, not the best at picking guys, but quite the woman of action when needed.
Grand Moff Tarkin, more ruthless and cunning than even Darth Vader, ordered the destruction of Alderaan.
R2-D2, who gets in the way and gives you odds of death during stressful space missions.
Kuiil, the Ugnaught and Mandalorian pal, might be the most honorable guy in the galaxy.
Rose Tico, the mechanic, tases traitors, gets her time in the spotlight on a death-defying mission.
Figrin D’an, the frontman of the Modal Nodes, an intergalactic one-hit wonder.
The Armorer, who gave us the most ethereal Star Wars quote since "May the Force be with you."
Bo-Katan Kryze, rallying opposing factions of her people to bring Mandalore back.
BB-8, the little ball droid, loves Poe, kinda digs Finn and is always available if you need a light.
Jabba the Hutt, intergalatic gangster with some serious swag.
Finn, a big deal in the Resistance and in fans hearts.
Jyn Erso, proved her worth as a hero stealing the plans to the Death Star.
Ben Solo/Kylo Ren moved up the ranks after a memorable arc in The Last Jedi.
Cassian Andor goes on the run and winds up aligning himself with the Rebels.
Admiral Ackbar, who goes bravely into battle against the second Death Star with the Rebel fleet.
Lando Calrissian, he helped save Han from Jabba, became a Rebel general.
Poe Dameron, the greatest pilot in the Resistance, if not the galaxy.
Grogu, the pure heart-melting power of the little guy whos taken pop culture by storm.
Boba Fett, man underneath that signature helmet and rocket pack and gave him an unexpected redemption arc.
Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious, at the end he wasnt as scary as …
Dedra Meero, the most ambitious or sinister member of the Imperial Security Bureau.
Rey, the young heroine is fierce, smart, way strong in the Force and an ideal hero.
Chewbacca, the Rebels most loyal jack of all trades.
The Mandalorian/Din Djarin, a bounty-hunting gunslinging space dad.
R2-D2, a duo that remained tight from the sands of Tatooine to the swamps of Dagobah.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, was one of the Clone Wars’ greatest heroes.
Ahsoka Tano, a capable warrior with a pair of lightsabers and a bunch of fight left in her.
Yoda, acrobatically took on Palpatine in the prequels, but the Jedi master’s best work came showing Luke the ways of the Force.
Luke Skywalker, learning of his sinister dad to becoming a Jedi master to sacrificing himself to help the Resistance.
Princess Leia, redefined female characters in the sci-fi genre.
Han Solo, fueled the narrative as the Everyman caught up in a world of hokey religions and ancient weapons.
Darth Vader, Anakins arc leads him to want to rule the galaxy with his son by his side.
