From a galaxy far, far away, we're bringing you the most iconic and compelling characters in the Star Wars universe! Join us as we count down our picks for the greatest heroes, villains, and everything in between. From wise Jedi Masters to ruthless Sith Lords, and from charismatic smugglers to adorable droids, we've got them all!
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00:00Who are you?
00:08Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most iconic and compelling characters from a galaxy far, far away.
00:16And you'll be forced to kill me.
00:19If that is your destiny.
00:25Anakin Skywalker!
00:27I was expecting someone with your reputation to be a little... older.
00:35General Grievous. You're shorter than I expected.
00:41Jedi scum!
00:43A Jedi killer and former Kaleesh warrior, this cyborg is one of the fiercest villains in Star Wars.
00:49With command of a limitless droid army, Grievous leads his troops through countless battles in the Clone Wars.
00:54In that time, he also develops a cruel sense of humor and rivalry with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
01:00So, Kenobi, is everything going as planned?
01:03That depends on your point of view, General.
01:06Though he's often referred to as a coward, he can be just as cunning and skilled as any Jedi or Sith.
01:12How many can say that they've bested Jedi while wielding four lightsabers?
01:17When it comes to sheer cool factor, Grievous is off the charts.
01:21You must realize, you are doomed.
01:28I'll take care of him.
01:30No, it's my turn to kill a Jedi.
01:34Like Boba Fett, we can see some spaghetti western influence in the character of Cad Bane.
01:38While Fett was based on the man with no name, Cad Bane was partially inspired by Angel Eyes, the villain from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
01:46His red eyes, wide-brimmed hat and Corey Burton's chilling voice work all make him a striking bounty hunter.
01:52Beyond his gunslinger look, Bane also stands out for being a ruthless wildcard.
01:57He's fought Anakin Skywalker, Hunter and Boba Fett, leaving his mark through various schemes and shootouts.
02:03You can never predict who his next target will be, but you can bet he won't miss.
02:08This isn't the first time I beat you out on a job.
02:16There's no shame in it.
02:20You're gonna regret this.
02:30I can't bear to watch.
02:32Although he's never been a central villain, the Hutt crime lord has remained one of the franchise's most grotesque and intriguing characters.
02:39The slug-like alien is a marvel of creature design, and his massive size makes him incredibly intimidating, even though he can barely move.
02:48His deep, mighty voice also adds a chilling layer to his character.
02:52One of the galaxy's most shrewd gangsters, he often uses wealth, loyalty and his cunning to get what he wants.
02:58We have no credits.
03:01Your lives in exchange for Hutt space and everything in its borders.
03:12His ability to manipulate others would allow him to get away with his crimes, at least until Return of the Jedi.
03:18Nevertheless, Jabba's ruthless nature only becomes more interesting with each subsequent appearance.
03:2527. Kanan Jarrus
03:27The Jedi once known as Caleb Dume is a real highlight of Star Wars Rebels.
03:32By the show's finale, he became one of the best examples of what a Jedi should be.
03:37When we're first introduced to him, Kanan comes off as cocky and cynical.
03:41But over time, his connection to the Ghost crew allowed him to open up and become a powerful Jedi.
03:46Okay, hold on. There is no us.
03:49Dealing with Inquisitors is one thing, Vader is another.
03:53And I'm not convinced we're all on the same side anyway.
03:55Even after being blinded by Darth Maul, he was a force to be reckoned with.
03:59His character's journey allows for a fascinating look at how love can be a strength for a Jedi, not just a cloud of judgment.
04:06Plus, we still get emotional about a sacrifice for his friends.
04:1726. Count Dooku
04:19Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you.
04:23Don't be so sure, my young Jedi.
04:26You'll forget that he was once my apprentice, just as you were once his.
04:31The Jedi Master-turned-Sith is easily one of the most complex villains in Star Wars.
04:36Once a respected Jedi, he fought corruption in the Galactic Republic.
04:40But his noble cause was twisted by Darth Sidious.
04:44There is still a chance to make things right.
04:50I'm afraid.
04:53I know you are.
04:58I'm afraid it is too late.
05:03As a champion of the Separatists, he would cause countless deaths, including that of his own sister.
05:09Though he might not be as iconic as Kylo Ren or Vader,
05:12Christopher Lee and Corey Burton made him stand out with a unique sophistication.
05:16Dooku's impact on the larger galaxy cannot be overstated,
05:20and his skill with a lightsaber speaks for itself.
05:23I've been looking forward to this.
05:25My powers have doubled since the last time we met, Count.
05:29Good. Twice the pride, double the fall.
05:3225. Poe Dameron
05:34This hotshot X-Wing pilot was first introduced in The Force Awakens.
05:38This is a rescue. I'm helping you escape.
05:40Can you fly a TIE fighter? You're with the Resistance?
05:43What? No, no, no.
05:44I'm breaking you out. Can you fly a TIE fighter? I can fly anything.
05:47His immediate friendship with Finn made him one of the best parts of the film,
05:51and his daredevil flying was downright mesmerizing.
05:54He'd later shed his brash personality thanks to some words of wisdom and hard lessons learned.
05:59In episodes 8 and 9, Poe evolves from a headstrong rebel into a capable and inspiring leader.
06:05Finn's journey from stormtrooper to Resistance general is also one of the bright spots of the sequel trilogy.
06:11Poe, however, surpasses him by being a greater inspiration to his fellow rebels.
06:16He's also just one hell of a pilot.
06:18Poe, get to their altitude. They can't fire on us without hitting each other.
06:23Don't give up! Help is coming!
06:2624. Grand Admiral Thrawn
06:29This Chiss antagonist first appeared in Timothy Zahn's 1991 novel, Heir to the Empire.
06:35Although that story is now part of the Legends timeline,
06:38he made such a lasting impression that he was brought into the current canon.
06:42But no matter which version you're talking about, he is one of the most compelling baddies in Star Wars.
06:47I believe this helmet belongs to our compatriot, the young Jedi, and our escaped prisoner, Ezra Bridger.
06:54Bridger? If Bridger was the shuttle thief, why didn't Kallus alert us?
06:58Because, Colonel Yularen, Kallus is the rebel spy.
07:03He has a tactical mind that is unparalleled, and his knowledge of art and culture puts him far above the average Imperial.
07:11And, as Ahsoka showed us, he's even willing to use magic.
07:15We never really know what to expect with Mithran Yerodo, but we're always sure he will not disappoint.
07:2923. Asajj Ventress
07:31Taken from her clan as a child, this Sith assassin never quite found her true calling.
07:36She was raised by a Jedi, trained by the Sith, returned to the Nightsisters, and eventually became a bounty hunter.
07:45I sense the darkness within you.
07:49I will teach you the ways of the dark side, but you must prove yourself first.
07:56Her storied background gives us a glimpse into several different aspects of the galaxy,
08:01and her search for belonging has made her a sympathetic character, even if she mostly acted as a villain.
08:07After all, she was on the path of redemption in the novel Dark Disciple.
08:11Her appearance in The Bad Batch is yet another example of how this character's arc continues to compel us.
08:16Times have changed, something you clones should be familiar with.
08:21We are not the same.
08:24No, we were born in the same war, and we all lost.
08:3222. Padme Amidala
08:35Although not a soldier or Jedi, this senator became one of the greatest heroes of the prequel era.
08:40Elected Queen of Naboo as a teenager, Padme later fought to represent the rights of every world.
08:46Her anti-war and humanitarian efforts were often seen in the Galactic Senate during the Clone Wars.
08:51Who are we fighting for? My people, your people, all of our people.
08:59This war is meant to save them from suffering, not increase it.
09:04Of course, she was still handy with a blaster when she needed to be.
09:08Padme's efforts to resolve conflict and her use of empathy are compelling characteristics, especially in contrast to Anakin.
09:15Padme will always be remembered for being one of the most prominent voices of peace and justice in the galaxy.
09:21So this is how liberty dies.
09:2521. Cassian Andor
09:27Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia may be galactic legends, but lesser-known rebels deserve just as much praise.
09:34Jyn Erso, for instance, was essential in the Battle of Scarif, the first major conflict of the Galactic Civil War.
09:40Cassian Andor played a similar role in the conflict, but he also gets points for having one of the best written backstories.
09:47Lex, you said he wanted to meet me. I really need this.
09:52His lowly beginning and long-term struggle against the Empire make for a powerful portrayal of life under tyrannical rule.
09:58Through his trials in Andor, we learn more about how much resilience and hope it takes to continue in the face of oppression.
10:05His story stands out to fans as a moving tale about the unsung heroes of the Rebel Alliance.
10:10How did you get here?
10:12I have a ship near the ferry lot.
10:14Maybe you're the Imperial spy.
10:16To what purpose?
10:18If you knew they were coming for me, why would you be here now?
10:2220. Mace Windu
10:24A Jedi Master on the High Council, Mace Windu is regarded as the Order's greatest champion.
10:29He even pioneered a new aggressive fighting style, Vaapad, to help him channel and control his inner darkness.
10:37Internal explosions all over. We are losing control.
10:40What?
10:45In some ways, however, he's also an example of how the Jedi lost their way.
10:50You are on this council, but we do not grant you the rank of Master.
10:54While he avoids politics, he has a dogmatic dedication to tradition and embraces his role as a soldier and general.
11:02Nevertheless, he is a certified badass and deadly duelist.
11:07He killed Jango Fett and almost killed Darth Sidious, for crying out loud.
11:11You are under arrest, my lord.
11:15Of course, we'd expect nothing less from a Jedi played by Samuel L. Jackson.
11:1919. Qui-Gon Jinn
11:23Tell them to take off!
11:26This Jedi's influence echoes throughout the entire franchise.
11:30Once Dooku's Padawan, Qui-Gon became a Jedi Knight and Master to Obi-Wan, but refused a seat on the High Council.
11:37He's the first to see the potential in Anakin Skywalker and foresee his role in fulfilling the Jedi prophecy.
11:44In contrast to Mace Windu, he is considered a maverick by the council.
11:48My only conclusion can be that it was a Sith Lord.
11:52Impossible.
11:53But he's also everything a Jedi should be, a powerful warrior who's compassionate and strives for balance within the living force.
12:02Even after his untimely death at the hands of Darth Maul, Qui-Gon still has much to teach the Jedi.
12:08Why have you brought me here?
12:10Follow the light. The light will be your guide.
12:1518. Rex
12:17Given their identical genes, the clone troopers can seem very similar at first glance.
12:23However, their different experiences make them unique, and Rex is one of the most distinguished.
12:28Serving under Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, Rex learns from their unorthodox approach to problems.
12:34So we're just gonna surrender? Admit defeat? Is that it?
12:41He's also a fiercely loyal soldier and natural leader, helping the early Rebel Alliance in its fight against the Empire.
12:49In Latin, the word Rex means king, and that is fitting since Rex is the very best of the clones.
12:56Many people wish it never happened, but without it, we clones wouldn't exist.
13:0417. Rey
13:11The protagonist of Disney's sequel series is polarizing.
13:19She's kind of a lightning rod for the whole trilogy's mixed reception. No pun intended.
13:31But despite the film's missteps, she still has some good moments.
13:35Orphaned as a child, Rey is a survivor, inking out a living as a scavenger on Jakku.
13:40She finds purpose and a new family when she's thrust into the Resistance's fight against the First Order.
13:54Trained by both Luke and Leia, she becomes a powerful Jedi, whose struggle with her inner darkness and family legacy make her a foil for Kylo Ren.
14:0616. Grogu
14:24Uh, come on. It's baby Yoda.
14:26The mind-bogglingly adorable alien child has proven to be one of the most popular Star Wars characters in the last decade.
14:36Yes.
14:41That's his name.
14:43Pursued by the remnants of the Empire for his abilities with the Force, Grogu is protected by Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin.
14:50Mischievous and always hungry, Grogu is a ton of fun to watch no matter what he's doing.
14:56If he had a bit more substance to his character, we could have easily ranked Grogu higher.
15:01But he's still young and has plenty of time to develop.
15:14Maul not only looks badass, he's responsible for some of the coolest lightsaber fights in the whole franchise.
15:21He's also one of the most fascinating villains in Star Wars.
15:32As a child, he was separated from his mother, beaten, and made to embrace the dark side.
15:39This gives his story a tragic streak, even though he goes on to become a ruthless and sadistic killer.
15:45The fact that he turns against his former master Sidious almost makes you root for him.
15:50We do love an underdog after all.
15:53Still, few dark side users manage to embody hatred and rage the way Maul does.
15:58It makes every interaction he has tense and electrifying to watch.
16:2314. Lando Calrissian
16:29A smuggler, entrepreneur, and pilot, Lando Calrissian is the most interesting man in the galaxy.
16:39Suave and effortlessly cool, Lando is so charming, even droids want him.
16:45But Lando is more than just a ne'er-do-well who's great at sabacc.
16:48He's also a competent leader, overseeing Cloud City and joining the rebellion against the Empire, and eventually the First Order.
17:01He may betray our heroes at one point, but it's only out of a desire to protect his people.
17:06And he still helps them anyway.
17:08As many great characters as there are in Star Wars, Lando might be the one we most want to just hang out with in real life.
17:16We just want more Lando.
17:29The Mandalorian bounty hunter immediately captivated audiences, despite limited screen time in the original trilogy.
17:36Boba Fett's determination to capture Han Solo and company for Darth Vader,
17:40and then double-dip by turning carbonite-frozen Solo over to Jabba, made him quite the badass.
17:50In the prequels, it's revealed that he's a clone of Jango Fett, who was also the genetic template for the clone troopers.
17:57Apart from his pay, which is considerable, Fett demanded only one thing, an unaltered clone for himself.
18:05His character was further fleshed out on the Clone Wars, from his quest for revenge against the Jedi, to how he became a feared bounty hunter.
18:13One thing is for sure, Boba Fett is a survivor, who always manages to make his way through the galaxy.
18:27Ben Solo, Kylo Ren
18:34The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben Solo was seduced to the dark side, becoming Kylo Ren.
18:44Over the course of the sequel trilogy, we see him fight against the temptation, not of the dark side, but of the light.
18:57Darth Vader
19:08Despite his vile actions, including killing his own father, his inner decency eventually wins through, although it costs him his life.
19:18R2-D2
19:26Kylo Ren's arc is one of the most dramatic in the sequels, and everything about his design, from his Vader-style mask to his unique lightsaber, remains memorable.
19:38R2-D2 and C-3PO
19:41We've bent the rules for this entry, but what is R2-D2 without C-3PO and vice versa?
19:52This robotic duo often finds themselves in the most dangerous of predicaments, sometimes being the center of conflict in an intergalactic civil war.
20:00Princess Leia gave R2 the secret plans of the Death Star, and was charged with the task of delivering them to the rebels, unbeknownst to C-3PO, who just got dragged along for the ride.
20:19While 3PO frequently berates R2, he can hardly function without him. This odd couple's bickering only makes them more treasured.
20:31Chewbacca
20:38What's there not to like about Chewie? After having been saved from imperial imprisonment by Han Solo, Chewbacca swore a life debt to him, and has since been his co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon.
20:50His staunch loyalty finds him frequently stuck in dangerous situations, but he never hesitates to help his comrades.
21:00The good-hearted Wookiee warrior is arguably the easiest character to love. As long as you're not a threat, his bark is worse than his bite.
21:09But if you are, you better watch out for his bowcaster. Or bare hands.
21:22Sheev Palpatine
21:24Darth Sidious
21:25Emperor Palpatine's dark visage was first revealed to audiences in a hologram broadcast in The Empire Strikes Back.
21:32The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.
21:42However, before becoming Emperor, during the days of the Republic, Palpatine pretended to be a noble senator, eventually rising to the position of Chancellor.
21:51All the while, he was secretly operating as Sith Lord Darth Sidious.
21:56I don't want this stunted slime in my sight again.
22:01Through his executive powers, he instated Order 66, which killed off virtually every Jedi and eased the transition of the Republic into the Empire.
22:12It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy. I love the Republic.
22:22His ruthless ambition, terrifying power, and scathing voice make him impossible to forget.
22:29You break me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete.
22:36Din Djarin
22:37This is the way.
22:39This is the way.
22:41This is the way.
22:42This Mandalorian bounty hunter has plenty of skills to admire, especially when it comes to combat.
22:48But arguably what makes him most compelling is his character arc.
22:52Devoted to a strict code of conduct, Din finds his life changed after he takes the tiny alien Grogu under his wing.
22:59I'm afraid I have more pressing matters at hand.
23:01His development from a solitary warrior unwilling to compromise his beliefs to a devoted surrogate father surrounded by allies is wonderful to watch.
23:10He means more to me than you will ever know.
23:14Plus, he's a complete badass throughout his journey.
23:18We don't know exactly what's next for Mando, but we have a feeling that wherever he goes, Star Wars fans are going to enjoy the trip because we'll be taking it with such a great character.
23:28Alright, pal. It's time to go.
23:33Ahsoka Tano
23:35Revenge is not the Jedi way.
23:39I am no Jedi.
23:41Of all the characters to come out of the Star Wars animated series, Ahsoka Tano is easily the best.
23:48The former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka learns how to think outside the box from him.
23:53Her story sees her depart from the Jedi Order without turning to the dark side, which is a fascinating turn.
24:00Ahsoka, you are making a mistake.
24:02Maybe, but I have to sort this out on my own, without the Council, and without you.
24:11Ahsoka is a compassionate and honorable fighter, as well as one of the most skilled in the galaxy.
24:17Heck, she even bests Maul!
24:19While fans were reluctant to accept Ahsoka at first, she has proven to be a spectacular addition to the Star Wars universe,
24:26and one who will no doubt contribute even more in years to come.
24:31Particularly now that she's appearing in live action, too.
24:34Ahsoka Tano!
24:36Bo-Katan sent me.
24:39We need to talk.
24:41Leia Organa
24:43I know.
24:47Somehow.
24:51I've always known.
24:53Princess. Rebel. General.
24:54Leia is all of these things and more.
24:58As the adopted daughter of Senator Bail Organa, she is instrumental in the rebellion against the Empire,
25:04fighting on even after witnessing the destruction of her home planet Alderaan.
25:17Like her father Anakin, she is strong in the force.
25:20Although she opts for the life of a political and military leader dedicated to democracy.
25:25Even when all the odds are against her, Leia somehow finds a way to save herself and those she loves.
25:31What the hell are you doing?
25:33Somebody has to save our skins.
25:37Into the garbage chute, flyboy!
25:39She even manages to redeem her and Han's son Ben back to the light side of the force.
25:44Ben.
25:52Hello there.
25:54Over the course of the franchise, we've seen Obi-Wan grow from a Jedi Padawan still learning the ways of the force to a wise Jedi master.
26:01In between, he was Anakin's mentor and a general in the Clone Wars.
26:06You're the closest thing I have to a father.
26:08Then why don't you listen to me?
26:09Through it all, his dry sense of humor made him especially entertaining to watch.
26:14While Obi-Wan is a skilled negotiator, he's also gifted with a lightsaber,
26:19managing to defeat an impressive list of foes, from Darth Maul to General Grievous and even Anakin.
26:25It's over Anakin! I have the high ground!
26:29That is on top of his other achievements, like watching over and training Luke,
26:34sacrificing himself and continuing to help Luke from the afterlife.
26:37If that isn't devotion, then what is?
26:42Ben?
26:44You will go to the Dagobah system.
26:47Dagobah system?
26:49There you will learn from Yoda, the Jedi master who instructed me.
26:56Do. Or do not. There is no try.
27:03Judge him by his size, do not.
27:05Yoda is easily the most powerful Jedi, as well as the wisest.
27:11And he has a quirky sense of humor to boot.
27:13Surprised?
27:15Don't be fooled by his diminutive stature and cane.
27:18This little green guy can flip through the air and do battle with the deadliest villains.
27:28When agility and swordsmanship are not necessary,
27:32Yoda can draw on his incredibly strong connection to the Force.
27:35It's no wonder he presided over the High Council until the Republic's fall.
27:39He also mentored Luke Skywalker.
27:42This hero is easy to admire.
27:50The legendary Jedi's life epitomizes the hero's journey.
27:59When we first meet Luke, he's young and full of complaints,
28:02gazing up at the stars from his uncle and aunt's moisture farm.
28:06Thanks to mentors Obi-Wan and Yoda, he becomes a formidable warrior and powerful Jedi.
28:12But he still follows his heart, making mistakes along the way,
28:16such as when he rushes into battle against his father, Darth Vader.
28:23While fans might not have loved his portrayal in the sequel trilogy,
28:27we have the Mandalorian to thank for a glimpse at Luke in his absolute prime.
28:39This charming rogue is the ultimate space cowboy.
28:47As an orphan on the streets of Corellia,
28:50Han learned the value of quick thinking, self-reliance and, of course, credits.
28:57For a long time, his co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon Chewie is the only one he really trusts.
29:05However, after the smuggler meets Luke, Leia and Obi-Wan, that starts to change.
29:20Coupled with his charisma, it's this growth that makes Han such a fascinating and relatable character.
29:26While he seems selfish on the outside, he goes to great lengths for those he cares about,
29:31even after being frozen in carbonite.
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29:57Anakin's tale is at the heart of the Star Wars saga.
30:01Miraculously conceived without a father, he grew up as a slave on Tatooine,
30:06until Qui-Gon recognized his potential.
30:09I'm a person and my name is Anakin.
30:12As a Jedi Padawan, he was torn between the Order's code and his feelings of fear and resentment,
30:18born from a childhood spent under the thumb of the more powerful.
30:21Nonetheless, Anakin became a powerful Jedi, incredible fighter, and great master to his apprentice Ahsoka.
30:29Tragically, however, his mother's death and forbidden love for Padme led him down a dark path.
30:41As Vader, he became a terrifying villain, one of the most iconic in cinema history.
30:51I am your father.
30:53Only after his defeat by Luke was he redeemed.
30:57Anakin's rise, fall, and redemption is what Star Wars is all about.
31:02Go, my son.
31:06Leave me?
31:08No, you're coming with me.
31:11I'll not leave you here, I've got to save you.
31:14You already have.
31:17A list of 30 still isn't enough to fit every fan-favorite character.
31:21Who do you think should have made it?
31:23Cal Kestis? Chimyr? Jar Jar? Let us know down below.
31:27Obi?
31:29Obi! It's so exciting to see you, sir!
31:32Good to see you again, Jar Jar.
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