The very best ‘Star Wars’ characters, ranked

Before I stir up some crazy Star Wars controversy, here’s some good news: It was just announced that the one and only Darth Vader will make an appearance on Disney Channel’s Star Wars Rebels on October 26. What’s even more exciting is the fact that he’ll be voiced by the one and only James Earl Jones, who provided the voice for Vader for Star Wars episodes V – VI. This is kinda a big deal for people like me, aka HUGE Star Wars fans..

Star Wars has always been a huge part of my life, and I like to talk about it as often as I can throughout the day. So yes, I’ve already got a concise list of everything I love about Star Wars tucked away in my mind (I can never be too prepared). In honor of this Vader casting news, here is my definitive list of the best Star Wars characters, ranked in order of preference. I know some of my choices and omissions might not be universal, but it’s just my humble opinion. (Feel free to share your own lists!) And a forewarning: Obi-Won didn’t make the cut, because he’d need to be on the list three times—once for the original saga, once for the new movies, and once for Cartoon Network’s Clone Wars. I needed to spread the love around. OK, here goes:

10. C3-PO 

As much as I’d like to think I’d be brave and strong during the Clone Wars, I’d probably all react like C3PO with, “We’re doomed” and “This is madness.” He’s the worrier (warrior, not so much) of the whole saga, but that’s why I love him. I relate to him best.

9. Lando Calrissian

There’s a shirt with Lando’s face on it and it says, “galactic swagger.” That perfectly captures Lando’s essence. He’s the cool guy of the galaxy and I wish I could see that gambling match where Han manages to win the Millennium Falcon from him (hint, hint, future Star Wars installments).

8. Yoda

The wisest of them all, Yoda, has given us the best life mantra: “Do or do not, there is no try.” Just don’t talk like him all the time, because awkward that is.

7. Luke Skywalker

Oh, Luke. He yearned for a more exciting life, and he sure got it, huh? Yeah, some might call him whiny, but he does bring balance to the force. We have to give credit where credit is due.

6. Padmé Amidala

Before Leia, there was Padmé. And yeah, so maybe in fifth grade I saw Phantom Menace ten times in theaters, but we all make mistakes. I tell you it was worth it, because we got the original kick ass space queen. It makes sense that Leia would follow in her footsteps. Plus, Natalie Portman is always absolutely beautiful.

5. Chewbacca

Chewbacca is a great sidekick. He’s funny, he doesn’t talk too much, and he’s always there for you when you need him. He’s a loyal best friend to Han, and also a great copilot. Just think of that giant walking carpet piloting a star cruiser! He’s like a very big, lovable dog, and one that you want to have by your side always.

4.. Princess Leia Organa

As much as I want to be a princess with a crown and a kingdom, Princess Leia is actually the one I strive towards. She’s smart, she’s resourceful, she’s sassy and she manages to save the day on a few occasions. Plus, she doesn’t mince words, especially not with Han.

3. R2-D2

Considering he’s a robot that only talks in beeps, R2 makes a huge impact on the Star Wars world. Try and convince me that you didn’t cry when he almost didn’t make it in Return of the Jedi (after being shot in the back of Luke’s X-Wing). His little tubular body has withstood the test of time, and the sands of Tatooine, making him one of the most resilient characters. Did I mention, he’s a funny talking robot?

2. Darth Vader

Everyone knows Darth Vader. Everyone knows his iconic breathing sound (a side effect from that time he fell into lava). He might be the ultimate bad guy of all time with his operational Death Star, but he’s surprisingly complicated and even a little paternal—in his own EV-IL way. We all love him, yet we’re terrified of him at the same time. He’s a perfect villain and worthy of a #1 ranking on anyone’s Star Wars list—anyone’s but mine. . .

1. Han Solo

Be still my heart. Han Solo was my first true love as a kid and has stayed with me ever since. Is it because he’s a scruffy space pilot? Is it because he’s actually got a heart of gold? Is it because he’s cocky, flawed and a lot funnier than Luke? Is it because no man has ever worn a vest so well, and no man ever will? Who knows, but I fell in love with him, and he’s the reason I’ve seen every Harrison Ford movie ever made. When I get married I’d like my wedding bands I say “I love you” and “I know.”

Honorable Mention: Boba Fett

What, he has like two lines between all the films? And this huge of an impact? I know I’m not supposed to root for the bad guy, but Boba’s pretty cool.

Images via here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.