Long before Disney came to buy Lucasfilm, the film company belonged to George Lucas. Lucas is perhaps best known as the creator of Star Wars, but he has made many other stories at Lucasfilm as well. Generally, the films all seem to fall into one of three categories: science fiction, fantasy, or realistic true-to-life stories. While it may be hard to believe, Lucasfilm’s movie catalog spans from stories about an archeologist who must face the power of religious artifacts to singing fairies to the real story of the Tuskegee Airmen. However, almost all the stories are connected by a theme of growing up and learning to step out on your own. While the most well known films are either extremely well-loved or constantly criticized, there are plenty of hidden gems that often get left behind. To see how all the movies compare, here is a list of every Lucasfilm movie, ranked.
27Solo: A Star Wars Story
Solo: A Star Wars Storyis an origin story for Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) to explain where he was before he joined the rebellion inA New Hope. While Han is an incredibly charming and popular character, this prequel was a bit of a mess. Han felt like an empty shell of himself to many fans, as the original confidence of the character was replaced by a goofy eagerness. Instead of setting Han up to be the character he is in later films, his arc inSololeft him seeming far from the version played by Harrison Ford. The overall structure of the film is not any better, as it is often confusing, boring, and full of forgettable characters.
26Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: The Last Jediis perhaps the most controversial Star Wars film, if not the most divisive Lucasfilm movie overall. While some praise it for taking the franchise in a new direction, it is hard to argue that the eighth movie in a nine movie franchise is the time to break from the original style and structure.The Last Jediis more akin to traditional war movies, sometimes even forgetting that it is a piece of science fiction. The First Order starts the movie by chasing the Resistance in their spaceships, but they struggle to catch up because the Resistance ships are “lighter and faster” in a setting without gravity pulling on the ships to give them a sense of weight. Virtually everything that came in the movies before was cast aside in an effort to seem cool and different from the rest of the family, like a middle child throwing a fit that they don’t want to be like their brothers.
25Howard the Duck
Howard the Duckis a surprising mix of entertaining and disturbing. Absolutely nothing about this movie can be taken seriously. However, that is part of the charm. The effects, jokes, and story are all perfect to laugh at, so even though it is a poor quality movie, it is just bad enough to enjoy through the cringe. Despite it being a Marvel story, it is most definitely not appropriate for children.
24Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
IfThe Last Jediis like the middle brother who wants to rebel against their siblings,Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeris the oldest sibling who scolds them for stepping out of line. To appease fans who were disappointed in the new directionThe Last Jeditook,The Rise of Skywalkerwas filled with references to the original trilogy. Instead of having Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) take over as the main antagonist, Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) “somehow returned,” allowing Kylo to mirror the redemption arc of his grandfather. A few other cameos were sprinkled into the awkward plot before being sent out to the theaters. WhileThe Rise of Skywalkeris by no means a well-structured film, it is so ridiculous at times that it can be funny, and Adam Driver does well in his action scenes to give some visual energy to the screen.
Related:Star Wars: 9 Changes That Could Have Made Rise of Skywalker the Best New Trilogy Movie
23Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakensis a copy and paste ofA New Hope, but the printer was running out of ink. The entire plot and concept of the film was taken fromA New Hope.The main protagonist lives on a desert planet until they are called to adventure by secret information stored inside a droid, and they must escape on the Millennium Falcon before facing a giant space station that can destroy planets.
While it is a copy full of boring characters and “good questions, but for another time,” the original movie at least gaveThe Force Awakensa decent structure to cling to, even if it still managed to be filled with plot holes.
22Labyrinth
Labyrinthis a fantasy movie, and it gets very strange. A teenage girl wishes away her baby brother, and all of a sudden her wish comes true when goblins take the baby to the Goblin King (David Bowie) at the heart of a labyrinth full of magical creatures. David Bowie does perform and sing in the film, which gives the movie some memorable moments of high energy.
Labyrinthwas made before CGI was reliable for creating fantasy creatures, so most of the wacky citizens of the labyrinth are intricately made puppets. The story may be a bit crazy, but a lot of care and effort went into the production design. Although it is not for the faint of heart, there issome fun to be hadwithLabyrinth.
21Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Storyis generally pretty forgettable. Many of the characters fell flat with virtually no personality or reason for being. However, the actors gave decent performances, so at least the characters can be fun to watch.Rogue Oneis the first Star Wars Story that felt like it stood on its own, being very reminiscent of a World War II type movie while still walking the line between that and the Star Wars style.
20THX 1138
THX 1138was George Lucas’s feature film debut. It was based upon a student film of his and laid the foundation for Lucasfilm. In a futuristic world where individuality is outlawed, two rebels break away from society together. This film explores the theme of change and moving away from what you have always known, connecting it with the other Lucasfilm movies that Lucas created.
Unfortunately, the action sequences feel slow, mostly because they had no vehicles that could go the speed needed to make a fast chase scene. However, the core of the story has continued to inspire audiences and writers alike, with very similar films likeEquals(2015) keeping the concept alive.
Willowis a fantasy adventure movie about Willow (Warwick Davis), a young wizard in training who must save a baby girl who is destined to beat the evil forces of their world. The score may be the best part of the entire film, as it sets the tone beautifully and makes the world of the film seem grand and magical. However, the scenery is just as beautiful and breathtaking.
Some of the practical effects do not hold up to modern standards, but for a film made in the 80s, it was about as advanced as it could get.Willowis definitely worth a watch for those who like movies such asThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, but may not be as interesting for those who prefer a lot of fast-paced action.
Jack Kilmer Shares How He Ended Up Lending His Voice as Madmartigan in Disney+ Willow Series
18Red Tails
Red Tailsis another Lucasfilm movie following the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.Red Tailsis not a documentary, but it closely follows the true struggle of the pilots who fought for victory at home and abroad. The new technology available for making this film allowed the audience to see the fight from the perspective of the pilots, instead of from the outside.Red Tailsis a fascinating story, both in terms of the narrative and the historical significance of the story.
