Here’s the list of the best Star Wars stories from movies, books, and TV shows.

12. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi – This was the end of Star Wars as we knew it for a long time, and overall, it was a satisfying ending. The first act with Jabba was the peak, then we get to the forest moon of Build-A-Bear, and it was hit or miss from there.

11. Heir to the Empire – This was the first true Star Wars sequel, and it was a damn worthy one. I mean, they’re still incorporating characters (we see you Grand Admiral Thrawn) and ideas from this 1991 novel.

10. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – Time has taught us the prequel trilogy wasn’t nearly as bad as the toxic fanboys made it out to be. These movies weren’t made for the folks that grew up with the OT, they were made for kids. Just like the OT was.

9. The Force Awakens – Yes, this is essentially a remake of A New Hope, but it was the smart play to lean heavily into the familiar to jumpstart the cinematic universe. It sets up great mysteries that unfortunately the next two films couldn’t spike.

8. Star Wars: Darth Plagueis – If you want to see why, at its heart, the Phantom Menace is a good story, read this book. No silly Jar-Jar or Pinocchio chosen ones, this delves into the Sith’s background and makes Palpatine’s political machinations exciting.

7. Obi-Wan Kenobi – Just rewatch the first scene with Ben and Owen… that interaction is what we’ve been waiting for since 1977 and shows Owen Lars is a true salt of the Earth hero. Also, Moses Ingram is killing it as Reva. It was clever having Obi-Wan looking after Leia, and it adds another dimension to her plea, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” Also, little Leia > baby Yoda.

6. Star Wars Rebels – Okay, I’m going to start getting lazy and counting shows with multiple seasons as one “story.” Deal with it, nerf herders. Like with most shows, it takes a minute for the characters to find their groove, but when they do, it starts humming like a lightsaber. And any show that features the best modern character, Ahsoka Tano, makes the list. Do I sense a wee bit ‘o forceshadowing?

5. The Mandalorian – Whereas Lucas made the prequels for kids, Favreau and Filoni are making this for fans that grew up with the OT along with the prequels. And it definitely shows. Sticking close to Lucas’s major influences helps to bring that true Star Wars feel to the story. Bonus points for Luke getting his very own Darth Vader Rogue One moment.

4. The Clone Wars – The show, NOT the movie. Granted, there are some cringe worthy episodes, but overall, this is the kind of story we all hoped for when we heard Luke asked old Ben, “You fought in the Clone Wars?” Plus, did I mention Ahsoka Tano? She’s the anti-Ross Geller (you know, the character that starts off great but ends up annoying AF).

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – This gets better with each viewing, hence it’s high position on the list. Didn’t use existing characters as a crutch, actually created new ones that stand on their own.

2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – Or, as we called it in my day, Star Wars. This cinematic zeitgeist was a game changer the likes of which had never been seen before. If you were lucky to have grown up with the OT, you remember how your childhood revolved around it. Whether it was the movies, toys and merchandise, or the brilliant score, this is where Star Wars became a part of our cultural DNA.

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back – The perfect sequel, takes everything from the original and improves upon it. We get awesome new characters like Yoda, Lando Calrissian, and Boba Fett (who pre Book of was a mysterious and intriguing villain). Amazing new locations such as Hoth, Dagobah, and Cloud City. And the best one-handed cliffhanger in the history of film.