Both the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy in Star Wars were George Lucas' vision from start to finish. The prevalence of this vision resulted in two trilogies that feel complete and consistent. With each story, Lucas was able to utilize filmmaking styles that reflected the technologies and sensibilities of the time, while also shaping and informing them.
While both trilogies focus on the same family in the same galaxy, and even occasionally the same planets, they maintain a distinct feel that makes them each unique. Art is subjective, and people's preferences vary, but each trilogy has many positive elements to recommend it.
10 Prequels: Anakin's Fall To The Dark Side
The purpose of the prequel trilogy's story being told was to explain how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, as well as how the Republic turned into the Empire. The Phantom Menace introduced fans to Anakin Skywalker as a boy growing up as a slave.
He was separated from his mother in order to join the Jedi Order, and traveled all the way to Coruscant, only to be met with fear and suspicion from the Jedi. Years later, his attachments and turbulent emotions had resulted in a resentful young man desperately searching for the love he'd lost. Palpatine took advantage of Anakin's conflict and used it to his advantage, grooming the young man until he was the perfect Sith apprentice.
9 Originals: Han And Leia's Relationship
The chemistry between Han and Leia was electric in The Empire Strikes Back. Though they were on the run from the Empire's fleet, the most exciting part of their shared storyline was watching them admit their feelings for each other and enter a romantic relationship. Without the audience believing in their relationship, Han's carbonite freezing might not have had the emotional payoff it did. Out of their relationship also came their son, Ben Solo, one of the most interesting and compelling characters in the entire series.
8 Prequels: Obi Wan Kenobi
While we'd already met Obi Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, viewing his journey as Anakin's mentor and best friend made him all the more compelling. Ewan McGregor's performance is mostly to thank, as he infused the character with humor, charm, and warmth. It was fascinating to have a view of the past through a character that had already been introduced. Obi Wan's journey felt true to the character we knew while simultaneously deepening him in really wonderful ways.
7 Originals: Luke And Vader
There's a reason the Darth Vader reveal in The Empire Strikes Back is so iconic, and it isn't just the shock of the revelation that makes it so. Up until that moment, Luke Skywalker's journey was simple. Difficult, yes, but straightforward nonetheless. Vader was the heartless monster who used violence and fear to oppress the galaxy, and he was also the man who killed Luke's father.
Luke was the humble hero who came from nothing and wanted to make the galaxy a better place. That all came crashing down around Luke when he discovered that what Obi Wan told him was true... but only from a certain point of view. The discovery that Vader was his father changed everything; Luke was not the son of a hero killed in cold blood, but the son of the evil he thought he needed to destroy.
6 Prequels: Padmé Amidala
One of the biggest questions fans had going into the prequel trilogy was about who could have possibly fallen in love with Darth Vader. As the series showed us, morality is never as simple or black and white as it seems, and Vader wasn't always a tyrant. Before becoming a Sith Lord, he was Anakin Skywalker, and he loved and was loved by Padmé Amidala.
This is how Padmé came to be involved in the story, but it's far from the only thing that makes her great. She was elected queen of an entire planet at age 14, stuck to her beliefs, and served as a Senator for many years after her term as queen was up. Padmé is inspirational, but she is also deeply human, always leading with love and following her heart.
5 Originals: Luke's Journey
Luke's journey in A New Hope was enough to move millions, and this journey was expanded on and deepened in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and, much later, The Last Jedi. Part of what makes Luke so inspirational is his humble beginning. He's relatable because so many of us know what it's like to be young and yearning for a life beyond your small town. Luke grew up a simple farm boy, and was brought into something much larger than himself. He continued the Jedi Order, and saved the galaxy through compassion and love rather than force.
4 Prequels: The Jedi Order
Part of what makes the prequel era so distinct is that it takes place in a galaxy that looks totally different from the one we saw in the original trilogy. The Republic era is so interesting because while on the surface it looks like everything is great, evil is lurking beneath the surface. It seemed impossible that the Jedi Order, the galaxy's greatest heroes, could fall to one Sith Lord, but their hubris blinded them so much that they refused to see the signs until it was far too late. Seeing the Jedi at the height of their power was really fun and served the story really well.
3 Originals: The Happy Ending
One of the most unique attributes the original trilogy possesses is that it is the only Star Wars trilogy to have a happy ending. Vader sacrifices what's left of his life to save his son, and Luke knows that he was right not to give up on his father. Han and Leia reaffirm their love for each other, and finally get to be together outside of a war. And Lando leads the Rebels to an official victory over the oppressive Empire, resulting in a free galaxy.
2 Prequels: Origins Of The Empire
Aside from Anakin's descent into the dark side, the prequels told a gripping story of how the Empire came to be. Palpatine manipulated the young queen Padmé Amidala into helping him gain more power within the Senate, and then orchestrated a war that would allow him to hold onto that power longer than he should have. He pitted both sides against each other, having sway over the Republic and the Separatists that allowed him to take power and come out on top. It was a cunning plan executed to perfection under the noses of the best and brightest of the galaxy.
1 Originals: Yoda
The Yoda that was featured in the prequels held strength and wisdom that we saw in the original trilogy, but it wasn't until he underwent enormous failure that he truly learned the error of his ways and became the Jedi Master he was in The Empire Strikes Back. On Dagobah, he taught Luke many valuable lessons about inner darkness, meditation, focus, and strength, all while being a very cute puppet.
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