The sequel trilogy is arguably the most debated part of the movie franchise among fans. Although there was initial excitement – and many people liked Episode VII – The Force Awakens – the following two films disappointed a lot of viewers. While opinions haven’t improved much over time, the sequels are actually better than they’re often given credit for.
The Star Wars sequels weren’t perfect – different directors had conflicting ideas which resulted in a somewhat disjointed story. However, they are still fun movies and deserve credit for their strengths. They feature exciting action and introduced some memorable new characters.
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Had a Strong Start
While Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is generally considered the least successful film in the sequel trilogy, some feel it diminishes the quality of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. However, this view overlooks how well those earlier films handled a difficult challenge.
While The Force Awakens follows a similar story structure to the original Star Wars (Episode IV – A New Hope), it successfully launched a fresh chapter for the franchise. The film updated audiences on what had happened in the galaxy 30 years after Return of the Jedi, and it featured a mostly new group of characters. Above all, it made viewers care about what happened next.
The Last Jedi continued the story’s energy and wasn’t afraid to take risks. While choices made about Luke Skywalker proved divisive, the film deserves credit for being original. In fact, despite some of those ideas later being changed in The Rise of Skywalker, many consider The Last Jedi to be the best movie in the trilogy.
Modern Effects and Dazzling Fight Scenes Enhance the Sequel Trilogy
The Star Wars sequel trilogy definitely excelled at creating a visually impressive galaxy. The combination of computer-generated imagery and practical effects still looks great today, giving the films vibrant worlds and memorable new creatures and robots. While fans may have some complaints, most agree these movies are the most visually stunning in the entire Skywalker Saga.
The sequel trilogy also delivers plenty of exciting action, including intense fights and chases. From Rey and Finn’s daring escape from Jakku in The Force Awakens to the climactic showdown with multiple versions of themselves in The Rise of Skywalker, there’s always something happening to grab your attention. While it doesn’t solve all the trilogy’s problems, the action certainly makes it an enjoyable watch.
The Original Trilogy Stars Bring Just the Right Amount of Nostalgia
Although the sequel trilogy sometimes relies too much on familiar elements from the original films, this doesn’t apply to its returning heroes – Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo. It feels natural to see them back, each guiding a new character in their own unique style. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford deliver fantastic performances in these scenes.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy fulfills Harrison Ford’s long-held desire for his character, Han Solo, to die – tragically at the hands of his own son, Kylo Ren. This scene is incredibly moving, and its echo when Kylo Ren finds redemption in The Rise of Skywalker is one of the film’s most powerful moments. Even though it’s controversial, the storyline is also undeniably captivating.
It was wonderful to see Leia leading the Resistance again and learn that Luke had trained her as a Jedi. Carrie Fisher’s death makes these scenes especially poignant, and it would have been lovely if she’d had an even bigger role in The Rise of Skywalker. Still, fans will appreciate the moments we do get with her character.
The Sequel Trilogy Restores the Force’s Mysticism
A particularly compelling part of The Last Jedi is how it revisits the concept of the Force. Beyond the spectacular displays of power, the film delves into the deeper, more philosophical meaning of the Force. It highlights the importance of balance and how everything is connected through it, giving this Star Wars installment a more spiritual feel than previous films.
The sequel trilogy also features some really impressive displays of Force powers, such as Kylo Ren stopping a blaster shot in The Force Awakens. The idea of a Force dyad is a creative way to link Rey and Kylo Ren, and their resulting connection provides a lot of tension and drama in the final two films.
The Skywalker Saga’s Newest Heroes and Villains Are Great Additions
While opinions on the new characters introduced in the Star Wars sequels are mixed, each one – Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron – has gained a dedicated following. A particularly satisfying moment in The Rise of Skywalker was seeing them team up, and even those who disagreed with their character arcs acknowledge they were compelling enough to generate strong reactions from viewers.
Kylo Ren is a divisive character, but many viewers were deeply invested in his journey. His difficult past and internal conflict between good and evil resonated with audiences, and his unpredictable behavior kept them engaged. Whether you enjoyed it or not, the way his connection with Rey developed was undeniably compelling.
The sequel trilogy also featured some compelling supporting characters. While Snoke was revealed to be a clone of Palpatine, the mystery surrounding his beginnings is interesting, and Captain Hux proved to be an unexpectedly enjoyable villain. Both Maz Kanata, with her enigmatic nature, and the energetic Rose Tico were captivating heroes, even though they could have been featured more prominently.
2026-07-20 05:24