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Love them or hate them, the star Wars Prequels introduced and re-imagined dozens of unique characters, exotic races, and iconic personalities. Sure, a few of them had questionable dialogue with rough execution, but those dry lines have become part of who these characters are and what they stand for. So, any of those star Wars Mythology stands above all the rest as the best of the best (from the prequels)?
Before moving on to the list, you should define the term “best” and other ground rules. “Best” is simply a cumulative measure of a character’s skill, appearance, personality, growth, and overall impact on the story (in this case, star Wars epic prequel). These scales can vary in score from one to the next, but add up to a grand total that is mostly subjective, with some significant objectivity sprinkled in. What does all this mean? In the end, it simply means that this list is opinion backed by fact and prejudice.
The second note of importance is that this list does not take into account any external media that occur during star Wars prequel timeline. This means that there are no profiles or events from Clone WarsAnd Clone WarsAnd My grandfather’s tales, etc., (comics or novels will not be included either). The inclusion of such projects would radically change this list, and invite the writing of a separate article entirely.
Keeping these terms in mind, here is a list of the top 10 star Wars Ranked prequel characters.
10 Django Fett
Jango Fett clearly ticks all the boxes under the “looking cool” category, and might just be the “best dressed” character of all star Wars long story. Unfortunately for Jango, his glaring lack of screen time and ineptitude at his craft (what killer would hire another hitman to kill someone?) don’t get him many points elsewhere, which places him lower on this list.
However, Fett has an extra (huge) plot piece dedicated to him, giving the bounty hunter access to this Order #10 – Jango Fett is the “father” of all the Kaminoan clone troopers, including the likes of icons like Commander Cody and Boba Fett. Effectively, without Django, there is no Republic’s clone army (or would have been made from the DNA of a lesser being).
9 Qui-Gon Jinn
in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom MenaceQui-Gon Jinn makes the worst bet in podracing and star Wars History, a bet that ends with securing Anakin Skywalker’s freedom and determining the young boy’s path to becoming Darth Vader. Was the jinn aware of what he had done with the matter of the Jedi, the Republic and the Galaxy? of course not. Would Anakin have fallen to the Dark Side if Qui-Gon hadn’t been killed by Darth Maul? This is up for debate, but his ignorance of Skywalker’s shady future doesn’t give him much of an edge to rank higher on this list.
However, Qui-Gon’s place at number 9 is due to his defiance of tradition and council (yes, the same one that caused him to free Anakin). He was not put here for being a rebellious Jedi and decision-maker, but rather because of his strong will and giving sense of self imaginary danger A character desperately needed to counteract the robotic and emotional nature of the rest of its characters (except for Jar Jar Binks, of course).
8 Yoda
Master Yoda ranked eighth? How is this possible? He is supposed to be the wisest of the wise and the greatest of the greats? Actually, that’s the problem with Yoda in the prequels – he’s just not cool.
Originally star Wars trilogy, Yoda may have given Luke Skywalker some of the best advice and memorable quotes in cinematic history, but, within the excerpt, outside of explaining to Anakin (and audiences) that fear ultimately leads to the dark side, Yoda doesn’t really do much. But fall in love with Darth Sidious’ plot, push the Jedi’s fanatical agenda, and fail to see that Anakin is in dire need of mental help. He even draws each of the lightsaber duels he participates in (against opponents defeated by other members of this list).
Yes, he has excellent control of the Force and has overseen the training of many powerful “peacekeepers”, but CGI Yoda definitely doesn’t live up to the high bar he sets for himself in The empire strikes.
7 Darth Tyrannos / Count Dooku
The betrayal of Count Dooku, a former Jedi Master and apprentice of Yoda, has an enormous impact on the pre- and post-trilogy. Dooku shows the audience that even Master Yoda is vulnerable to having traitorous disciples, and he also presents himself as a harbinger and rival of Anakin Skywalker’s fate and that of the “Chosen One”.
Dooku also wears his best, and the distinctive bend of his lightsaber complements his silk robe (which has a stunning chain to tie the ends). Unfortunately for Darth Tyrannos, his lack of screen time, though not as short as the likes of Darth Maul, Jango Fett, and General Grievous, saw him drop to number eight.
6 R2-D2
This astronomical little droid will be easy to pair with his gold-armored protocol friend, C-3PO. However, R2-D2 is a surefire, capable, mechanized warrior who can work on a solo mission efficiently. 3PO is effectively useless and, for the most part, unimpressive, comedic relief (this isn’t to say C-3PO is a bad character, but he doesn’t deserve this list). R2 saves heroes in every prequel at least once, and is always there when needed most. What limits the robot’s ability to rank higher on the list is Arto’s status as a highly-featured pet.
5 Padme Amidala
Padme Amidala is arguably the most accomplished female character worldwide star Wars films. She was the former Queen of Naboo, a former Senator for Naboo, and a decorated leader for the Republic’s plight against the Separatists and the war. She also has a sense of style unlike any other in the galaxy, and one of the coolest gunslingers in cinema.
She’s portrayed as a strong and dignified leader with a moral compass and an unwavering sense of justice, and even manages to keep her cool in the midst of war and the late twins’ pregnancy, somehow managing to deal with Anakin’s very childish Skywalker all along. Its biggest drawback? Being completely blind to Anakin’s instability and not caring enough about the people of Tusken.
4 Anakin Skywalker
Anakin Skywalker may not know how to flirt with women or know what “patience” means, but he certainly knows how to fight (and looks good doing it). Although he is often portrayed as rash, childish, and outdated, he is the main character of the pre-trilogy and his importance cannot be underestimated. The Rise and Fall of Anakin is a powerful and engaging tale that gives the trilogy the introduction of soul that so many of its die-hard fans love. Seeing a man betray everything he loves in the name of power, lies, and terrible circumstances should be enough to turn CGI and script haters on.
3 Mace Windu
Mace Windu is without a doubt the absolute badass inside star Wars being. Is he also a gruff, closed-minded, horrible jerk to Anakin? definitely. But Windu (in fair fights) is so undefeated that he takes number one (spoiler alert) and 10 on this list! His purple lightsaber is a distinct addition to the simple Jedi vaults seen in the prequels, and his presence would clearly have been noticed by anyone in the same room as the Jedi Master.
His greatest flaw is his fierce devotion to the flawed Jedi Code, and his attitude towards Anakin Skywalker is a major contributor to the many years of turmoil in the star Wars being.
2 Obi-Wan Kenobi
What a pain this poor man is no He had to put up with it his whole life? Obi-Wan Kenobi witnessed the loss of his closest friend and master, Qui-Gon Jinn, at the hands of the evil Darth Maul. Even before his death, Jin was set to replace Obi-Wan with Anakin Skywalker as the next Padawan Learner, which had to sting a bit for Kenobi, who was then condemned to take Anakin as a Padawan of his own.
After spending years with Anakin, developing a father-son relationship, and then a brother-brother relationship, Skywalker betrayed the Jedi Order, causing the deaths of virtually all of Kenobi’s remaining friends and allies, forcing him to face Anakin again, but in a lose-lose duel this time (and that It’s all only in the prequels…). His iconic character development, portrayal, and actions place Obi-Wan on a higher level than previous characters, and he would be number one otherwise.
1 Darth Sidious / Chancellor Palpatine
Darth Sidious, AKA Palpatine’s advisor, AKA Emperor Palpatine was the perfect villain for George Lucas’ Star Wars trilogy (sorry, sequel, fresh blood was desperately needed). Palpatine is campy, powerful, menacing, and a good time! A man of high fashion himself, the cunning Sith Lord stuck to his epic plan and executed it perfectly, and he actually won!
One man was able to manipulate two sides of an intergalactic war, culminating in the destruction of his greatest foe and his rise to become Galactic Emperor. He is the ultimate puppeteer, and a tough one to top.
