Since its emergence in 1977, Star Wars has been one of the most iconic franchises in Hollywood. Thousands of beloved Star Wars characters have graced the big screen, and some of the most recognizable figures in cinema are from a galaxy far, far away. Being the connoisseur that I am, I have decided to investigate by asking the Mount Michael community who their favorite characters are. 

Honorable mentions include: The Ewoks, Boba Fett, Grogu (Baby Yoda), and Padme Amidala. 

10. Just squeaking in at the number 10 spot is the clumsy Gungan himself, Jar Jar Binks. Appearing only in episodes 1-3, Jar Jar was known for his ungainliness and stupidity, which led to him getting banished from his aquatic village. Despite this, he found a way to become a Senator in the Galactic Republic as a representative of his home planet, Naboo. Jar Jar has been a controversial character throughout the Star Wars community, but the Mount obviously views him as a prominent character. 

T-8. In a tie for eighth place, R2-D2, an astromech droid built by the Galactic Republic, comes in next on the list. The crafty, witty R2 has been very clutch for a variety of masters. Whether fixing the Naboo cruiser while under attack from the Trade Federation, or controlling the elevator in General Grievous’ gunship for Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2 always seems to be the unsung hero. He and his companion, C-3PO, make an unstoppable duo that appear in all the nine main films. 

T-8. Tying R2 in the eighth spot is Mace Windu. Played by the legend himself, Samuel L. Jackson, Mace Windu is the Chief Master of the Jedi Council. Windu is the only character in the entirety of the nine main movies that possesses a purple lightsaber. He was eventually murdered by both Anakin Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine during the events of Order 66. 

7. The cunning and cocky smuggler from Corellia, Han Solo, has one of the most tremendous personalities in the franchise. He is the pilot of the fastest ship in the galaxy, the Millenium Falcon, known for making the Kessel run in twelve parsecs. Starring in his own movie, “Solo, we learn that Han saved his pal Chewbacca from the Empire. 

6. Although only appearing in “The Phantom Menace” and the hit TV series “The Clone Wars,” Darth Maul quickly became a fan favorite. A man of few words, Maul was the apprentice of Darth Sidious, and eventually killed Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn. Despite getting the bottom half of his body slashed by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Maul survived. He later appeared in the “Clone Wars” along with his brother, Savage Opress. 

5. Standing at a whopping 2’2, Yoda was the Grand Master of the Jedi Council. After the events of Order 66 and losing in a duel to Darth Sidious, he was forced into isolation on the swamp planet of Dagobah. Yoda is known for his iconic statements of wisdom that include, “Do, or do not, there is no try” and “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” Yoda is without a doubt the most judicious and experienced Jedi in the galaxy. 

T-3. Known for staring off into the sunset and for his luscious locks, Luke Skywalker comes in a tie for third place. Son of Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader), he is the Jedi prodigy the galaxy needed. After his mother, Padme Amidala, died giving birth to him and his sister, Princess Leia, Luke was sent to his aunt and uncle on Tatooine. Growing up as a moisture farmer, Luke wanted something more. With the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and an assortment of others, Luke became a Jedi Knight and saved the galaxy from the sinister Emperor Palpatine. 

T-3. Coming in a tie at the number three selection we have the Kashyyyk native, Chewbacca, a Wookie, previously mentioned to be Han Solo’s co-pilot of the Millenium Falcon. At a mesmerizing 7’5”, Chewie is a force to be reckoned with. He will tear your arm out of its socket if you pester him. After the gruesome events of Order 66 and the slaughtering of hundreds of Wookies, he was seized by the Empire. Chewie was later saved by Han Solo and became a dynamic duo that helped save the galaxy. 

2. Obi-Wan Kenobi is a prominent character in Star Wars lore, training both Anakin and Luke Skywalker. He received his own TV series, Kenobi, this past May, as we saw the life of Obi-Wan after the Empire takes over, and his encounter with a young Princess Leia and his former apprentice, Darth Vader. Kenobi played a critical role in the Clone Wars defeating cyborg General Grievous. In this skirmish, he delivered one of the most iconic lines ever uttered, “Hello there.” 

1. Unsurprisingly, topping off the list is Darth Vader, almost doubling all other competitors in votes. After being converted to the dark side by Darth Sidious, Anakin Skywalker turned into “Darth Vader”, becoming the most feared being in the galaxy. Vader was renowned for his sinister breathing and sleek, black helmet. He defeated his former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in a duel in the Death Star, and cut the hand off his son, Luke Skywalker. However, he eventually died saving Luke from his former master, Darth Sidious.