Just over 45 years ago, in what now feels like a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas released a then unknown space opera: Star Wars. Nearly half a century, nine saga movies, numerous spin-offs and TV shows, and a $4 billion sale to Disney later, Lucas’s science-fiction universe has become a cultural phenomenon, one that is woven into the fabric of society and redefined fandom.
But while the laser swords and spaceships are exciting, Star Wars captured the hearts of millions because of its memorable characters – of which there are many. Whether they’re evil, heroic or somewhere in between (we’re looking at you, Lando), characters from A New Hope to The Mandalorian have inspired devotion, passion and, yes, extreme nerdiness. Even the much maligned prequel trilogy gave us the pluck Princess Amidala (although we’ll never think about sand in the same way ever again).
With more Star Wars TV shows adding to the canon – Obi-Wan Kenobi, the epic Andor and a third season of The Mandalorian among them – what better time to get reacquainted with some of the very best the Star Wars universe has to offer?
Here, in an entirely subjective list compiled by Time Out’s resident Gonk-geek Tom Huddleston and Time Out editors, are the 56 best Star Wars characters in order of greatness.
RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to Star Wars