Star Wars: Every movie in the Skywalker Saga, ranked from worst to best

3. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

After 10 years without a Star Wars movie — and the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney — The Force Awakens rebirthed the franchise, with many fans holding their breath and hoping the results would be satisfactory. And that they were, introducing a new era of Star Wars — and get this, one that actually put women and people of color in significant roles — while bringing our former favorites back into the fray as well.

The Force Awakens is incredibly remniscent of A New Hope, but that’s part of the reason it’s such a hit, even for fans who vehemently disliked the installments that followed. Although it doesn’t take the risks that The Last Jedi did, The Force Awakens has a bit of everything that makes a Star Wars movie successful: humor, action, and emotion.

The dynamic between Rey and Finn is also undeniably one of the best in the franchise, and this pairing probably spends the most time together in The Force Awakens. There’s also just something so energizing about their introductions — and the beginning of the newest trilogy’s storylines in general — that makes The Force Awakens such an enjoyable viewing experience.

The action sequences in this trilogy are no doubt made better by Rey’s ability to wield a lightsaber — and the Force — but the beginning of her journey remains one of the best parts, even if she’s nowhere near being a Jedi at this point.

Also, we’re still crying over Han Solo’s final moments onscreen. Bonus points for that.