My favorite Star Wars film is one of the worst-rated in the franchise, but I can't get enough of it

Although there are now many different Star Wars movies to choose from in terms of favorites, my heart set on one of the lowest-rated films in the franchise, and I'm not ashamed of the fact that I continue to thoroughly enjoy it to this day. As iconic, revered, and downright historic as this franchise is, it has certainly struggled to find its footing in terms of official ratings and fan reception over the years. With the original Star Wars trilogy being so inventive at the time, it was difficult for anyone else to Star Wars film to really compare.

This was especially true for the prequel Star Wars trilogy, and I was part of the generation that grew up with them as my main Star Wars films. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith It's one of the first films I saw in the cinema and certainly the first one I remember seeing. These films had a resounding impact on me that helped me see through the lens of hate that many others have heaped on this collection. As a result, my favorite film is from this trilogy and it's not what most would expect.

Attack of the Clones is my favorite Star Wars movie

It's my go-to when it's time to rewatch

Although I have different Star Wars movie ratings in terms of which ones I consider to be the best and which ones I personally like best, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones It easily surpasses the latter. A lot of this has to do with the fact that this film arrived right at the time when I literally began to understand the world around me as a very young childand everything around me at that moment was Attack of the Clones-related (congratulations to my father and my older brother). From video games to action figures, I couldn't escape it.

It gave me a very personal attachment Attack of the Clones. I distinctly remember watching the Kamino and Geonosis sequels in particular and loving every second of them. That sweet nostalgia still hits whenever I revisit it. There's something so enchanting about this story for me in particular, where Anakin and Padmé are falling in love while the surrounding galaxy is literally collapsing into chaos – and poor Obi-Wan is stuck at the center of it all.

The fact that Attack of the Clones is one of the lowest rated Star Wars movies makes no difference to me when I sit down to watch this one. When I'm in the mood for one Star Wars movie rather than a TV show, this is the instinctive selection I always make. I don't expect that to change anytime soon – though, as someone whose favorite Star Wars project is The Mandalorianthe TV show's next movie could be a worthy challenger.

Every New Prequel Era Tie-in Makes Everything Even Better

The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch and more

It's a well-known fact now that prequel-era tie-ins like the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show, made films like Attack of the Clones even better in retrospect. Because of my affinity for the Kamino and Geonosis sequels, I was, of course, fascinated and endeared by the clone troopers, which only continued further when these clones were given true names and personalities in The Clone Wars. Star Wars: The Bad Batch continued this legacy in recent years, proving that I'm far from the only one who went through this.

However, it did more than just expand my love for this film and the elements surrounding it. These connections provided fundamental context for things that happen on and off screen in films, Attack of the Clones included. The Clone Wars presented what is now known as one of the best retcons of the Star Wars: The clone troopers' inhibitor chips, which led them to follow Order 66 without any semblance of choice or control. It's linking materials like this that enhanced this story in retrospect, making it Attack of the Clones even more enjoyable now.

What is Star Wars if not pure fun, chaos and a little fear?

It's the true spirit of Star Wars, honestly

Honestly, though, even if those calls hadn't necessarily improved Attack of the ClonesI would still love it – because it is purely Star Wars for me. Even from the very first scenes, which show Obi-Wan jumping through a window and Anakin recklessly piloting a speeder, Attack of the Clones it's essentially non-stop fun and chaotic action. The dynamic between Obi-Wan and Anakin is perfectly hilarious, and its comedic elements balance the harshness between Anakin and Padmé as their romance blossoms. Many consider the latter to be “cringeworthy,” but there is precedent for this type of love story in Star Wars.

Some fans may not want to admit it, but the original Star Wars the trilogy certainly has its fair share of scary moments, even in a romantic sense. The Empire Strikes Back is full of chemistry between Han Solo and Leia Organa, which is displayed when Leia literally kisses her twin brother to make Han jealous in what has now become one of the most cringe-worthy moments in the franchise.. Attack of the Clones it's honestly light work compared to this. Can't a 19-year-old be poetic about the woman he loves?

In all seriousness, there is something so charming about this Attack of the Clones this has really continued to stick with me over the years. It's like revisiting my own childhood every time I put it back on. It may not be the most loved by critics or even by Star Wars fandom, and it certainly has its flaws, but Attack of the Clones it's my favorite Star Wars film regardless – and will continue to be, lest The Mandalorian and Grogu proven in 2026.