Across decades of movies, animated series, novels, and streaming shows, the Star Wars galaxy has given us some of the most unforgettable characters in pop culture. Whether wielding lightsabers or blasters, fighting for peace or power, these 20 legends define the heart, soul, and saga of Star Wars.
1) Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader
2) Han Solo
3) Luke Skywalker
4) Boba Fett
5) Yoda
6) Obi-Wan Kenobi
7) Leia Organa
8) Chewbacca
9) Grogu
10) R2-D2
11) C-3PO
12) Lando Calrissian
13) Din Djarin (The Mandalorian)
14) Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
15) Grand Admiral Thrawn
16) Darth Maul
17) Qui-Gon Jinn
18) Cassian Andor
19) Moff Gideon
20) Ahsoka Tano
1) Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader
The tragic fall and redemption of Anakin Skywalker lies at the very heart of Star Wars. As Darth Vader, he embodied fear and power, but it’s his emotional arc that made him unforgettable. No villain (or hero) looms larger in the galaxy.
Played by: Hayden Christensen / James Earl Jones (voice)
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2) Han Solo
The ultimate space rogue, Han Solo brought swagger, wit, and charm to the Rebellion. His transition from self-serving smuggler to selfless hero gave Star Wars some of its coolest and most heartfelt moments.
Played by: Harrison Ford
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
3) Luke Skywalker
From a farm boy on Tatooine to the galaxy’s last hope, Luke’s journey is the quintessential hero’s arc. His defiance of the Dark Side and belief in redemption gave the saga its spiritual core.
Played by: Mark Hamill
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
4) Boba Fett
Few characters made as big an impression with as little screen time as Boba Fett. The mysterious bounty hunter became a cult favorite whose legend only grew across books, series, and now his own show.
Played by: Jeremy Bulloch / Temuera Morrison
First Appearance: The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
5) Yoda
Small in size but vast in wisdom, Yoda is the ultimate Jedi Master. His teachings shaped generations of Jedi, and his iconic speech patterns and lessons on the Force are legendary.
Voiced by: Frank Oz
First Appearance: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
6) Obi-Wan Kenobi
Wise, calm, and conflicted, Obi-Wan was both warrior and mentor. From training Anakin to watching over Luke, his presence ties together every era of the saga.
Played by: Alec Guinness / Ewan McGregor
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
7) Leia Organa
More than a princess, Leia was a fearless leader and fierce warrior. Her intelligence, diplomacy, and strength made her a Rebel icon—and a symbol of hope.
Played by: Carrie Fisher
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
See Also: Everything You Need To Know About Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars Film
8) Chewbacca
The loyal Wookiee co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca is equal parts muscle and heart. His bond with Han Solo and bravery in battle made him a beloved hero.
Played by: Peter Mayhew / Joonas Suotamo
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
9) Grogu
The breakout star of The Mandalorian, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) captured hearts galaxy-wide with his adorable looks and mysterious Force powers. A modern icon in his own right.
Portrayed by: Puppetry and animatronics (created by Legacy Effects)
First Appearance: The Mandalorian (2019)
10) R2-D2
The plucky astromech who’s seen it all, R2-D2 has saved the day more times than we can count. Loyal, brave, and full of personality—even without words.
Played by: Kenny Baker / Jimmy Vee
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
11) C-3PO
Ever-anxious and ever-loyal, C-3PO is the protocol droid with a golden heart. His comic relief and long-standing friendship with R2-D2 add charm to every adventure.
Played by: Anthony Daniels
First Appearance: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
12) Lando Calrissian
A smooth talker with hidden depth, Lando turned from gambler to Rebel general. His charisma lit up every scene, whether running Cloud City or piloting the Falcon.
Played by: Billy Dee Williams / Donald Glover
First Appearance: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
13) Din Djarin (The Mandalorian)
The stoic bounty hunter with a code of honor, Din Djarin gave the franchise new life. His fatherly bond with Grogu and growth across seasons make him a modern fan favorite.
Played by: Pedro Pascal
First Appearance: The Mandalorian (2019)
See Also: Ryan Gosling to star in the new Star Wars movie?
14) Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
The ultimate puppet master, Palpatine’s rise and reign of terror gave Star Wars its darkest moments. A true Sith strategist, his evil was both subtle and spectacular.
Played by: Ian McDiarmid
First Appearance: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
15) Grand Admiral Thrawn
Brilliant, ruthless, and always ten steps ahead, Thrawn redefined villainy in the Star Wars Expanded Universe and remains a strategic threat like no other.
Played by: Lars Mikkelsen
First Appearance: Heir to the Empire (novel, 1991); Star Wars Rebels (2016)
16) Darth Maul
With a double-bladed lightsaber and menacing silence, Maul made an instant impact. His resurrection in animated series added layers of pain, revenge, and tragedy to his legacy.
Played by: Ray Park / Voiced by Sam Witwer
First Appearance: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
17) Qui-Gon Jinn
A Jedi who followed his own path, Qui-Gon was wise, compassionate, and a believer in destiny. His death set the Skywalker saga in motion, but his presence lingered far beyond.
Played by: Liam Neeson
First Appearance: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
18) Cassian Andor
The gritty Rebel spy who did what others wouldn’t, Cassian embodies the moral complexity of war. His arc in Andor redefined what Star Wars could be.
Played by: Diego Luna
First Appearance: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
19) Moff Gideon
A calculating Imperial with a commanding presence, Gideon brought fresh menace to The Mandalorian. His pursuit of Grogu and Darksaber mastery added rich layers to the post-Empire era.
Played by: Giancarlo Esposito
First Appearance: The Mandalorian (2019)
20) Ahsoka Tano
Once a rebellious Padawan, now a symbol of balance and justice, Ahsoka carved her own path outside Jedi orthodoxy. Her evolution from Clone Wars to live-action legend is nothing short of iconic.
Voiced by: Ashley Eckstein | Played by: Rosario Dawson (live-action)
First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
See Also: Star Wars: The Acolyte: Lee Jung-jae says he was drawn to Qui-Gon Jinn
