- Hayden Christensen, known for playing Anakin Skywalker, revealed his favorite Star Wars films at Fan Expo Chicago.
- He named The Empire Strikes Back as his all-time favorite movie in the franchise.
- Christensen crowned Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as the best film from the Disney era.
- The actor specifically praised Rogue One for its portrayal of his iconic character, Darth Vader.
Christensen Shares His Ultimate Ranking
Hayden Christensen, the actor who brought Anakin Skywalker to life in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, has weighed in on the long-running debate over the best film in the galaxy far, far away. During an appearance at Fan Expo Chicago, Christensen shared his personal favorites, giving a nod to both a classic original and a modern installment.
When asked to pick the ultimate best, Christensen sided with a popular fan choice, naming The Empire Strikes Back as his top pick. The 1980 film is often hailed by critics and fans alike for its darker tone, complex character development, and shocking plot twist.
Crowning Disney’s Best Star Wars Movie
While his love for the originals is clear, Christensen also offered high praise for Disney’s contributions to the franchise. He singled out 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as his favorite among the newer films.
“I love Rogue One,” Christensen explained. “I thought that really kind of captures the essence of what Star Wars is meant to be.”
Praise for Darth Vader’s Portrayal
For Christensen, a key element of the film’s success was its handling of his own legendary character, Darth Vader. The prequel actor, who has since reprised his role in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, was impressed by how the Sith Lord was depicted in the standalone movie.
“I loved how they portrayed Darth Vader,” he added, referring to the film’s memorable and intimidating scenes featuring the character, particularly the now-iconic hallway sequence at the film’s conclusion. His endorsement carries significant weight, given his deep connection to the character’s journey from Jedi Knight to feared villain.