Top 10 Smartest Decisions in Star Wars
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the cleverest choices made in the franchise set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Do you think there’s a decision that’s even smarter than that? Let us know in the comments.
#10: Entrusting the Death Star Plans to Artoo
“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
This moment set the entire Original Trilogy in motion. After receiving the stolen Death Star plans, Leia heads to Tatooine to ask Obi-Wan for help. But when her ship is seized by Darth Vader, she's given no choice but to hand the plans over to R2-D2. Trusting the fate of the galaxy to a little droid is a big risk. But her gamble paid off in the end. Not only did Artoo complete his mission, but he also inadvertently got Luke Skywalker to begin his journey to becoming a Jedi. And we all know why that had to happen.
#9: Freeing Poe
“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015)
Trained by the First Order since childhood, FN-2187 was once considered a model Stormtrooper. However, his faith is shaken during the Massacre of Jakku. His reluctance to fire is noticed, putting his loyalty to the First Order into doubt. So he makes the courageous decision to desert - leaving the only home and family he knows. Realizing that this will be no easy feat, he enlists the help of imprisoned Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, who dubs him “Finn”. It’s a risky move, but Dameron’s piloting skills prove crucial to their escape.
#8: Letting Kallus Contact the Rebellion
“Star Wars Rebels” (2014-18)
When Thrawn made his debut in canon, fans hoped to see his tactical mind done justice on the small screen. And he didn't disappoint. On the hunt for a Rebel spy, Thrawn identifies the mole as agent Kallus, just from the design painted on a helmet. Instead of arresting him, Thrawn plays the long game and tricks Kallus into contacting the Rebellion. As the warning message transmits, Thrawn traces it to the hidden Rebel base. His subsequent attack on Attolon cost the Rebel Alliance lives and resources. This just proves that if anyone’s deserving of the Grand Admiral title, it’s Thrawn.
#7: Luke’s Force Projection
Top 10 Luke Skywalker Moments
“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” (2017)
The Sequel Trilogy saw Luke having undergone a serious loss of faith - in the idea of a Jedi Order and himself. But his return certainly made an impact. At the end of “The Last Jedi”, the Resistance is left without allies or hope of survival. That's when Luke arrives to hold off the First Order and his former student. Embracing the role of legendary Jedi Master, he distracts Kylo Ren long enough for his friends to escape. He may not have been there in person, but he saved the Resistance from annihilation. More importantly, Luke's sacrifice reignited hope when all seemed lost.
#6: Leaking Information to the Rebellion
“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)
With a second Death Star menacing the galaxy, the Rebellion devises a cunning plan: sneak past the Imperial fleet using older clearance codes, disable the deflector shield that protects the Death Star, and destroy it! At least, it seems like a cunning plan … In a twist, the Emperor has been escaping them - and the Death Star II is fully operational! It turns out, the Emperor leaked intel to the Rebellion so that they’d walk into a trap! The Rebel fleet is ambushed, and so is its ground team. Fortunately, Palpatine didn’t predict just how effective the Ewoks would be.
#5: Short-Circuiting the Prison
Top 10 Performances of Royals That Were Short But Iconic
“Andor” (2022-)
With electrified floors, armed guards, and an unreachable exit, the Imperial prison complex on Narkina 5 seems impossible to escape. But when Cassian Andor and the other inmates realize they’ll never be released, they plan a breakout. The prison doubles as a factory, and Andor uses a wrench to burst open a water pipe. He also jams the lift leading to the control room halfway. The water from the pipe short-circuits the electrified floor, and the lift allows the inmates to climb up to the control room. Sadly a lot of the inmates don’t make it out. But given the circumstances, it was better to try than do nothing at all.
#4: Distracting Vader
Top 10 Most Distracting Movie Cameos
“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
Had Obi-Wan not been struck down, “A New Hope” would have probably ended very differently. As our heroes prepare to board the Falcon, Luke spots Darth Vader fighting his beloved mentor. Obi-Wan knows that Luke would just get captured trying to save him. So he removes himself from the equation. The distraction allows Luke to escape, and leads to Obi-Wan becoming even more powerful. At the climax of the film, Obi-Wan reaches out and inspires Luke to destroy the Death Star. Even from beyond the grave, he helped save the galaxy.
#3: Using the Purrgil to Transport Thrawn Away
Top 10 Dumbest Decisions by Star Wars Characters
“Star Wars Rebels” (2014-18)
Grand Admiral Thrawn is a genius in the art of war. But when it comes to Jedi, he often underestimates his opponents. Nowhere is this more evident than in his confrontation with Ezra Bridger on Lothal in the “Star Wars Rebels” series finale. Surrendering to Thrawn, Ezra is brought on board the flagship of Thrawn’s fleet, the Chimaera. Thinking he’s won, Thrawn is shocked to realize that Ezra has summoned the Purrgil - sentient star whales - down from space. The Purrgil take hold of the Chimaera and transport them both out of the galaxy. We can’t blame Thrawn for not seeing that one coming! The move saves Ezra’s homeplanet, and takes Thrawn out of the war.
#2: Turning Anakin to the Dark Side
Top 10 Most Relatable Turning Red Moments
The “Star Wars” Prequel Trilogy
From the very beginning, Sheev Palpatine was at work behind the scenes, orchestrating all the major events of the Prequel Trilogy. His machinations lead to the Clone Wars, and win him the position of Supreme Chancellor. But to maintain his nascent Empire, he needs a strong apprentice. And who better than the Chosen One himself, Anakin Skywalker? By manipulating Anakin into joining the Sith, Palpatine ensured the eradication of the Jedi. Sure, Darth Maul and Count Dooku were skilled apprentices. But neither held a candle to Anakin. It was a wise choice that spelled doom for the galaxy.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Keeping a Decoy, The “Star Wars” Prequel Trilogy
The Loyal Handmaidens Served Their Queen Loyally
Uniting the Tribes of Mandalore, “The Mandalorian” (2019-)
The Children of the Watch & the Nite Owls Finally Take Back Their Planet
Teaming Up with the Ewoks, “Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)
C-3PO Builds an Unexpected Alliance that Helps Defeat the Empire
Hiding on a Star Destroyer, “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
The Falcon Crew Hides Right Under the Empire’s Nose
Diving Into the Garbage Chute, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
A Terrible Rescue Attempt Salvaged by a Princess
#1: Designing the Death Star with a Fatal Flaw
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)
We used to think that the Death Star’s exposed thermal exhaust port was just a huge oversight. But it turns out that it was deliberately designed that way by reluctant Death Star architect Galen Erso. As he was forced to help build the battle station, he realized that he could also ensure its destruction - by sabotaging the project from within. So he had the Death Star built with a thermal exhaust port that led down to its reactor. Mind you, this didn’t make it easy to destroy. The surface was covered in turbolasers and cannons. And only a precise hit would blow it up! But it did give the Rebellion a chance! And without that decision, the galaxy would have turned out a very different place!
