The 16 Most Memorable Planets In The Star Wars Galaxy, Ranked

Seamlessly blending science fiction and interstellar fantasy, "Star Wars" is arguably the definitive space opera franchise. With three different film trilogies, a line of spinoff movies, and a growing number of television series and video games, "Star Wars" has built a bonafide universe for itself. Set long ago in that galaxy far, far away, there are dozens of planets and other celestial bodies. Environmentally distinct and often with their own civilizations, these worlds make up the bulk of "Star Wars" settings, each adding flavor and lore to the universe.

More than just offering universe-building on a galactic scale, each of these worlds plays major roles in the narrative-defining conflicts. The franchise revolves around the Clone Wars in the prequels, the Galactic Civil War in the originals, and the rise of the First Order in the sequels. The planets have huge significance in these battles and their fair share of fans for the variety they bring to the franchise. Here are the 16 most memorable planets in the "Star Wars" galaxy, based on their unique qualities and impact on the lore.

At first glance, Crait seems like a retread of Hoth, with the similarity underscored by both planets featuring enemy walkers attacking entrenched positions. But Crait delivers the best planet-based spectacle in "The Last Jedi" as the First Order corners the Resistance in a disused military installation. This culminates in the Millennium Falcon and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) both buying the Resistance time to evacuate after a failed speeder assault. Crait marks a pivotal moment in the Resistance's survival, and its unique landscape makes for a memorable backdrop, even if we don't see much more of the planet beyond that battle.

Crait's surface is coated by a layer of white salt, covering a deep red soil underneath. The double-layered composition makes for striking visuals, with speeders leaving crimson trails as they make their ill-fated charge. Every blast kicks up a scarlet cloud, and the film's framing of the climactic battle during a sunset highlights how beautiful Crait can be. "The Last Jedi" has some of the franchise's most gorgeous shots, and Crait helps build that visual reputation.

The Clone Wars is the cataclysmic conflict in Palpatine's conspiracy to propel himself as the head of the newly established Empire. Though the seeds of the war are planted years in advance, the actual outbreak of the Clone Wars takes place on the remote planet of Geonosis. Debuting in "Attack of the Clones," the Separatists use Geonosis as their secret headquarters before the Jedi discover it. As the Battle of Geonosis begins, the Jedi are reinforced by a large clone army to combat the Separatists' battle droids.

The highlight of Geonosis is a major set piece that has the Separatists attempting to execute their Jedi prisoners and Senator Amidala in a large arena. With the stands filled with the planet's insectoid native species, the Jedi fight for their lives, first against grotesque monsters and then against the battle droids. While not the most distinct planet introduced in the prequel trilogy, Geonosis carries enormous historical significance as the starting point of the Clone Wars.

Interestingly, Kashyyyk debuted in the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special" as Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) reunites with his family to celebrate Life Day. Considered for "Return of the Jedi," Kashyyyk makes a more well-received appearance in "Revenge of the Sith." In the Clone Wars' final days, Yoda (Frank Oz) leads a contingent of clone troopers to drive out the Separatists. This is immediately followed by the clone troopers turning on the Jedi, as Palpatine enacts Order 66 to wipe them out.

Kashyyyk is an important location in the "Star Wars" universe, if only for it being the Wookiee home planet. Despite the holiday special's dubious reputation, the Wookiee architecture seen in it is largely retained for "Revenge of the Sith." Its "Episode III" appearance opts for a beachfront war set piece, likely to differentiate it from the similarly forested Endor. Subsequent video game depictions of Kashyyyk hew closer to Endor, which is a shame because the planet deserves its own environmental identity.

Yes, this is a moon, but it's deserving of inclusion here given its overall significance. The Rebel Alliance uses Yavin IV as the location for its secret base of operations. Nestled in ancient stone pyramids protruding from the dense forest covering the planet, the rebels are able to quickly launch a defensive strike against the approaching Death Star. Looming in the Yavin IV skyline is Yavin Prime, a red gas giant that helps shield it from the incoming Imperial forces. The Galactic Civil War takes a turning point when the rebels destroy the seemingly impregnable Death Star, a costly defeat for the Empire.

The Battle of Yavin figures so prominently in "Star Wars" lore that it's used as the chronological nexus point in the franchise's in-universe history. Simply put, events are demarcated based on when they occur either before or after Yavin. The planet itself isn't fully explored in "A New Hope," with most scenes on Yavin set within the Rebel Alliance headquarters. With that in mind, its legacy is felt throughout the franchise and offers a visual contrast to the deserts of Tatooine and the sterilized Death Star seen earlier in the film.

After the Jedi Order falls to the Sith, Yoda goes into exile on the swampy world of Dagobah. Decades later, Luke visits the planet to resume his Jedi training under Yoda in "The Empire Strikes Back." Without any traces of civilization, Dagobah is a place where nature is given complete dominion across the entire planet. It also possesses a strong connection to the Force, with a cave providing Luke with visions of his connection to Darth Vader and a possible path to the dark side.

Dagobah is fascinating because of all its unanswered mysteries, including why Yoda chooses it as his hideaway in the first place. There is no in-film explanation for why Luke experiences visions while training in the cave, giving Dagobah a surreal quality. Even harsher planetary conditions like Tatooine and Hoth have visible futuristic settlements and installations. Comparatively, Dagobah is much more primordial and has a dirty grit that the rest of the galaxy seen in the live-action movies lack, though this occasionally obscures the proceedings.

Yes, let's get the big caveat out of the way first: The action on Endor technically takes place on its forest moon and not the planet itself. And yet, Endor plays such a significant role in "Star Wars," specifically "Return of the Jedi," that it absolutely deserves a high position on this ranking. Astronomical debates over what constitutes a planet aside, Endor marks the turning point in the Galactic Civil War, with the second Death Star destroyed and Palpatine killed. The Endor system is later revisited in "The Rise of Skywalker," with Rey recovering a Sith wayfinder from the Death Star's wreckage.

Filmed primarily in Northern California, Endor's vast forests and towering trees make it one of the franchise's most distinct and lush environments. You have to look at Endor in the original trilogy's wider context to really appreciate what it brought to "Star Wars." The preceding movies focused on deserts, icy expanses, and a city in the clouds, whereas Endor is a verdant paradise (Yavin IV's exteriors are only briefly seen). Endor offers a fantastic change in scenery, with sequences like the speeder bike chase weaving through its infinite forest, taking full advantage of the landscape.

Naboo is one of three planets seen in every prequel trilogy installment. The center of a dispute between its local government and the manipulative Trade Federation, the conflict on Naboo kickstarts Palpatine's lengthy conspiracy to propel himself into power. Amidala later takes refuge on the planet, protected by Anakin after assassins target her. Featuring beautiful natural landscapes and classically designed cities, Naboo is an all-around paradise marred by war.

Naboo shows off the stunning technical advancements George Lucas takes full advantage of for the prequels, particularly the underwater Gungan civilization. To capture the regality of Naboo's humans, Lucas uses filming locations in Italy and Spain to underscore the society's opulence. Naboo provides audiences with a reintroduction to "Star Wars," and Lucas makes the planet one of the galaxy's most varied and immersive worlds to facilitate this. Gorgeously realized and a scenic alternative to the overcrowded Coruscant, Naboo largely defines the look and feel of the prequel trilogy.

The only planet seen in every trilogy, appearing in six films, "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and "Obi-Wan Kenobi" is Tatooine. A desert world on the galaxy's Outer Rim, Tatooine is Anakin's birthplace and where Obi-Wan decides to conceal Luke from his villainous father. The planet's biggest crime lord is Jabba the Hutt, with Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) replacing him after Leia kills Jabba. While existing largely outside the Empire and Republic's attention, Tatooine stands as one of the most important planets in the galaxy.

With exteriors filmed in Tunisia, Tatooine is the first planet audiences see in "Star Wars," provided they start with the original trilogy. With its rounded, bleached architecture and iconic species like Jawas and Tusken Raiders, Tatooine embodies the scrappy, diverse spirit at the heart of "Star Wars." The franchise has long recognized this connection, which is why it returns to the planet so often, with Tatooine never really overstaying its welcome. Tatooine always yields something distinct and new with every visit; for a universe as well-explored as "Star Wars," that's no easy feat.