Few franchises in cinematic history know how to build anticipation quite like Star Wars. For nearly five decades, Lucasfilm has perfected the art of the movie trailer — transforming short glimpses of a galaxy far, far away into full-blown cultural events.

From vintage teasers that first introduced the Force to the world, to modern previews reigniting fan excitement for new trilogies, Star Wars trailers have consistently shaped pop culture and set new standards in movie marketing. Here’s a look back at the ten most iconic Star Wars trailers, ranked from great to absolutely unforgettable.

1. Star Wars: A New Hope (Teaser, 1977)

The trailer that started it all. With grainy visuals of starships and mysterious space battles, this vintage teaser promised “a spectacle light-years ahead of its time.”

Having no pre-existing fanbase to lean on, it relied purely on intrigue and imagination — selling the dream of an unexplored galaxy. Decades later, it’s remembered as the origin of modern blockbuster marketing, and the moment Star Wars truly began its rise to legend.

2. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Teaser, 2022)

After 17 long years, Ewan McGregor’s return as Obi-Wan Kenobi became a massive event for fans. The teaser’s perfect blend of Duel of the Fates and Battle of the Heroes struck nostalgia gold — and just when viewers thought it couldn’t get better, the faint sound of Darth Vader’s breathing closed the trailer.

It was more than a teaser — it was a promise: the prequels and the original trilogy were finally connecting.

3. The Clone Wars (Final Season Trailer, 2020)

After years of uncertainty, The Clone Wars’ return was a moment of triumph. The trailer opened with haunting shots of clone helmets and echoes of past dialogue, signaling the long-awaited conclusion to the beloved animated saga.

This wasn’t just another season — it was closure for fans who had grown up with these characters. A powerful farewell to an era that defined a generation.

4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Teaser, 2016)

Tense. Raw. Gritty. The first Rogue One teaser was a masterclass in atmosphere. Using only the sound of the Death Star’s alarms instead of music, it delivered a sense of dread and urgency that immediately set it apart.

With no Jedi or lightsabers in sight, Rogue One proved that Star Wars could thrive beyond the Skywalker saga — focusing instead on sacrifice, rebellion, and the true cost of hope.

5. The Mandalorian (Season 1 Trailer, 2019)

When The Mandalorian’s first trailer dropped, fans didn’t know what to expect from live-action Star Wars TV. What they got was pure gold: stormtrooper helmets on spikes, Western-inspired tone, and a mysterious masked antihero played by Pedro Pascal.

This was the start of a new chapter for Star Wars storytelling — one that would soon define modern fandom and spawn its own cinematic future.

6. The Phantom Menace (Trailer, 1998)

For longtime fans, this was the trailer of a lifetime. After 16 years without a Star Wars movie, the prequel’s trailer exploded into pop culture. New Jedi. Podraces. A double-bladed lightsaber. The return of John Williams’ score.

The hype was so immense that audiences reportedly bought tickets to Meet Joe Black just to see this trailer — and left the theater immediately afterward. That’s the power of Star Wars.

7. The Force Awakens (Teaser #1, 2014)

When the first teaser for The Force Awakens hit in 2014, it reignited the Star Wars fire for an entirely new generation. After a decade-long wait, fans were gifted a nostalgic yet fresh return to the galaxy they loved.

The brief footage of stormtroopers, desert landscapes, and the Millennium Falcon soaring once again — all backed by John Williams’ music — was a perfect blend of past and future.

8. Battlefront II (Official Gameplay Trailer, 2017)

Even though the game had a rocky launch, the Battlefront II trailer remains one of the most cinematic Star Wars experiences ever crafted.

Featuring breathtaking battles across all eras — from Clone Troopers to the First Order — and set to a stunning remix of Duel of the Fates, this trailer perfectly captured the scale and spectacle of the entire saga.

It’s impossible to watch without wanting to jump right back into the fight.

9. The Force Awakens (Teaser #2, 2015)

If the first teaser reignited excitement, the second one made fans emotional. Featuring Luke Skywalker’s voice — “The Force is strong in my family…” — it bridged generations with one unforgettable moment.

The final shot of Han Solo saying “Chewie, we’re home” became an instant cinematic memory. It wasn’t just a trailer; it was a heartfelt reunion.

10. Revenge of the Sith (Teaser #1, 2004)

Dark. Operatic. Tragic. The Revenge of the Sith teaser remains the pinnacle of Star Wars trailer-making.

Narrated by Alec Guinness’ Obi-Wan Kenobi, the teaser promised the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader — the tragic event that would define an entire saga.

It was chilling, powerful, and perfectly emotional — the ultimate prelude to one of Star Wars’ darkest chapters.

For over 40 years, Star Wars trailers have done more than just sell movies — they’ve created moments in pop culture history. Whether you grew up with Luke Skywalker, Rey, or Din Djarin, there’s one thing every fan can agree on: when a Star Wars trailer drops, the world stops to watch.