What is the best Star Wars movie?

The original - a New Hope. If it weren't for that movie, we wouldn't be sitting here even thinking about star wars. It changed the science fiction film genre, it stands the test of time as it explores classic literary themes and archetypes, etc as well. Special effects were like what no one had seen before as well. I think if you are not thinking of the whole series, but are thinking what is the best film in the context of character development, and drama and just plain good filmaking - that would be Empire. Star Wars was really exposition in comparison and it introduced you to the characters, but like in the 2nd act of a play, that is where the characters are really fleshed out - their relationships and their motivation. some people thought "star wars" was a kids movie when it originally came out but perhaps under the guidance of Lawrence Kasdan's script, the second film was more than an exercised of classical themes, but more of a character study (though some critics dismissed Yoda as a "muppet"). I think of the newer films, the last one was the one that is the most worthwhile. The first film was a disappointment to me as I thought the actor direction was poor. Natalie Portman can do better and lets not even go there on young Anakin.

By far, Episode III! It has the best effects, best fight scenes, best plot, everything! I also think Lucas did a very good job of tying up all the loose ends between the two trilogies. It explained a lot!!! For those who already haven't, I would recomend watching all the movies again, starting with I and going through the saga to VI. You pick up a lot when going in order this way.

My answer won't be as detailed as the first response, but I've been watching Star Wars since I was 3(my uncle took my cousin & I to see it), and I can say the first is the best. It's more known as Episode IV, but I call it the first one. It's my favorite because it has never failed to capture my attention. It introduces the best characters. Chewbacca, Jawas, Hammerhead, Greedo, Boba Fett, and my all time favorite hero- Han Solo. It has crappy graphics to keep our heads into the realism, instead of graphics that are so unbelievable it constantly reminds you you're watching a movie. Does that make sense? Empire runs a close second. That would be partly due to Hoth. I really want a Tauntaun. I wouldn't mind jammin' to the mall in my new AT-AT, either. They cover alot of ground, but they don't seem to move very fast. Road Rage would not be a problem anymore!! Empire also brings the allmighty Yoda into the picture, so that's a big plus. The movie is like someone opening the heavy drapes and letting tons of sunlight into a huge room. Things become very clear. Obviously Jedi brings it together and puts a big bow on the whole saga. I was content almost my entire life with just the 3 movies. I was only bothered slightly by the episode thing. 4, 5, & 6? I always wondered why it wasn't 1, 2, & 3. I didn't wonder where anyone came from, they pretty much covered that in the originals, why did we have to go and cover all the history. Needless to say, I was thoroughly disappointed when Episodes 1, 2, & 3 came out and I wasn't impressed with the fact that they look like they should have happened AFTER Jedi. But that's just my pet peeve. See? Not as detailed as the first response, but full of blah, blah, blah.

I like the original Star Wars(New Hope). This just came along at the right time at was unlike anything we had ever seen in SciFi cinema. It was odd but there just seemed to be something in the air/culture that made this the perfect movie at that time.