20 things in Star Wars that have aged very poorly

Star Wars has been a part of pop culture for decades. It gave us epic battles, memorable characters, and a galaxy full of stories. But not everything from the series has stood the test of time. Some parts feel outdated, and others highlight creative choices that don’t work as well today. While fans still love the franchise, certain moments are harder to ignore now. The computers in Star Wars look like relics from another era. Some character arcs started strong but went nowhere. Other elements rely too much on tired storytelling ideas.

1. Outdated Computer Interfaces

The computers in Star Wars look outdated, with clunky designs and tiny screens surrounded by blinking buttons. Cara Dune’s bulky device in The Mandalorian feels less advanced than today’s tablets, and ship consoles resemble 1980s tech. This design choice was meant to align with the original trilogy’s aesthetic but clashes with the franchise’s futuristic setting. If holographic displays and sleek interfaces had been consistent, it would have reinforced the galaxy’s advanced nature.

2. Jar Jar Binks

Jar Jar Binks was intended to be comedic, but his over-the-top behavior and awkward speech alienated fans. His exaggerated slapstick humor felt outdated, and many saw him as a harmful stereotype. Jar Jar’s forced comic relief clashed with The Phantom Menace’s tone, making him a glaring weak point in the story. A subtler, more thoughtful comedic character could have been better received and contributed meaningfully to the plot.

3. Watto

Watto, the junk dealer from The Phantom Menace, left a problematic impression. His portrayal as a greedy trader with a distinctive accent sparked criticism for perpetuating cultural stereotypes. While Star Wars is known for its diverse alien species, Watto’s depiction felt more offensive than creative. A more nuanced characterization, perhaps showing his motivations or backstory, could have made him a compelling part of Anakin’s journey.

4. The Ewoks

The Ewoks in Return of the Jedi added charm but felt like a mismatch for the story’s climactic battle. Their primitive weapons overpowering the Empire’s advanced technology strained believability. The decision to feature small, toy-like creatures seemed driven by merchandising opportunities rather than storytelling needs. A more formidable species aiding the Rebellion could have heightened the stakes and made the victory more impactful.

5. Leia’s Gold Bikini

Leia’s gold bikini in Return of the Jedi became iconic for the wrong reasons. While it symbolized her enslavement by Jabba the Hutt, it overshadowed her bravery and intelligence. Instead of highlighting her escape as a moment of empowerment, the outfit reduced her to an object of the male gaze in fan culture. A practical costume or weapon for her escape could have emphasized her ingenuity and resilience.

6. Palpatine’s Resurrection

Palpatine’s return in The Rise of Skywalker felt abrupt and lacked explanation. The phrase “Somehow, Palpatine returned” left viewers confused and frustrated. His death in Return of the Jedi symbolized the defeat of tyranny, making this twist feel unearned. There was no setup in the previous films to suggest his survival or plans. A properly built storyline could have made his return impactful and believable.

7. Racially Stereotyped Aliens

Some Star Wars characters, like Nute Gunray and Sebulba, have been criticized for reinforcing racial stereotypes. Nute’s voice and behavior feel reminiscent of harmful caricatures. Sebulba’s exaggerated traits seem to rely on similar outdated ideas. These portrayals are jarring and do not align with the creativity expected in a diverse galaxy. Characters like these could have been designed with more thought and originality.

8. Lack of Diversity

The original trilogy featured a cast that was almost entirely white. This choice feels out of place in a galaxy meant to showcase countless species and cultures. Characters like Lando Calrissian were exceptions rather than the norm. A more inclusive cast could have added richness to the story and made it feel more universal. By failing to include a broader range of representation, Star Wars missed a chance to connect with wider audiences.

9. The Special Editions’ CGI

The special editions of the original trilogy introduced CGI that felt unnecessary and awkward. Scenes like the Mos Eisley additions or Han’s meeting with Jabba stand out in a bad way. The CGI does not blend well with the practical effects, making the updates feel out of place. They might have been appreciated if these changes had been subtle and enhanced the visuals instead of distracting from them.

10. Anakin and Padmé’s Romance

The romance between Anakin and Padmé feels stiff and awkward. Their interactions, like the infamous “I don’t like sand” scene, fail to build believable chemistry. The rushed development of their relationship makes it hard to connect with their love story. A gradual and natural portrayal of their bond could have made Anakin’s turn to the dark side more heartbreaking. Instead, their love story feels forced and unconvincing.

11. Finn’s Wasted Potential

Finn started as a stormtrooper breaking free from the First Order, a backstory filled with potential. His arc hinted at a deep inner conflict and possibly even a connection to the Force. After The Force Awakens, he was reduced to comic relief and side missions with little relevance to the larger story. If Finn’s journey had explored his stormtrooper past or his relationship with the Force, it could have made him a standout character.

12. Rose Tico’s Treatment

Rose Tico played a major role in The Last Jedi, challenging Finn’s worldview and delivering an anti-war message. In The Rise of Skywalker, she was pushed to the sidelines, appearing for just over a minute. This drastic shift felt like a reaction to backlash rather than a natural progression. If Rose had been given a meaningful role, her character could have strengthened the story and added depth. Her removal highlighted poor planning and left a gap in the sequel trilogy’s character development.

13. Lightsaber Duels in the Original Trilogy

The lightsaber fights in the original trilogy are slow and lack complexity. The battle between Obi-Wan and Vader in A New Hope feels more like a cautious duel than a clash of masters. While impactful at the time, these scenes now seem tame compared to the intricate choreography seen in the prequels and newer shows. If the original fights had been more dynamic, they could have set a stronger precedent for future duels. Instead, the action feels restrained, reducing the sense of danger in key moments.

14. Lack of Internal Consistency with "The Force"

The Force has shifted in definition across the Star Wars franchise. In the original trilogy, it was mystical and spiritual. The prequels added a biological element with midi-chlorians, which clashed with earlier portrayals. The sequels introduced Force abilities like healing with little explanation. This inconsistency confuses audiences and weakens the Force’s significance. A clear and consistent approach to how the Force works could have strengthened the saga’s mythology. Instead, it feels like a convenient plot device rather than a well-defined system of power.

15. Mace Windu’s Arrogance

Mace Windu is one of the most powerful Jedi, but his rigid adherence to the Jedi Code and dismissive attitude made him unlikable. In The Clone Wars and the prequels, he treats Anakin with distrust and disdain, which contributes to Anakin’s eventual turn to the dark side. If Mace had been more compassionate or willing to adapt, he could have become a mentor to Anakin instead of pushing him away. His inflexibility reduced his appeal and made the Jedi seem out of touch, weakening their role in the story.

16. Leia Remembering Her Mother

In Return of the Jedi, Leia says she remembers her mother, describing her as “kind, but sad.” This clashes with Revenge of the Sith, where Padmé dies moments after Leia’s birth. This inconsistency creates a plot hole that stands out in hindsight. If Leia’s memory had been explained as a Force ability or reframed in the prequels, it could have deepened her connection to her heritage. Instead, it feels like an oversight that disrupts continuity and weakens one of Leia’s most personal moments in the story.

17. Death Star Rehash

The idea of a giant planet-destroying weapon, first seen in the original Death Star, was used again in The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. Starkiller Base and the Sith fleet felt like uninspired retreads rather than fresh threats. The repetition made these moments less impactful and predictable. Introducing new, creative weapons or challenges could have heightened the stakes and made the sequels more distinctive. Instead, relying on this formula diluted the tension and made the overarching story feel repetitive and less innovative.

18. Midi-chlorians

The Force was originally a mystical energy field connecting all life. The Phantom Menace introduced midi-chlorians as microscopic organisms that quantify Force sensitivity. This biological explanation stripped the Force of its spiritual depth, turning it into a measurable trait. Keeping the Force as an enigmatic concept could have preserved its universality and mystery. The midichlorian explanation alienated some fans and reduced the Force’s sense of wonder, making it feel more like a scientific tool than the unifying, almost mythical energy it was in the original trilogy.

19. Boba Fett’s Anticlimactic Death

Boba Fett became a fan-favorite character due to his mysterious demeanor and cool armor. However, his death in Return of the Jedi was played for laughs, with Han accidentally sending him into the Sarlacc pit. This slapstick ending felt undeserving for a character with so much potential. A more dramatic confrontation, perhaps with Luke or Han, could have cemented Boba’s reputation as a dangerous bounty hunter.

20. Luke Skywalker’s Arc in the Sequels

Luke Skywalker’s transformation from a hopeful hero to a bitter recluse in The Last Jedi felt abrupt and unearned. His decision to abandon the galaxy and cut himself off from the Force contradicted the character’s core traits. A gradual, well-explained descent into isolation, showing the weight of his failures, could have made his arc more relatable. Instead, Luke’s drastic shift alienated many fans, creating a disconnect between his original trilogy legacy and his sequel portrayal.