May the 4th be with you, friends! There’s no better day to count down the greatest women from a galaxy far, far away.

The Star Wars Universe and it’s extended canon boasts a stable of incredible, groundbreaking characters. Included among the Luke Skywalkers, Darth Vaders, and Han Solos are some of the most fierce, intelligent, badass women in all of fiction. Women who lead, women who fight, women who stand up for themselves and for what they feel is good and right. Amanda is going to rank her Top 10 for ya, but this list could be much longer. – Lou Mattiuzzo

AWL: Greetings! Amanda here! Let’s be honest: growing up as both a Star Wars fan and a girl in the 90s was a real struggle. When the boys got to play with their action figures of Lando, Luke, Vader, and Han, I was stuck playing with Leia in her different outfits. Of course, Leia Organa is awesome, brave, and feisty enough to hold her own against the multitude of guys in Star Wars, but as a little girl, I always wanted more ladies to look up to in the Star Wars Universe. Over the years, Lucasfilm has begun to realize that just as many girls as boys enjoy Star Wars and we’ve finally started to get some seriously awesome ladies in the films, TV shows, video games, and even the books.

The Greatest Women from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

10. Jyn Erso

First Appearance: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel

Let’s be honest: Jyn is a total badass who isn’t a Jedi or a princess. Jyn was the daughter of Lyra and Galen Erso and basically became an orphan when Director Krennic came, killed her mother, and stole her father. Raised by Saw Gerrera, she became a child soldier and a criminal in order to survive. A bit rough around the edges, she eventually (some might say begrudgingly) became a pivotal member of the Alliance and led Rogue One (title drop!) to steal the Death Star plans at the Battle of Scarif. Jyn is such an interesting female character in the Star Wars Universe because she isn’t passionate like Leia or even Padme. She is a reluctant hero who has survived by keeping her head down and not fighting back. It’s this transformation in her character that makes her so real and relatable to audiences–both girls and boys, alike.

Read up on the official prequel novel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

9. Padmé Amidala

First Appearance: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

When people think of strong women in the Star Wars Universe, they don’t always think of Padme right away and that makes me sad. She is an outspoken, tenacious young woman with a killer wardrobe. Elected as Queen of Naboo at the tender age of 14, Padme is a powerful politician to be reckoned with. From dealing with the Trade Federation invasion to being one of the leaders of the Galactic Senate, Padme is clever and knows how to fight battles without picking up a blaster and shooting (though she’s pretty good at that too). She remains calm, cool, and collected, even as the galaxy is being ripped apart by the Separatist movement. Of course, all the while she’s working with Senator Palpatine, who we all know is actually some guy called Darth Sidious who might not be all that great. On top of her impressive political career, Padme also manages to win the heart of Anakin Skywalker and gives birth to the two coolest twins in the galaxy: Luke and Leia.

8. Sabine Wren

First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels

Our first non-film lady is here! Sabine is a Mandalorian warrior and a leader during the early years of the Alliance. She’s another one of those interesting characters that wasn’t always a rebel against the Empire. She was actually a cadet at the Imperial Academy of Mandalore and helped the Empire build weapons. After her own weapon was used against her people, Sabine left Mandalore and was branded a traitor. She became a bounty hunter until she was recruited to join the crew of the Ghost. In a way, Sabine is similar to Jyn Erso in the idea that she (at times) is a reluctant hero. She fights against the Empire with no questions asked but when she discovers the Darksaber (an ancient Mandalorian relic), she is reluctant to wield it and become a symbol of hope for the people of Mandalore. But in a time of war, Sabine takes on all the responsibilities thrown at her and she does it with courage and style. Not only is Sabine kind of a pyromaniac, she’s also a pretty talented artist. You might have seen some of her work before: she’s the one that came up with the Alliance symbol we all know and love so much.

7. Maz Kanata

First Appearance: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Who said all these ladies had to be human? Spoiler Alert: they’re definitely not. Maz is one of those interesting characters that has been on the edge of the Star Wars Universe, just out of sight until now. She is force sensitive and lived a life of adventure as she traveled through the galaxy (so much so, she was given the nickname “the pirate queen”). She had such a reputation that even little Anakin has a statue of her in his room in The Phantom Menace (seriously, go watch it!) but when the Jedi were wiped out by Order 66, she hides her Force abilities and settles on Takodana where she continues to help smugglers and traders. Maz has had a hand in many stories in the Star Wars Universe, not just getting Anakin’s lightsaber to Rey. According to recent canon, Ezra Bridger from Rebels hears Maz’s voice while on his mission to a place between time and space. And in Return of the Jedi, Maz helps get Leia into Jabba’s palace to save Han. She may be a bit of a free agent (let’s say chaotic-good) but she’s always got advice and trinkets for our heroes… not to mention Chewie is her “boyfriend” which only adds to her level of awesome.

6. Admiral Amilyn Holdo

First Appearance: Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

I’m going to make some enemies here, but I hated The Last Jedi. There’s no convincing me to love it, however, I did love Admiral Holdo and her purple hair. Holdo is one of those characters that you didn’t really feel was necessary until she actually started getting stuff done and then you realized how much of a badass she is. Holdo knew Leia as they were growing up and was aware of Leia’s involvement in the rebellion against the Empire. At the formation of the First Order, Holdo joined Leia’s Resistance and had control of the Ninka. It wasn’t until the First Order’s attack on the Raddus that Holdo really became a power player. With Leia out of commission, Holdo took over and came up with a plan to save what was left of the Resistance. Not to spoil anything in case you haven’t seen The Last Jedi yet (but it’s been almost six months so serves you right if things get spoiled), but Holdo ends up coming up with a baller plan that really sticks it to General Hux and helps Leia and the others escape to be able to fight another day.

Read about Holdo and Leia’s earliest adventures in Claudia Gray’s Leia: Princess of Alderaan

5. Hera Syndulla

First Appearance: Star Wars: Rebels

Hera is literally the coolest mom figure in all the galaxy. Seriously, no one can compare. Growing up on Ryloth, Hera saw firsthand the destruction of the Empire on her home planet. As she grew up, she became an expert pilot and left her revolutionary father behind and began to build the crew of the Ghost. She brought together Sabine and Ezra, Zeb, and (my favorite droid) Chopper. Hera led the Ghost crew through multiple battles and missions and they were one of the first to join the Rebel Alliance. She’s an incredibly talented pilot who almost always manages to be the one who saves the day. Hera is a bit of a complicated character with her no-nonsense approach but also being very warm and nurturing to the kids on her crew. She is also in a relationship with Jedi Master Kanan–one of the few women in Star Wars to have a relationship (and a good healthy one, too!). Her story goes beyond just Rebels and she’s one character I would not be opposed to seeing in a film one day (*cough*SOLO*cough*).

4. Asajj Ventress

First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Not everyone on this list has to be a hero! If you thought Jyn was a complicated character just take a look at Asajj. She was a slave, a Jedi Padawan, an assassin, a Nightsister, and a bounty hunter… all while being sickeningly awesome. Seriously, this girl has a resume. She’s what someone might call a tortured soul, having to constantly evolve and change in order to survive in the Clone Wars. She bounces back and forth between the dark side and the light, sometimes helping Obi-Wan and Anakin and sometimes stopping them from getting to Dooku. She ends up falling in love with Jedi Master Quinlan Vos and when he turns to the Dark Side, she’s the only one that can bring him back to the light. Looks like our badass Sith assassin has a bit of a soft side.

The Box Set of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

3. Mara Jade

First Appearance: Heir to the Empire

Non-canon rule breaker! When Disney bought Lucasfilm, fans were nervous about what would happen to the EU of Star Wars, including beloved characters found only in the books like Jaina Solo and Mara Jade. Now considered part of “Legends” and not universally accepted canon, Mara Jade is one of those awesome Star Wars ladies that might never see the light of day. Similar to Asajj, Mara Jade was a baddie that turned into one of the coolest heroes in the Star Wars EU and the only worthy love interest for Luke Skywalker. Mara was raised as a servant and assassin for Emperor Palpatine, her Force abilities helping her to become the Emperor’s Hand. When the Emperor died, his final order was for Mara to kill Luke Skywalker. While on her rogue mission to finally kill Luke, she is forced to work alongside him in order to survive Grand Admiral Thrawn’s attacks. While with Luke, she grows to respect him and eventually the two fall in love and she dedicates her life to the Jedi Order. While many fans doubt we’ll ever see Mara Jade on the big screen, there was a casting call for Episode IX for a character known only as MARA. Hey, we can dream, right?!

2. Leia Organa

First Appearance: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

I think I’m going to get a lot of hate for this (again). How could I not have Princess Leia as #1?!?! She’s the matriarch of all these ladies here! The patron saint of women in the Star Wars Universe! It’s Carrie! What do I say in response to that? Tough. It’s my list and I do what I want. Leia Organa is the definition of a badass. Yes, she was a princess who has to be political and diplomatic when she can (just like her mother, Padme) but she also knows how to fight and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and use a blaster (just like her father, Anakin). She’s outspoken when she needs to be and tender at other times. She’s been a part of the rebellion nearly her whole life: she’s appeared in Rebels where she’s helped Hera and Sabine and when the First Order arose, she retaliated with the Resistance. She deeply believes in the Rebellion/Resistance and she is willing to fight for it until the very end. That, and how can you not love Carrie Fisher?

1. Ahsoka Tano

First Appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Now you might be surprised that Ahsoka is #1 on this list. Many people don’t even know who the heck she is, but I will stand by the statement that she is the catalyst for the entire Star Wars story. Hear me out. Ahsoka was Anakin’s Padawan during the Clone Wars (which took place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith). If you’ve never watched the Clone Wars TV show, you might be scratching your head and wondering what is wrong with Anakin in Revenge of the Sith? He’s moody and seems to distrust the Jedi Council almost immediately. What the heck happened? Ahsoka happened, that’s what. During the Clone Wars, Snips and Anakin were extremely close but when the Jedi Temple was bombed, Ahsoka was framed for it, stripped of her title, and cast out from the Jedi Order. This caused both Ahsoka and Anakin to lose faith in the Jedi, therefore making it super easy for Palpatine to turn Anakin against the Jedi and eventually turn him into Darth Vader. You see? Without Ahsoka, there’d be no Vader and with no Vader, there really wouldn’t be Star Wars. Despite the fact that Ahsoka is banished, she still manages to help the good guys and pops back up in Star Wars: Rebels. Ahsoka is one of those characters that is deeply loyal to her Master and her allies, an incredible fighter, and my all-time favorite character in the Star Wars Universe.

Love Ahsoka as much as Amanda? Read her post Clone Wars story here.

We’ll be adding a new lady to our ever-growing list of women in the galaxy. Emilia Clarke will be playing Qi’Ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story which hits theaters May 25th. Which women would you put in the Top 10? Captain Phasma? Rey? Aayla Secura? Shaak Ti? Rose? Aurra Sing? Clearly, we could have done a Top 20 list!

Amanda Woomer-Limpert is a writer/editor for The Geekiverse and a Star Wars fanatic (you can thank Josiah for that). She’s still holding out hope for an Ahsoka movie. At least Ashley Eckstein is on her side…

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