Across the wide Star Wars universe, in both the Star Wars movies and TV shows, there are so many characters to choose as a favorite. While the likes of Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Leia Organa, and Anakin Skywalker are often among the most cited, there are a plethora of non-human characters that deserve recognition as well. Some of these non-human characters even make up the list of Star Wars’ best charcters, and they have certainly earned their place there.
As the franchise and stories take place all around space on different worlds, there are so many species that contribute to the richness of Star Wars. Many of them have one thing in common: their resistance against tyrannical powers that would see their people taken over. Here are the 10 best of these heroic non-human characters, who have become forever memorialized in the Star Wars galaxy.
10 Darth Maul (Zabrak)
First Appeared: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
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While Darth Maul’s tenure in live-action Star Wars was relatively short, Maul went on to become one of the greatest characters in animation – thanks to the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. As Darth Sidious’ apprentice, Maul was able to not only shake up the Jedi who had previously thought the Sith to be extinct, but also kill Qui-Gon Jinn just before being cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Miraculously, he survived this event, motivated by revenge alone. This hunger for vengeance is what drove Maul through the rest of his life, fueling his every move.
Darth Maul
Palpatine’s apprentice, Darth Maul was nothing more than a tool to winnow down the ranks of the Jedi ahead of Darth Sidious’ true plans. Discarded after he was defeated by Obi-Wan Kenobi on Naboo, Darth Maul swore revenge against all those he blamed for his past struggles – Jedi and Sith alike. Maul tended to operate within the shadows, running various syndicates, and even established himself as a true rival for Palpatine on at least one occasion. He was eventually killed by Obi-Wan in a duel on Tatooine.
Created By George Lucas Cast Ray Park , Sam Witwer First Appearance Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Died Star Wars Rebels Alliance Sith/Shadow Collective, Crimson Dawn Race Zabrak Movies Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace , Rogue One: A Star Wars Story TV Shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels Franchise Star Wars Expand
From creating an entire network of crime syndicates in his Shadow Collective alliance to taking over the throne of Mandalore, Maul’s character has become something of a legend in Star Wars. He went from being one of Star Wars’ most underutilized villains to one of its most fascinating antagonists. Maul’s story is now highly revered, and though he still falls short of the other heroes (and villains) on this list, he certainly deserves to have a place here.
9 Garazeb Orrelios (Lasat)
First Appeared: Star Wars Rebels (2014)
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Better known as Zeb, this Lasat rebel was one of the few of his people to escape the destruction of his home planet, leaving him with a deep hatred of the Empire. After joining the Phoenix rebel cell from Lothal, Zeb began to channel this anger into their coordinated missions against the Empire with a family who helped to mend the wounds left behind by his people’s eradication. Still, Zeb faced challenges that forced him to learn how to forgive those who wronged him and move on, which eventually motivated him to befriend those he had once considered enemies.
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This change in Zeb, of him eventually opening up and being more willing to take in others, is what has helped to make him one of Star Wars’ best non-human characters. Zeb has always been the classic, gruff and hardened soldier with a heart of gold. He could be brash and angry, but he always had great compassion. Watching this part of him unfold more and more over the course of Star Wars Rebels is a pure delight, one that will hopefully be seen more in the future. Zeb’s character only falls short of some other iconic names.
8 C-3PO (Protocol Droid)
First Appeared: Star Wars (1977)
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It’s impossible to talk about non-human characters and leave out this iconic droid duo, starting with C-3PO. As one of the first characters ever seen in Star Wars, C-3PO alone bears a highly recognizable image that even those who have never seen Star Wars can easily recognize. Though C-3PO has often acted as the human voice of the heroes, announcing the concerns that any person would have in tense situations, C-3PO has certainly had his fair share of heroics, which earns him a spot on this list.
C-3PO
Created by Anakin Skywalker, C-3PO was originally supposed to help Anakin and his mother Shmi during the galactic adventures Anakin dreamed they would have together. Instead, C-3PO became a gift to Anakin’s beloved wife Padmé Amidala, and soon found himself thrust into galactic affairs for decades. Threepio has proved himself a key asset to both the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance.
Created By George Lucas Cast Anthony Daniels First Appearance Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Alliance Rebel Alliance, Resistance Race Droid Movies Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope , Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back , Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi , Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace , Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones , Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith , Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens , Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi , Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker TV Shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: Resistance , Ahsoka Franchise Star Wars Expand
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that C-3PO, like his droid friend, is one of the few Star Wars characters to appear in all nine of the Skywalker saga movies. From the original Star Wars in 1977 to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, C-3PO has been witness to the highest highs and the lowest lows of the Skywalker family. C-3PO even continues to be an important figure in the Star Wars TV shows, with him making a cameo in Ahsoka season 1. Though C-3PO certainly has his flaws, he’s still no doubt one of the best.
7 R2-D2 (Astromech Droid)
First Appeared: Star Wars (1977)
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The second half of the iconic droid duo, R2-D2, has also earned his place as one of the best non-human characters in the franchise. R2 is a fan-favorite and is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best droid in the entire galaxy. Serving as Anakin Skywalker’s right-hand man during the Clone Wars and going on to do the very same for his son Luke Skywalker, R2 is as loyal as any droid could ever be. He’s even loyal to C-3PO, despite their bad habit of bickering and picking fights with one another.
R2-D2
Many view R2-D2 as the true hero of Star Wars, because this redoubtable droid has played a key role in many galactic events. Artoo served as Anakin Skywalker’s Astromech droid during the Clone Wars, and was taken in by the Organa family on Alderaan after the Empire was established. He proved himself a tremendous ally for the Rebel Alliance, and he was the one who found his way to Luke Skywalker with the Death Star plans. Artoo remains active even in the sequel era.
Created By George Lucas Cast Kenny Baker , Jimmy Vee First Appearance Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Alliance Naboo, Republic, Jedi, Rebel Alliance, Resistance Race Droid Movies Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope , Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back , Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi , Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace , Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones , Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith , Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens , Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi , Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker TV Shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels Franchise Star Wars Expand
R2 has also achieved quite a few heroics in his lifetime. He first proves himself by being the only astromech to repair Padmé Amidala’s ship when they’re fleeing Naboo, and he goes on to become the astromech in the X-wing when Luke Skywalker takes down the Death Star. The trust Anakin places in R2 throughout the Clone Wars speaks for this beloved droid hero. The only thing that gives the other characters on this list a leg up is that, as non-droids, they have even more transformative stories, even though R2 will always be one of the very best.
6 Grogu (Unknown)
First Appeared: The Mandalorian (2019)
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Grogu is not only one of Star Wars’ best non-human characters, but also one of the franchise’s most adorable. Grogu took the world by storm as “Baby Yoda” following his surprise debut in The Mandalorian, and the way his character has grown since then has only made him even better. Initially starting out as a rather helpless Jedi youngling, Grogu is now a Mandalorian apprentice learning from his adoptive father, Din Djarin. He is extremely powerful, even as a child, but his heart outweighs any Force powers he could ever wield.
Grogu
Grogu is a former Jedi youngling who is now training as a Mandalorian apprentice under his adopted father, Din Djarin. A survivor of Order 66, Grogu was hunted by the Empire for his blood amidst their cloning experimentation. Rescued by Din after initially being his bounty, Grogu went on to be trained briefly by Luke Skywalker as a Jedi Padawan, but has ultimately chosen the path of the Mandalorians instead to remain with his father. Grogu is now traversing the galaxy with Din to fight the Imperial Remnant and learn the Mandalorian Way.
Created By Jon Favreau , Dave Filoni First Appearance The Mandalorian Alias The Child Alliance Jedi, Mandalorians Race Unknown Movies The Mandalorian & Grogu TV Shows The Mandalorian , The Book of Boba Fett Franchise Star Wars POWERS The force NAME Din Grogu Status Alive Expand
Grogu has managed to change his father from the inside-out, turning a lone bounty hunter into a protective, loving father. This is because of Grogu’s own compassion, which he has displayed time and time again by helping those in need – without needing words to do so. Grogu’s story will only continue to get even more fascinating as he learns under the Mandalorian Way, having exchanged the Jedi path for one that will allow him to spend as much time as possible with his father. Until that point, however, five other non-human characters still have Grogu beat.
5 Hera Syndulla (Twi’lek)
First Appeared: Star Wars Rebels (2014)
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Hera Syndulla is another member of the Phoenix rebel cell – arguably its co-leader, along with her lover, Kanan Jarrus – who has since grown into a respected general of the Rebel Alliance. Hera knew who she wanted to be from a young age, as she and her droid Chopper both stood up to the Empire’s occupation of Ryloth just after the fall of the Galactic Republic. Years later, she became renowned as the best pilot in the galaxy, accomplishing feats that no one else could ever dream of doing – all while taking care of her newly-formed family.
Hera Syndulla
Hailing from the planet Ryloth, Hera Syndulla is the daughter of a legendary Twi’lek freedom fighter. Although relations between Hera and her father have sometimes been distant, they share the same cause; Hera settled on the planet Lothal, leading a nascent rebel cell there. She became a general in the Rebel Alliance, participating in the Battle of Endor, and remains an important military leader in the New Republic.
Created By Dave Filoni Cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Vanessa Marshall First Appearance Star Wars Rebels Alliance Rebel Alliance, New Republic Race Twi’lek TV Shows Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Ahsoka Franchise Star Wars Expand
Even after losing Kanan, Hera’s strength refused to dwindle. If anything, she became even stronger, pushing onward as she helped to lead the Rebel Alliance to victory during the Galactic Civil War. Hera’s heart and her strength are easily her two most admirable traits, both of which have helped her to become one of Star Wars’ best non-human characters. There are only a few others who have managed to beat her out for a higher rank, but it doesn’t make Hera’s character any less important.
4 Grand Admiral Thrawn (Chiss)
First Appeared: Heir to the Empire (1991) [Novel]
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Grand Admiral Thrawn’s rise to importance alone proves why he deserves to make this list, and earn a placement within its top five. Thrawn originated in the 1991 Heir to the Empire novel, a book that is perhaps the most important of any other – if only because it helped to kickstart the Star Wars Expanded Universe that has since evolved into Legends and the current state of Star Wars canon. As for his character, however, Thrawn stands on his own. He’s easily Star Wars’ most intelligent villain, and that makes him wonderfully frightening.
Grand Admiral Thrawn
The only alien to ever ascend to the rank of Grand Admiral, Thrawn is a strategic genius who hails from an isolationist race known as the Chiss. Thrawn’s motives are enigmatic, but his tactical brilliance made him a vital asset for the Empire. Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger successfully defeated Thrawn during the Battle of Lothal, resulting in Thrawn’s exile to the distant planet Peridea in another galaxy, but the Grand Admiral has now returned.
Created By Timothy Zahn Cast Lars Mikkelsen First Appearance Star Wars: Heir to the Empire Alias Mitth’raw’nuruodo Alliance Chiss, Empire Race Chiss TV Shows Star Wars Rebels , Ahsoka Franchise Star Wars Expand
Thrawn’s role as a non-human has relevance in-universe, as he is the only high-ranking Imperial official who’s not a human. This is because of Thrawn’s reputation as a tactician, which has led him to be extremely victorious. Even amidst defeats, Thrawn can create a victory, as he learns from each experience in a way his peers and his enemies simply do not. Thrawn has only just started to scratch the surface in live-action after brilliant storylines in novels and animation, which means he could climb this list over time – but three other iconic characters still beat him out.
3 Chewbacca (Wookiee)
First Appeared: Star Wars (1977)
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Another one of Star Wars’ most iconic, and most recognizable, non-human characters is Chewbacca. The Wookiee, Han Solo’s best friend and closest confidante, has been a hero ever since his first Star Wars appearance – despite not receiving a medal. Chewie and his distinctive Shyriiwook growls are on a level that’s comparable to Darth Vader and his breathing, completely synonymous with the Star Wars brand. Chewbacca earned his place by being a loyal friend to everyone, but especially Han Solo.
Chewbacca
200 years old by the time of the Star Wars original trilogy, the mighty Chewbacca is best known for swearing a life debt to Han Solo. Chewie accompanied Han through countless adventures, choosing to battle against the Empire for the freedom of his homeworld Kashyyyk. He remained with Han and the Solo family even after the Empire’s fall, becoming a crucial ally of the Resistance to the First Order. The sequels seemed to end with Chewie remaining co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon – but now to Rey.
Created By George Lucas Cast Peter Mayhew , Joonas Suotamo First Appearance Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Alias Chewie RELATIONSHIPS Attichitcuk (Father), Mallatobuck (Wife), Lumpawaroo (Son) Alliance Rebel Alliance, Resistance Race Wookiee Movies Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope , Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back , Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi , Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith , Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens , Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi , Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker , Solo: A Star Wars Story Franchise Star Wars Expand
Over the course of his long life, Chewbacca has played an integral role in helping rebels win against oppressive governments. Without him, both the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance would never have succeeded. More than anything, however, he provided the heart of the team. His physical strength was immense, but his heart was even bigger than that, as he fiercely protected everyone he cared about time and time again. For that reason and many more, Chewbacca will always go down as one of Star Wars’ best characters, with only two rising above him here.
2 Yoda (Unknown)
First Appeared: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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Yoda is yet another character who has become synonymous with the Star Wars brand, and the wisdom with which he’s guided many generations is the reason for that. Though he did make several mistakes as Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, it cannot be understated that he was a member of their ranks for centuries, helping both the Jedi and the greater galaxy to flourish during its golden age. Even in darkness, Yoda provided a light, offering counsel to those who needed it most. He was highly revered and respected by everyone.
Yoda
The aged Jedi Master had trained Jedi for 800 years by the time he met Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. One of the most famed and revered Jedi, Yoda served as Grand Master of the Jedi Order for centuries; he was powerful enough to duel Darth Sidious himself, although he was defeated. Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, where he learned how to become a Force Ghost and offered guidance to Luke Skywalker.
Created By George Lucas Cast Frank Oz , Tom Kane First Appearance Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back Died Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi Alliance Jedi Race Unknown Movies Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back , Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi , Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi , Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace , Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones , Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith TV Shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels Franchise Star Wars Expand
Even more integral is the role Yoda played in training the next generation of Jedi. Because of Obi-Wan’s sacrifice to save Luke and his friends from Darth Vader on the Death Star, Yoda was the only one left to complete Luke’s training. Without Yoda, Luke couldn’t have learned, and that wisdom could not have been passed on. Above all, however, Yoda taught every generation how to truly trust and rely on the Force, which has always been the galaxy’s greatest guide. Only one other character surpasses Yoda’s greatness, someone whose growth is difficult to outdo.
1 Ahsoka Tano (Togruta)
First Appeared: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) [Movie]
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Rising to the top of this list after nearly two decades of growth is Ahsoka Tano, the Jedi Padawan of Anakin Skywalker. Initially one of the most criticized aspects of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka would go on to become one of the greatest Jedi characters ever introduced, with her strength, courage, and heart guiding her wherever she goes. From animation to live-action, Ahsoka’s story has been a source of inspiration for new Star Wars generations, serving as an example that it’s never too late to become who you’ve always been meant to be.
Ahsoka Tano
The apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano was an accomplished Padawan who served during the Clone Wars. Ahsoka left the Jedi after she became disillusioned with the Jedi Council, but returned to serve in the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars. She survived Order 66, becoming a Rebel agent during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign, and her adventures continue in the New Republic era. Ahsoka was last seen stranded in a distant galaxy, having failed to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return.
Created By George Lucas , Dave Filoni Cast Ashley Eckstein , Rosario Dawson First Appearance Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) Alias Ashla, Fulcrum Alliance Jedi Race Togruta TV Shows Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi , The Mandalorian , Ahsoka Franchise Star Wars Expand
Forced to become a Jedi soldier at a young age, Ahsoka is one of the strongest and most capable Force-users to have ever wielded a lightsaber. She was able to survive Order 66 on a Jedi cruiser packed full of brainwashed clone troopers with little to no help, and she even held her own in a duel against her former Jedi Master, Darth Vader. She has conquered death not once, not twice, but three times, which proves how important and strong she is. Ahsoka has no doubt become Star Wars ‘ best non-human character, and certainly one of its most iconic.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
Created by George Lucas First Film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Cast Mark Hamill , James Earl Jones , David Prowse , Carrie Fisher , Harrison Ford , Daisy Ridley , Adam Driver , Ian McDiarmid , Ewan McGregor , Rosario Dawson , Lars Mikkelsen , Rupert Friend , Moses Ingram , Frank Oz , Pedro Pascal TV Show(s) The Mandalorian , Andor , Obi-Wan Kenobi , The Book of Boba Fett , Ahsoka , The Acolyte , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew , Lando , Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Star Wars: Resistance , Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures , Star Wars: Visions Character(s) Luke Skywalker , Han Solo , Rey Skywalker , Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious , Obi-Wan Kenobi , Ahsoka Tano , Grand Admiral Thrawn , Grand Inquisitor , Reva (The Third Sister) , The Fifth Brother , The Seventh Sister , The Eighth Brother , Yoda , Din Djarin , Grogu , Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader , Leia Organa , Ben Solo/Kylo Ren Video Game(s) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic , Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords , Star Wars Battlefront (2015) , Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005) , Star Wars: The Force Unleashed , Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II , Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order , Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Expand