Hayden Christensen Reveals His Top Star Wars Picks from the Original Trilogy and Disney Era
Hayden Christensen, the actor best known for playing Anakin Skywalker, recently shared his favorite films from the Star Wars universe, covering both the original trilogy and the newer Disney-era movies. His picks reveal not only his love for the saga but also the stories that resonate with him as an actor and fan.
Christensen named The Empire Strikes Back as his top choice from the original trilogy. The 1980 film is widely regarded as one of the best in the franchise, praised for its darker tone, strong character development, and the shocking revelation of Darth Vader’s identity.
The movie’s cliffhanger ending also changed the way sequels were made and set a new standard for blockbuster storytelling. Christensen connected with the film’s emotional depth and risk-taking. “It’s such a bold story, with high stakes and real consequences,” he said. “For someone who’s lived through the highs and lows of this saga, I really connect with how it changed everything for the characters.”
For the Disney-era films, Christensen highlighted Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Released in 2016, the movie takes a grittier, war-focused approach, showing the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire through a smaller, more grounded story. Critics praised Rogue One for its visual style, emotional impact, and for expanding the Star Wars universe beyond the Skywalker family.
Christensen appreciated the tonal shift and the way the film explored new characters and perspectives. “Rogue One shows a different side of the universe,” he said. “It’s about courage, sacrifice, and the lives of those who aren’t in the spotlight. That resonates with me as an actor and a fan.”
Hayden's heart is with the empire. #StarWars #RogueOne #DarthVader #AnakinSkywalker #HaydenChristensen pic.twitter.com/fMy8eOjZVc
— FAN EXPO Chicago (@fanexpochicago) November 24, 2025
Both films have been celebrated for different reasons. The Empire Strikes Back is considered a classic, often ranked among the best sequels in cinematic history, while Rogue One is praised for its bold storytelling and willingness to explore new angles in the Star Wars saga. Christensen’s choices reflect his admiration for films that take risks, tell meaningful stories, and push the boundaries of the galaxy far, far away.
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