- Ranking Jedi by power level is subjective; wisdom often trumps raw power.
- Notable Jedi span different eras and demonstrate a wide variety of Force abilities.
- Characters from various backgrounds hold significant natural abilities, but time, training, and will influence Jedi prowess.
The Star Wars franchise has introduced countless powerful Jedi, wielders of light and dark sides Force powers who have demonstrated their skills in phenomenal feats. The most famous of these are, of course, the Skywalkers - Anakin Skywalker and his son Luke, stars of George Lucas' saga. But, as the franchise has expanded across the timeline, many other powerful Jedi have been introduced in different mediums in Star Wars. It is, of course, very difficult to compare different Jedi in terms of power level.
The Jedi venerate wisdom above raw power, meaning the likes of Jocasta Nu are far more highly revered among their number than heroes like Anakin Skywalker. Some Jedi hail from species with longer life spans than humans, meaning they have had more time to cultivate their gifts. And then, of course, there is the will of the Force and simple luck - the factors that mean a less competent duelist can successfully beat a more powerful Jedi in a duel. Still, going from what has been seen to date, here's a ranking of 30 major Jedi from weakest to most powerful.
30
Barriss Offee
Model Padawan turned Jedi traitor
Originally Luminara Unduli's Padawan, Barriss became a Jedi Knight during the Clone Wars. She was sensitive enough to the Force to sense the growing darkness but lacked the wisdom to realize she needed to resist it as a Jedi. Instead, Barriss turned against the Jedi Council. Her power and skill were demonstrated in several shadowy combat scenes with Ahsoka Tano, but she never really demonstrated her true potential in the Force. It's interesting to note Barriss was not executed for her crimes, though, leading many to believe her story will continue at some point.
29
Jocasta Nu
Chief Librarian of the Jedi Archives
Played by the late Alethea McGrath in the prequel trilogy, Jocasta Nu was a Jedi archivist noted for her wisdom rather than her power. She somehow survived Anakin Skywalker's sacking of the Jedi Temple and established a repository of Jedi knowledge that would ultimately help Luke Skywalker rebuild the Order. Palpatine feared Jocasta Nu's knowledge and with good reason; although she was captured by the Empire when returning to Coruscant, she was able to manipulate Darth Vader into killing her, so the Sith would not profit from her knowledge of the light and dark sides of the Force.
28
Vernestra Rwoh
The youngest Jedi Knight of the High Republic era
A Jedi of the High Republic Era, Vernestra Rwoh was something of a Force prodigy, a Mirialan who was knighted when she was just 15 years old. Remarkably sensitive to the guidance of the Force, Vernestra - sometimes nicknamed "Vern" - modified her lightsaber into a lightwhip in response to its guidance, and this proved useful during battles with Nihil pirates and carnivorous plant creatures known as the Drengir. Rebecca Henderson has been cast as a live-action Vernestra Rwoh for The Acolyte Disney+ TV show, meaning she could well move up the rankings.
27
Aayla Secura
A highly skilled Jedi Master
Hailing from the old Star Wars Expanded Universe, Jedi Master Aayla Secura was incorporated into George Lucas' prequel trilogy, where she was played by Lucasfilm employee Amy Allen. The Twi'lek Jedi was noted for her phenomenal martial arts skills, but unfortunately, most of her Clone Wars feats have been erased from Disney canon, making it very difficult to place Aayla Secura on this ranking of Jedi according to canon. Hopefully, Star Wars will revisit Aayla Secura going forward.
26
Ezra Bridger
A remarkable "Bokken Jedi"
The main character in Star Wars Rebels, Ezra Bridger, is a very powerful Force-sensitive indeed. Ezra is particularly notable for an unusual Force power that allows him to bond with animals, an ability he used to spectacular effect when he called a flock of purrgil - space whales - in to help against Grand Admiral Thrawn in Star Wars Rebels' series finale. Eman Esfandi portrayed Ezra in live-action for Ahsoka, showing how the character grew during his exile.
25
Stellan Gios
A Jedi Master of the High Republic
Stellan Gios was as notable for his political skill as he was for his power in the Force. Stellan protected Chancellor Lina Soh when the Nihil attacked the Republic Fair on Valo, and he became seen as a hero for his actions there. He tragically sacrifices himself to save others during the Nihil attack on Starlight Beacon, a space station they brought down on an inhabited planet. Stellan's true power has seldom been displayed, but he kept remarkable company, working alongside prodigies Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann. This, more than anything else, suggests he should be considered a powerhouse.
24
Depa Billaba
Kanan Jarrus' Jedi Master
The Padawan of Mace Windu, Depa Billaba is one of the few Jedi to have mastered the lightsaber form known as Vaapad. Unlike other lightsaber forms, Vaapad encourages a Jedi to embrace their emotions, using them to fuel an aggressive attack; Mace and Depa are the only known practitioners of Vaapad not to have fallen to the dark side. Depa is best known to modern viewers as the Jedi Master of Kanan Jarrus, briefly appearing in the opening scenes of Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 1, episode 1, when she gave her life on her Padawan's behalf.
23
Saesee Tiin
A member of the Jedi Council
Some Force sensitives possess special talents, and the Iktotchi Jedi Saesee Tiin is a perfect example. He was known to be an unusually powerful telepath, although sadly no Star Wars stories have shown that power in operation. He was also one of the best lightsaber swordsmen among the Jedi of the prequel era, possibly using his telepathic abilities to sense an enemy's intentions before they struck. That may explain why he was so easily defeated by Darth Sidious in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith when he proved unable to anticipate the Dark Lord of the Sith.
22
Yaddle
One of Dooku's first Jedi victims
Yaddle was briefly seen serving in the High Republic Era, where she was respected for her wisdom and sensitivity to the Force. Her most notable appearance in canon was in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, where she trailed Dooku to a meeting with Darth Sidious and died at his blade. Yaddle acquitted herself well during the duel, but at the same time didn't demonstrate the kind of power seen by entries higher in this list. Still, this was toward the end of her life, so it's possible this did not show Yaddle at her strongest.
21
Kanan Jarrus
A Padawan survivor turned Jedi teacher
Born Caleb Dume, Kanan Jarrus is one of the most important characters in Star Wars Rebels. Kanan survived Order 66 thanks to his master, Depa Billaba, who sacrificed herself on his behalf. Kanan developed a close relationship with the Force, effectively using it to see after he was blinded by Darth Maul. This intense bond with the Force enhanced his powers, as demonstrated in his death when he held a powerful explosion back with a telekinetic shield. This act alone proves just how powerful a Jedi Kanan was.
20
Luminara Unduli
Barriss Offee's Jedi Master
Another Jedi Master who served in the Clone Wars, Luminara Unduli was a Mirialan Jedi known to be very difficult to defeat in combat. She was played by Mary Oyaya in Lucas' prequel trilogy, where she made a lasting impression, initially developed as part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Few of Luminara's feats survive into Disney canon, but she's still considered one of the Jedi's greatest, a fearsome warrior who only fell because of the Sith's treachery.
19
Ki-Adi-Mundi
A notable member of the Jedi Council
A Cerean Jedi, Ki-Adi-Mundi, served during the prequel era and did not survive Order 66. He was particularly noted for his skills with the lightsaber; Ki-Adi-Mundi even numbered among the few to have practiced Makashi, the art of lightsaber dueling, which means he was one of the few Jedi who could have successfully defeated even Count Dooku in combat. Ki-Adi-Mundi's phenomenal reflexes allowed him to deflect several blaster shots when he was unexpectedly attacked by clone troopers, but he was eventually overwhelmed.
18
Elzar Mann
An unorthodox Jedi of the High Republic era
A controversial figure among the Jedi of the High Republic, Elzar Mann had a unique relationship with the Force that often granted him insight others did not possess. Unfortunately, for all his power, Elzar often lacked wisdom; he received a vision from the Force about a pirate attack on Valo's Republic Fair, then arrogantly assumed his mere presence had averted it. Elzar's story will no doubt be central to Star Wars: The High Republic Phase III, where hopefully he will find his balance and ascend this list of powerful Jedi.
17
Ahsoka Tano
Anakin Skywalker's Padawan who left the Jedi Order
Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, is a remarkable Force-sensitive who left the Jedi after she lost faith in the Council. Ahsoka grew in power during the Dark Times, continuing to develop her powers and practice according to Jedi philosophy even though she did not count herself among their number. She is one of the precious few to survive an encounter with Darth Vader, granted with the help of her close friend Ezra Bridger, who rescued her from death using the World Between the Worlds.
16
Shaak Ti
The Jedi Master in charge of training the clones
Played by Orli Shoshan in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, the Togruta Jedi Master Shaak Ti served on the Jedi Council during the Clone Wars. Shaak Ti had a reputation for skillfully using telekinesis in battle, a sign of her ability to multitask in even the most heated situations. Many of Shaak Ti's most exciting adventures are unfortunately non-canon, as is her death; two alternate death scenes were considered during Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the SIth, although both were cut. Reference books have nonetheless confirmed Shaak Ti died during Order 66 and the attack on the Jedi Temple.
15
Silandra Sho
A Jedi who preferred a shield over a lightsaber
A prominent Jedi of the High Republic Era, Silandra Sho is notable for her perspective on the Force and the ways of the Jedi. Silandra is essentially the Jedi version of Captain America, wielding a light shield as well as a lightsaber. When fighting broke out on the sacred planet Jedha, Silandra used telekinesis to send the shield spinning around crowds, protecting them from blaster fire, while she simultaneously engaged soldiers and droids in battle with her lightsaber. Her powers of concentration are unprecedented, explaining why she appears so high on this ranking of powerful Jedi.
14
Kit Fisto
A capable Jedi on land and underwater
Played by Zachariah Jensen, Kit Fisto is a Nautolan Jedi who developed a particular aptitude for manipulating water currents with the Force. He had learned to combine his amphibious nature with the Force to phenomenal effect, meaning he was more powerful underwater than anywhere else and could swim at prodigious speeds. A tremendous hand-to-hand combatant and a skilled swordsman, Kit Fisto was one of the Jedi who confronted Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. He was swiftly defeated by the Sith Lord, a testament to Palpatine's raw power.
13
Plo Koon
A member of the Jedi Council
Alan Ruscoe played Plo Koon in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, a skilled and wise Jedi Master who ultimately fell to Order 66. Like many of the most powerful Jedi, Plo Koon demonstrated his power by combining telekinesis with swordsmanship, proving himself to be something of a telekinetic savant. He proved himself a competent warrior on many occasions, battling on despite injuries.
12
Porter Engle
A Jedi dedicated to self-improvement
Wars do not make one great, a truth Porter Engle learned the hard way. The Ikkrukkian Jedi Master was a legend among his peers in the High Republic Era, famed for the tremendous feats he had accomplished in his youth. He earned himself the nickname the Blade of Bardotta due to one battle, but his faith in the Force was ultimately shaken, and he wound up living on the Outer Rim as a cook at various Jedi Temples. Porter Engle nevertheless stepped back into action when the need arose.
11
Grogu
A naturally gifted Jedi "youngling"
Grogu has demonstrated a range of more unusual Force powers, including a rare form of Force Heal that drew on his life Force. One of his most impressive feats to date was seen in The Mandalorian season 3's finale when he created a Force barrier to protect himself, Din Djarin, and Bo-Katan Kryze from the explosion generated by a crashing ship. Grogu appears in this list even though he has technically left the Jedi, simply because he has a close enough tie to the Order and could well return to them throughout his life.
10
Avar Kriss
An inspiration to the Jedi
One of the greatest Jedi of the High Republic Era, Avar Kriss perceived the Force as a song and could perceive the presence of other Jedi as part of the song. This granted Avar Kriss the unique ability to harmonize the powers of other Jedi, uniting them in the most spectacular feats. On one occasion, she drew the power of all Jedi across the galaxy together to move a massive chunk of debris away from a stellar collision. Avar's story will continue in Star Wars: The High Republic Phase III, which will surely show more of her feats.
9
Qui-Gon Jinn
A Jedi who learned the path to immortality
A maverick among the Jedi of the prequel era, Qui-Gon Jinn demonstrated wisdom beyond his peers in recognizing the pattern of Jedi prophecies, leading him to become aware he was living in the time of the Chosen One. Qui-Gon Jinn was humble enough to learn from other Force traditions, and he is the Jedi who discovered how to preserve his consciousness in the Force. Without Qui-Gon, the line of the Jedi would have gone extinct, because that shared guidance was key to the training of Luke Skywalker.
8
Cal Kestis
A Jedi survivor
The hero of Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor, Cal Kestis is one of the most powerful Jedi. Lucasfilm has given him a wide range of unusual Force powers, ranging from psychometry to animal empathy. His power levels have grown throughout the games, helped by his tendency to draw attention to himself, meaning he constantly has to push his powers to the limit so he can survive. Cal flourished throughout the Dark Times, refusing to operate in the shadows and instead hoping he would inspire others to resist the Empire. The end of Cal's story has yet to be told.
7
Mace Windu
A master of Vaapad and Shatterpoint
Mace Windu was one of the most powerful Jedi Masters of the prequel era. He possessed the rare power of shatterpoint, the ability to perceive the weakness in a person or event so he could act appropriately. He was also one of only two Jedi to master their inner darkness and learn the lightsaber form known as Vaapad, an unusually aggressive form that channels a Jedi's emotions. Mace's greatest feat is surely his confrontation with Darth Sidious, in which he held his own.
6
Rey
A Palpatine and a dyad in the Force
Rey is undeniably one of the most powerful Jedi of all time. She and Ben Solo are part of a mysterious Force dyad, a power so great it could rejuvenate and supercharge Emperor Palpatine himself when the Sith Lord drains its energy into himself. The Force Dyad gave Rey the benefit of Ben Solo's knowledge of lightsaber combat, and it meant she has demonstrated rare and unusual Force powers, abilities such as Force Heal that have never been seen before. It will be fascinating to see Rey develop more as the Star Wars story continues.
5
Ben Solo
A Skywalker and a dyad in the Force
Ben Solo became part of the Force Dyad, a mysterious and mystical bond with Rey that meant he had the potential to master life, death, and even time. Ben's career as a Jedi was cut short due to the manipulations of Emperor Palpatine, who transformed Ben into Kylo Ren; but Ben eventually escaped the prison of the dark side in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and briefly showed his skill and power in the battle against the Sith. Ben's story was tragically cut short, with his true potential never properly explored.
4
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The embodiment of a true Jedi
Played by Alec Guinness and Ewan McGregor, Obi-Wan Kenobi is undoubtedly one of the most powerful Jedi of all time. Obi-Wan's mastery of Soresu is perfectly appropriate for a Jedi because that particular lightsaber form is suited to defense and not offense. He is the only man to survive two duels with Darth Vader - and not just survive, but triumph in battle against the Sith Lord. Though Obi-Wan eventually fell to Darth Vader's blade, he became one with the Force, more powerful than Darth Vader could ever imagine.
3
Anakin Skywalker
The Chosen One
Conceived by the will of the Force, Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One and destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin performed countless feats throughout Star Wars: The Clone Wars, demonstrating his raw power on a cosmic scale, but he was ultimately unable to resist the dark side's siren song. This, more than anything else, is why Anakin doesn't come at the top of the list of powerful Jedi; he fell before he had gained mastery, lacking the control needed to advance. The injuries he sustained at Obi-Wan's hand meant his potential was then limited.
2
Yoda
The oldest and wisest Jedi Master
Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, Yoda had served on the Jedi Council for centuries by the time of the prequel trilogy. He's easily one of the most powerful Jedi of all time, with Palpatine visibly afraid of Yoda in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Yoda's midi-chlorian count may not have been as high as Anakin Skywalker's, but he had centuries to learn the ways of the Force, explaining why he comes second on this list of most powerful Jedi.
1
Luke Skywalker
The ultimate hero's journey
There's intense debate over whether Luke Skywalker is more powerful than his father. George Lucas has made inconsistent comments hinting Luke may have shared Anakin's potential, and if so, he had longer to learn, which presumably means he comes out on top - even if his education was much more unorthodox. Still, The Mandalorian season 2's finale, Adam Christopher's excellent novel Shadow of the Sith, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi all demonstrate how powerful Luke was. Luke is the greatest hero of Star Wars, and he is surely the most powerful of all the Jedi.