The 20 Coolest Star Wars Alien Species From Throughout The Galaxy


The Star Wars galaxy is vast and spans across a franchise of movies, multiple TV shows--live-action and animated--through a number of books and videos games, and event extends into theme parks. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that tons of unique and interesting alien species have been introduced throughout Star Wars canon.

And for better or worse (Sorry, Jar Jar) the introduction of new has become a hallmark of the franchise. With so many, though, it can be incredibly difficult to keep track of the best ones we've met thus far. Luckily, that's where GameSpot steps in to lend a hand.

Take a look at, in our minds, the 25 absolute best alien species introduces in the Star Wars franchise. Some of them are obvious (of course Wookiees are on the list, but you might be caught by surprise on a few of the entries. Yes, we've included Geonosian brain worms. Why? Because they're awesome and leaving them out would make this list incomplete. Did your favorite alien not make the list? Sound off in the comments!


Toydarian


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

With wings, large snouts, webbed feet and an attitude, Toydarians are very strange. Watto was the first of the series, as the owner of a young Anakin Skywalker and his mother Shmi.

While Jedi can use mental manipulation on many, it's ineffective on Toydarians.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Yuzzum


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Like Ewoks, Yuzzum are native to the forest planet of Endor.

In the original Return of the Jedi, a lone Yuzzum appears in the background at Jabba's palace -- at the time, it was too expensive to create more than one physical model. In the movie's 1997 Special Edition release, a CGI-created Yuzzum plays with Max Rebo's band.

Image credit: LucasFilm


Geonosian brain worm


First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

It's hard to judge the brain worms based on how they look but their power is quite impressive. The parasites have the capability to take control of a host, using it to forward its own agenda--or their queen's, at least.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Bendu


First appearance: Star Wars Rebels

This moose-like creature from the planet Atollon is just too unique to skip. The massive being is sensitive to Force powers and has befriended Kanan on Star Wars Rebels. He also acts as a mediator of sorts, helping Kanan and his padawan Ezra deal with their conflict, never taking a side.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Sullustan


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

The multiple layers of Sullustan faces help these aliens stand apart from the rest.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Rodians


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

The green-skinned reptilian Rodians have a long history in the Star Wars franchise. Greedo, the most infamous member of the species, met his demise in A New Hope when he is shot and killed by Han Solo.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Trandoshan


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

The original Trandoshan designs might seem a bit dated due to the use of rubbery-looking masks, but the species has evolved over time. They're giant reptiles that also fancy themselves to be big game hunters -- what's not to love?

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Ortolan


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

These guys look like strange blue elephants with elongated noses and floppy ears. What would Star Wars be without Max Rebo and his band keeping Jabba the Hutt entertained in Return of the Jedi?

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Tusken Raiders


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

The Tusken Raiders, also known as the Sand People, come from Tatooine and are very xenophobic about those who settle in their planet. Outside of A New Hope, the Tuskens don't play a major role in Star Wars. However, their interactions with Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi -- along with their interesting look -- make them notable.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Lasat


First appearance: Star Wars Rebels

Like Wookiees, the Lasat are a large and very strong species that you do not want to be on the opposite side of a fight from. Interestingly enough, their design is based on the original concept art for Chewbacca, before it was decided he would be covered in fur.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Twi'lek


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

With long tentacles growing out of their heads and bright-colored skin, it's hard to confuse a Twi'lek with anything else in the galaxy. Many ended up as slaves, but some Twi'lek--including Jedi Knight Aayla Secura--rose to greatness.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Zabrak


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

They look almost human, except for the horns growing out of the top of their head. The most notable is Darth Maul, the Sith Lord that killed Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace. While Maul's skin was black and red with yellow eyes, these physical attributes of the Zabrak vary.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Mon Calamari


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

The Mon Calamari are a peculiar-looking bunch with their giant eyes and seemingly always smiling faces. The most recognizable member of the species is most certainly Admiral Ackbar. It's a trap!

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Jawa


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Nobody really knows exactly what Jawas look like under their hooded robes, but it's hard to mistake their glowing eyes with anything else in the Star Wars universe.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Ewok


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

It's easy to make fun of the Ewoks. They're tiny little teddy bear aliens in a war for the universe. They're more powerful than they look, though. Their fighting style may be primitive, but it sure proved effective against Stormtroopers.

They also like to party after winning, which is never a bad thing.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Hutt


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

The slow-moving Hutts are part of a crime syndicate. They keep themselves quite protected without the need for doing their own fighting.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Togruta


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

Visually, the Togruta are a striking alien species--colorful skin and tail heads help them stand out. After being introduced in Attack of the Clones, it was Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels that became a breakout character, cementing her species as one of the franchise's best.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Asogians


First appearance: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

While they've only appeared in The Phantom Menace, Asogians play a fun role in the Star Wars universe, bridging the gap with Steven Spielberg's classic film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Wookiee


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

This incredibly hairy species is native to Kashyyyk. Wookiees are fierce warriors, loyal to a fault and have very long lifespans--one that has lived for centuries appears in the canon novel Lost Stars.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


Yoda


First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

It's never been confirmed exactly what race of alien Yoda is. Still, even with all of the mystery, it's hard to deny that Yoda is the most interesting and important alien in the galaxy. At the very least he's tied with The Mandalorian's Baby Yoda, who is actually named Grogu.

Image credit: Lucasfilm


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