You must watch these 10 movies if you admire George Lucas

Think Star Wars, and filmmaker George Lucas instantly comes to mind. Creating a hugely successful franchise that is still expanding with TV shows and other forms of entertainment, Lucas changed how sci-fi stories would be made for the screen with his original Star Wars trilogy.

However, Star Wars isn’t his only successful franchise. He is also creatively a part of the Indiana Jones franchise, and has written and directed other acclaimed films. Whether it is a space battle, an adventurous quest, or a sci-fi tale, George Lucas’s name in the credits, in any capacity, guarantees it will be special.

Here is a list of 10 movies that you should definitely watch if you admire George Lucas.

Disclaimer: The article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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10 must-watch films if you admire George Lucas

10) Willow

This underrated fantasy film, directed by Ron Howard, follows the story of Willow Ufgood, played by Warwick Davis, who wants to become a magician, and is thrust upon an adventurous quest to protect a baby that is prophesied to defeat the evil sorceress, Queen Bavmorda.

Aside from being the executive producer, George Lucas also conceived the story idea for Bob Dolman's screenplay. With mystical creatures and a unique, adventurous story, Willow is a must-watch film if you admire Lucas' storytelling.

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9) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Discussing George Lucas’s filmography without mentioning the Star Wars films can never happen. Lucas is responsible for giving us one of the best movie franchises that inspired many filmmakers later. The Phantom Menace is a part of the prequel series and was released in 1999.

Lucas wrote, directed, and executive-produced the film, and is also the uncredited editor of the film, which focuses on the early years of Anakin Skywalker. in Phantom Menace introduced Skywalker as a nine-year-old force-sensitive slave boy. If you want to delve into the Star Wars universe chronologically, this is the first film you need to watch.

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8) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Another film from the Star Wars prequel series that George Lucas wrote, directed, and executive-produced, Revenge of the Sith follows Anakin's story of turning to the dark side of the Force, making it one of the important films in the Skywalker Saga.

Apart from directing the gripping tale of Anakin Skywalker, Lucas also showcases a story of a hero who has the ability to fight for the right side but ultimately chooses to follow the dark path due to his confusion and lack of faith. This film is considered by many to be the best of the three prequel films of the Star Wars saga.

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7) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

While Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg directed this popular Indiana Jones film, it is based on a story by George Lucas and Menno Meyjes. Lucas is also an executive producer of the film, which follows Harrison Ford’s Jones, who is on a new quest to search for the Holy Grail, and his father (played by Sean Connery), who is supposedly captured by the Nazis.

With a mature storytelling, the film was also praised for its humor and focus on adventure. Ford and Connery’s camaraderie stood out, too. If you love high-octane adventures, this movie should definitely be on your watchlist.

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6) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

The acclaimed film, directed by Richard Marquand, is part of the original Star Wars trilogy, and Geroge Lucas wrote the story and the screenplay. The sixth episode of Star Wars series had a few tragic moments as major characters died in the film. Furthermore, it also has a duel between Luke Skywalker and his father, who later dies after reuniting with his son.

With numerous action sequences, light saber fights, and space battles between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, along with an emotional narrative, Return of the Jedi is a must-watch film.

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5) Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark, based on George Lucas and Philip Kaufman’s story, is the first and best Indian Jones film in the franchise. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film follows Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones on an adventurous quest to Egypt, where he has to excavate the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis, as it might make their army undefeatable.

The film introduced and opened a huge market for adventure films with action, mystery, mythological elements, and, of course, humor. The film made Ford part of another successful franchise curated by George Lucas.

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4) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

With the focus on Luke Skywalker’s training as a Jedi, the fifth episode is among the most engaging Star Wars films. In this film, Luke trains with Yoda in Dagobah, while a battle between Luke and Darth Vader, which prompts the revelation of their relationship.

From Vader confessing about being Luke’s father to one of the best Star Wars moments where Yoda lifts the X-wing with force, The Empire Strikes Back is a must-watch film for any sci-fi fan. George Lucas wrote the story and executive-produced the film. He is also said to be the film's uncredited editor and music producer, as per IMDb.

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3) American Graffiti

One of his earliest films, American Graffiti credits George Lucas as director, co-writer, uncredited editor and uncredited music supervisor, per IMDb. The coming-of-age comedy is a homage to pop culture and the rock ‘n’ roll culture of the mid-20th century. The story follows the lives of a group of teenagers enjoying their last night before moving onward in their lives and going to college.

The film shows the group of teenagers attending the Sock Hop, or the dance event held for them to celebrate their last days as high school graduates, which has many memories attached to it. The film is influential, raw, and emotional, and reveals a very different creative aspect of George Lucas.

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2) THX 1138

George Lucas has been in his A-game since his debut as a filmmaker. His first film, THX 1138, highlights the fact. He directed and co-wrote the screenplay the film with Walter Murch. THX 1138 follows the story of a dystopian world, where people are controlled by an android police force and have to consume mind-altering drugs to be able to do dangerous jobs. The people don’t have names — instead they have three letters followed by four digits as their identification.

With a haunting sci-fi narrative, the film is remembered for its visual brilliance, with Lucas employing never-before effects using colors and lights that play a big part in the storytelling. Over the years, THX 1138 has emerged as a cult film.

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1) Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

The first Star Wars film, with which George Lucas was able to build the popular franchise, is also among the best films by Lucas. A New Hope introduces Luke Skywalker and Leia, and many other popular characters, and sets up their fight against the Galactic Empire. The story follows Mark Hamill’s Luke, who tries to rescue Leia while also learning the ways of the Force.

This film introduced the space battles, the light sabers, and most importantly, the Force, which divided good from evil with characters choosing to use their force in the way they wanted. With a gripping storyline, which later on inspired many filmmakers, Star Wars is among the best works of filmmaker George Lucas, who directed, wrote and executive-produced the film.

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