'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' first reactions see critics praise it for being a fitting end to the iconic film franchise

Critics at the UK premiere of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' are revealing their first impressions online, and they have high praise for the film.
'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' poster (Lucasfilm)
'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' poster (Lucasfilm)

With one of history's most iconic franchises bringing an end to its long-running saga with 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,' the anticipation has never been higher. Fans eager to know just how good the movie is might just gain new hope from the critics, who speak of a powerful experience that's a worthy end to the nine episode film series. 

"THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is everything I wanted it to be — because there’s never been a STAR WARS movie like this before. It’s dark and scary, but hopeful and beautiful. It ends the trilogy while also ending the saga as a whole. I know I’m rambling — but I worship this movie" said a user on Twitter. Another said "Tweeting through tears - #TheRiseofSkywalker isn’t the best Star Wars film, but it is the ULTIMATE Star Wars film. A truly stunning finale to a nine film saga."

Most critics seem to think that the movie is far from perfect, but is definitely an enjoyable experience well worth the price of admission. "It isn’t a perfect movie and I’m sure I’ll find plenty to nitpick in the days and weeks ahead but right now I’m grinning from ear to ear," says one critic. Some critics make note of the fact that the movie is very dense - which is unsurprising, as a film that seeks to end a nine-film saga isn't going to be light viewing. "The Rise of Skywalker has a ton of content packed into one movie as well and wastes no time. It’s like two Star Wars movies in one. Lots of fan service bonuses too," notes one tweet. 

The denseness of the film did not sit well with all critics. Some felt the the movie bowed down too far to appease the fans who hated 'The Last Jedi.' "I’ve seen #StarWarsTheRiseofSkywalker. It’s... a lot. There’s a lot I like and some I loved but overall my feelings are pretty mixed. It felt like an apology for The Last Jedi in some ways and a sequel to The Force Awakens in many, which I found frustrating" said a user. CinemaBlend said, "Well... #TheRiseOfSkywalker is a drastic departure from TLJ, but also not as invigorating as TFA. It is a movie packed with action (it’s seriously nonstop), but also jammed with fan service. @starwarsfans - brace for the debates." 

'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' releases in cinemas on December 20.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The Prime Video romantic comedy’s next chapter brings a new director and a move to Italy.
2026-10-19T19:26:54.000Z
'C.L.A.Y.' marks Simon Afram’s feature directing debut, with filming set for November in London.
2026-10-19T18:18:23.000Z
The sequel to the 2011 motion capture adventure now has a finished script and a director
2026-10-19T07:16:32.000Z
The movie was first announced months after ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ closed the Skywalker saga
2026-10-19T04:56:20.000Z
‘You Can See Everything’ takes an unexpected turn after Elizabeth Holmes begins her prison sentence.
2026-10-17T16:42:01.000Z
Diablo Cody’s latest comments give ‘Jennifer’s Body’ fans a new reason to keep an eye on the sequel.
2026-10-17T14:59:25.000Z
Soderbergh will direct the last weeks of shooting on the DC sequel while Reeves stays off set
2026-10-17T04:14:54.000Z
‘Red Rising’ is a popular sci-fi dystopian franchise that has sold more than six million copies
2026-10-17T03:44:38.000Z
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim filmed Elizabeth Holmes for 34 days before she reported to a Texas prison
2026-10-16T08:41:10.000Z
Josh Brolin and Austin Abrams' survival thriller 'Whalefall' follows a diver trapped inside a giant whale
2026-10-16T05:09:43.000Z