Top 10 Acting Performances in Star Wars

As anyone who knows me would say, I am a huge huge fan of Star Wars.  I've seen every original trilogy and prequel trilogy film at least ten times, and now the sequel trilogy and spin-off films twice each at least.  One thing that does not get talked about enough is the acting in Star Wars.  There have been some really good acting performances in Star Wars and some not so good ones.  I'm going to rank my Top 10 Acting Performances, in order.  At the end, I'll list my favorite line of theirs that they delivered.  Here we go.

10. James Earl Jones/David Prowse, Darth Vader - Ep. V: The Empire Strikes Back
Hey, voice acting still counts as acting.  Even though they never met, James Earl Jones and David Prowse combined made one of cinema's greatest villains ever.  James Earl Jones especially was bone-chilling as Lord Vader, and his attempts to lure Luke to the dark side were certainly tempting.  And then at the end, Luke and Vader connecting through the force was awesome.
Favorite line delivery: "No, I am your father."

9. Harrison Ford, Han Solo - Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
It was a toss-up between RotJ and A New Hope for me with Harrison/Han.  I went with Return of the Jedi just barely because his character had already been established and we got to see him go from being freed in carbonite to winning the Battle of Endor.  He conveyed being blinded from the carbonite freezing very well, and the way he shrugged at the Empire when he had them outnumbered was just classic Han.
Favorite line delivery: "I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur."

8. Ian McDiarmid, Supreme Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine - Ep. III: Revenge of the Sith
This guy has so many meme worthy lines in Episode III, it's amazing.  And they were delivered so well, too.  Ian really shined in Episode III, turning Anakin to the dark side, starting with telling him the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise.  On some of my watches of Episode III, I really only pay attention to his lines because he was just that good.
Favorite line delivery: "I am the senate!"

7. Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia Organa - Ep. V: The Empire Strikes Back
Carrie was really good in all of the OT films, but I think she was at her best in The Empire Strikes Back.  Her annoyance at Han all the way to Bespin was very relatable.  The way she fell for him was as well.  And then her dismay at Han being frozen in carbonite and then trying to tell Luke it was a trap, I just can't imagine someone acting it better.
Favorite line delivery: "Why, you stuck up... half-witted... scruffy-looking... Nerf-herder!"

6. Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker - Ep. VIII: The Last Jedi
Thank goodness we got a decent amount of Hamill in one of the sequel films.  He was amazing in TLJ.  It's my least favorite film in the trilogy, but I can watch it through just for him alone.  Mark was fairly decent as Luke in the OT, but he clearly learned a few things since then.
Favorite line delivery: "Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. The Rebellion is reborn today. The war is just beginning. And I will not be the last Jedi."

5. Felicity Jones, Jyn Erso - Rogue One
The best female acting performance in Star Wars?  In my opinion it is.  Felicity was perfect for the role of Jyn.  The way she fought for her father and inspired others was, well, inspiring.  I really felt connected to her character, partially because of the writing, but also because of her great performance.
Favorite line delivery: "We have hope!  Rebellions are built on hope!"

4. Adam Driver, Kylo Ren/Ben Solo - Ep. IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Many Star Wars fans have already stated Adam Driver's acting carried the sequel trilogy.  He was fantastic.  My favorite part is after he got the lightsaber from Rey, he shrugs at the Knights of Ren, much like his father Han Solo would have. Also, his conversation with his dad, which helped turn him back to the light side.
Favorite line delivery: "Look at yourself, you wanted to prove to my mother that you were a Jedi but you've proven something else. You can't go back to her now, like I can't."

3. Ian McDiarmid, Emperor Palpatine - Ep. VI - Return of the Jedi
Second time on the list?  Why not?  Ian McDiarmid is a terrific actor.  I'm surprised he hasn't been in more stuff.  The role of Emperor Palpatine seems to have been written around Ian McDiarmid's acting ability.  I find it amazing that George Lucas cast him while Ian was in his 30s and played the elderly Emperor at that age.  That would be like Jake Gyllenhaal or Zachary Levi playing the Emperor today.
Favorite line delivery: "Oh, I'm afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive."

2. Alec Guinness, Obi-Wan Kenobi - Ep. IV: A New Hope
The only Star Wars actor to get nominated for an Oscar for their role in Star Wars is Alec Guinness.  He isn't often talked about for his performance, but he was amazing.  It's a shame he got killed off as early as he did.  Fortunately, Alec was able to continue his role as Obi-Wan as a Force Ghost in the next two films, albeit in a smaller capacity.
Favorite line delivery: "You can't win, Darth.  If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

1. Ewan McGregor, Obi-Wan Kenobi - Ep. III - Revenge of the Sith
The only way to top Obi-Wan Kenobi is with another version of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  It's a matter of my personal opinion, but I prefer Ewan's performance by a hair.  He was tremendous with the delivery of some of the most iconic lines in all of Star Wars.  How can I choose just one?
Favorite line delivery: "You were the chosen one!  It was said you would destroy the Sith, not join them!  Bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness!"