The official Star Wars YouTube channel is continuing with their Originals series to go into some of the interesting sides of the whole universe and what fans talk and argue about even after decades. The latest piece that has arrived is a look at the ten best droids from the film franchise and Star Wars: Clone Wars. This makes it work as a decent list of what to work through, though I wish it had included some of the fun and wacky droids from the various comics series over the years and a nod to the original Clone Wars animated series.
Check out the video below and the top ten list directly below it if you can’t watch the video.
10. AZI-3
AZI-3 evolved from a by-the-books medical droid to a risk-taking sidekick, helping clone trooper Fives uncover the secret of Order 66. As if that’s not enough, he also transforms into a very-cool speeder-bike-like mode.
9. 2-1B
2-1B surgical droids are among the most well-known droids in all of Star Wars, and seem to specialize in Skywalker repair. They appear across the entire saga, and are easy to spot thanks to an instantly recognizable facial design.
8. Buzz droid
Maybe the creepiest droids in all of Star Wars, buzz droids latch onto vehicles and tear them apart while chattering and swarming like insects. As seen in the beginning of Episode III, buzz droids are an inventive form of weaponry – and incredibly effective.
7. IG-88
Despite his limited screen time, IG-88 made a big impact. Featuring frightening red eyes and a disturbingly quiet demeanor, he was one of Star Wars’ first villainous droids and showed that not all robotic beings serve a human master.
6. Battle droid
They’re goofy, inept, and lightsabers slice through them with ease. But battle droids play a huge role in Star Wars. Even though they’re often used as comic relief, battle droids still make for a genuine threat as a legion of mass-produced war machines.
5. Imperial probe droid
The Imperial probe droid gives the Empire eyes and ears in every star system. The fact that a probe droid self destructs upon enemy engagement only adds to its intrinsic dread: if it blows up, you know you’ve been spotted.
4. Droideka
Jedi can handle battle droids without breaking a sweat; droidekas, not so much. They generate their own impenetrable shields, fire heavy twin blasters, and march fearlessly toward their targets. Droidekas are designed to destroy — and they’re very good at what they do.
3. Huyang
Introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Huyang is an ancient droid with a pretty important job: helping Jedi build their first lightsabers. He maintains countless parts and guides younglings on how to design hilts that are right for them.
2. C-3PO
C-3PO has one of the greatest legacies of not just any droid, but any character in Star Wars. He has a real inner strength and heart, which proves to be integral to some of the galaxy’s most important events. Not bad for a droid that’s programmed for etiquette and protocol. Plus, he gets bonus points for being an Ewok god.
1. R2-D2
R2-D2 is like no other droid: he’s simultaneously a sidekick, a leader, and a hero. Check out just a few of the bullet points from his amazing resume: saving the Naboo Royal Starship; destroying two super battle droids; taking stolen Death Star plans to Tatooine; and doing the ultimate under-cover act in Jabba’s Palace. Artoo is always loyal, utterly selfless, and willing to take charge when he has to. Would we want anyone else in the back of our X-wing?
