Whether you’ve spent a lifetime debating Force-scaling in the Star Wars universe or you’re a newcomer just starting your journey into Star Wars lore, understanding the hierarchy of the strongest Jedi is about more than just who wins a duel. By ranking these legendary Force users, we can better appreciate the incredible depth of George Lucas’s creation and the nuanced ways a Jedi Master connects with the light side. From raw combat prowess to spiritual legacy, this breakdown explores the 20 most powerful Jedi and the impact they left on a galaxy far, far away.
What Makes a Jedi Powerful?
Understanding the Force
The Force is an energy field that binds the galaxy together and connects all living things, granting those sensitive to it extraordinary force abilities. Jedi, as guardians of peace and justice, harness the light side of the Force, using it for defence, knowledge, and harmony. Their power stems not only from raw power but also from wisdom, discipline, and a deep connection to the Force.
Light Side vs. Dark Side
The light side emphasises compassion, self-discipline, and balance, while the dark side is fuelled by anger, fear, and aggression. A Jedi knight strives to resist the temptations of the dark side, maintaining harmony within themselves and the galaxy, unlike the power-hungry Sith lords.
The Jedi Council
The Jedi high council governs the Order, composed of the most experienced and wise Jedi master figures who guide the Order’s decisions, protect the Jedi archives, and study Jedi history.
| Rank | Role & Responsibility |
| Initiate (Youngling) | Beginners learning the Jedi code and basic lightsaber combat. |
| Padawan | Apprentices assigned to a Jedi knight to continue training. |
| Jedi Knight | A formidable warrior who defends the galactic republic. |
| Jedi Master | A revered Jedi master with exceptional force skills. |
The Most Powerful Jedi, Ranked
In the Star Wars saga, numerous Jedi have demonstrated extraordinary prowess, wisdom, and mastery of the Force. Here, we delve into the legends of the most powerful Jedi, ranking them based on their feats, skills, and influence within the galaxy.
This ranking is not just about raw power; it also considers wisdom, mastery of various Force abilities, leadership, and impact on key galactic events.
20 – Cal Kestis
Resilient survivor. Reluctant leader. Unbreakable spirit.
Surviving the brutal purge of Order 66 was only the beginning for Cal Kestis. As a lead figure in the Fallen Order and Survivor series, Cal transitioned from a frightened scavenger into a formidable Jedi knight. His primary strength lies in his rare force sense known as psychometry, allowing him to experience the “echoes” of an object’s past. This gift, combined with his mastery over force push and stasis, makes him a unique combatant.
During his journey across the galactic empire, Cal has faced terrifying Sith lords like Darth Vader and survived. His lightsaber combat is highly adaptive, utilising a split-saber style that blends speed and power. Unlike many other Jedi who fell during the purge, Cal rebuilt his connection to the light side through sheer willpower. His growth from a Padawan to a powerful Jedi who can challenge high-ranking Imperial Inquisitors proves his place among the galaxy’s elite protectors.
19 – Eeth Koth
Resilient Jedi, Clone Wars survivor.
A respected member of the Jedi high council, Eeth Koth was a Zabrak Jedi master known for his incredible mental discipline. During the Clone Wars, Koth was celebrated for his mastery of Form II (Makashi), a style specifically designed for lightsaber duel scenarios against single opponents. This made him a formidable warrior when facing off against the likes of General Grievous, where his precision allowed him to hold his ground even when outnumbered.
Koth was one of the few Jedi who survived the initial execution of Order 66, eventually fathering a child and attempting to live a peaceful life away from the dark side. However, his connection to the force remained so strong that he was tracked down by the Sith empire’s remnants. His ability to withstand physical pain and maintain tactical focus made him a revered Jedi master. While he may not possess the galaxy-altering strength of a Skywalker, his technical expertise and survival instincts place him high among the strongest Jedi knights.
18 – Depa Billaba
Skilled mentor, combatant.
Depa Billaba served on the Jedi Council during the final years of the Galactic Republic. A student of Mace Windu, she mastered a defensive application of lightsaber combat that allowed her to protect republic forces on the front lines. Her legacy is perhaps most vital through her training of Caleb Dume (Kanan Jarrus). By passing down the Jedi code and her refined force skills, she ensured that the spirit of the Order would survive the rise of the galactic empire.
Her mastery of Form III (Soresu) was legendary, allowing her to deflect incoming blaster fire with effortless grace. In the Jedi archives, she is noted for her serene approach to battle, often using battle meditation to keep her troops calm under fire. Billaba represents the peak of the revered Jedi master archetype: a teacher who is equally capable of leading clone troopers in a desperate charge or guiding a youngling through the complexities of the Force. Her sacrifice during the purge remains a poignant moment in Jedi history.
17 – Adi Gallia
Crucial Jedi Council member.
As a high-ranking member of the Jedi high council, Adi Gallia was as much a diplomat as she was a warrior. She was a formidable Jedi who specialised in Form V, an aggressive style that turned an opponent’s momentum back against them. Her role in the Clone Wars saw her commanding entire fleets, proving her strategic mind was just as sharp as her lightsaber skills. Gallia was known for her exceptional reflexes, often out-piloting the best of the galactic republic.
Her combat record is impressive, having survived encounters with Sith lords and high-level bounty hunters. Gallia’s strength came from her balanced view of the Force; she was never one to be blinded by the dark side’s temptations, nor was she overly rigid in her interpretations of the Jedi code. Her presence in the Phantom Menace and beyond established her as a pillar of the Order. Though she eventually fell to the brute strength of Savage Opress, her life’s work in the Jedi temple left a lasting impact on the Star Wars saga.
16 – Barriss Offee
Talented, tragically misguided Jedi.
Barriss Offee was an extremely powerful Jedi healer whose career was defined by the trauma of the Clone Wars. While many Star Wars Jedi focused on combat, Offee excelled in the subtle force abilities required to mend wounds and sense disturbances in the Force. However, her disillusionment with the Jedi Council led her to a radicalised path, eventually orchestrating a bombing of the Jedi temple to protest the Order’s involvement in the war.
Despite her fall, her force skills were undeniable. She was a master of battle meditation and could use a force push with enough precision to disable attackers without killing them. Her lightsaber combat style, Form VI (Niman), was a balanced approach that allowed her to incorporate Force attacks mid-duel. This versatility let her go toe-to-toe with Ahsoka Tano and even briefly challenge Anakin Skywalker. Offee’s story serves as a cautionary tale of how the pressures of the dark side can warp even the most talented Jedi knight.
15 – Luminara Unduli
Wise, skilled combat strategist.
Luminara Unduli was the epitome of Jedi discipline and composure. A Mirialan Jedi master, she was renowned for her physical flexibility and mastery of Form II. During the Clone Wars, she and her apprentice, Barriss Offee, were staples of the republic forces, known for their surgical precision in taking down droid battalions. Luminara’s strength was her emotional detachment; she followed the Jedi code with a strictness that few others could match, which she believed allowed her a clearer connection to the force.
Her awe inspiring lightsaber skills were purely defensive and efficient, designed to outlast and manoeuvre opponents. Even after the fall of the Galactic Republic, her legend persisted. The galactic empire used her remains as a beacon to trap other force users, a testament to how highly they regarded her power. As a most formidable Jedi, she represented the traditionalist wing of the Order; powerful, unwavering, and deeply committed to the light, even when the galaxy was descending into chaos.
14 – Ezra Bridger
Potential, unique Force abilities.
Ezra Bridger’s journey in Star Wars Rebels is one of the most unique in the Star Wars saga. Starting as a street orphan on Lothal, Ezra discovered a raw and powerful connection to the force that favoured animal telepathy and environmental manipulation, notably with the Purrgil. Under the tutelage of Kanan Jarrus, he evolved into a formidable Jedi knight who wasn’t afraid to use unorthodox methods to protect the rebel alliance.
Ezra’s most impressive feat was his entry into the “World Between Worlds,” a mystical dimension where he could influence time and space. This level of Jedi knowledge is something that many high-ranking members of the Jedi high council never even glimpsed. His combat style eventually matured into a blend of lightsaber duelling and agile force abilities. By the time he sacrificed himself to remove Grand Admiral Thrawn from the board, Ezra had become one of the strongest Jedi knights of the rebellion era, proving that a Jedi’s power is often measured by their willingness to lose everything for the greater good.
13 – Kanan Jarrus
Growth, deep Force connection.
Born Caleb Dume, Kanan Jarrus was a survivor of Order 66 who spent years hiding his true identity from the galactic empire. When he eventually embraced his role as a Jedi master to Ezra Bridger, his power truly began to flourish. Kanan’s most significant character arc occurred after he was blinded by Darth Maul. Instead of weakening him, this forced Kanan to rely entirely on his force sense, resulting in a deeper and more profound connection to the force than he ever had with his sight.
Kanan was a master of Form III, the ultimate defensive style. His ability to sense the world through the Force allowed him to anticipate threats before they materialised. In his final moments, he held back a massive explosion with a force push while simultaneously ensuring his friends could escape, a feat of incredible raw power. Kanan’s legacy as a formidable warrior and a selfless teacher makes him one of the greatest Jedi to emerge.
12 – Ki-Adi-Mundi
Strategic, cerebral Jedi thinker.
A staple of the Jedi council during the prequel era, Ki-Adi-Mundi was a Cerean Jedi master with a strategic mind that was vital to the galactic republic. His binary brain allowed him to process information and tactical scenarios faster than almost any other Jedi in star wars. Mundi was a master of Form II, and his prowess in lightsaber combat was legendary, particularly during the gruelling battles of the Clone Wars.
Mundi was often seen leading clone troopers into the most dangerous war zones, such as the second battle of Geonosis. His Jedi knowledge was vast, and he was frequently consulted on matters of the Jedi high council. While his adherence to the Jedi code was sometimes seen as rigid, his combat feats, such as fending off a dozen clones during the betrayal of Order 66, highlighted his status as a most formidable Jedi. He was a pillar of the Order whose loss signalled the true end of an era of peace.
11 – Shaak Ti
Calm, resilient Jedi Master.
Shaak Ti was a wise and extremely powerful Jedi who hailed from the planet Shili. As a member of the Jedi high council, she was entrusted with the oversight of the clone troopers’ training on Kamino. Her mastery over the Force was expansive, including highly advanced telekinesis and an innate ability to influence the environment around her. Shaak Ti was a master of both Form IV (Ataru) and Form VI, allowing her to move with a grace and speed that baffled her enemies.
She was one of the primary defenders of the Jedi temple during the final days of the Clone Wars. Her strength was not just in her lightsaber skills but in her spiritual depth; she was one of the few who could sense the growing shroud of the dark side over the Senate. Shaak Ti’s resilience allowed her to survive multiple purges in various lore accounts, always acting as a beacon of the light side. As a revered Jedi master, she represented the Order’s highest ideals of protection and nurturance.
10 – Plo Koon
Wise, powerful Force user.
Plo Koon was a Kel Dor Jedi master who was widely considered one of the most compassionate members of the Jedi council. He was a master of Form V, and his dual-handed lightsaber combat was both powerful and precise. Plo Koon possessed a rare and controversial force ability known as “Electric Judgment”. This was a light-side variant of force lightning that could stun or incapacitate without the cruelty of the Sith version.
His connection to the force was so refined that he could survive the vacuum of space for short periods, a feat that saved his life and the lives of his clone troopers on multiple occasions. Plo was the one who discovered Ahsoka Tano, and his mentorship shaped her into the formidable warrior she became. His strategic brilliance during the Clone Wars and his unwavering kindness made him a most formidable Jedi.
9 – Kit Fisto
Expert aquatic lightsaber duelist.
Why Kit Fisto’s Style Made Him Deadlier Than He Looked
Kit Fisto was a Nautolan Jedi master whose jovial personality masked a deadly efficiency in lightsaber combat. Master of Form I (Shii-Cho), Fisto was the ultimate “crowd control” specialist, capable of taking on multiple opponents at once with his fluid and unpredictable movements. His unique physiology allowed him to excel in underwater combat, where he used the Force to manipulate water currents and enhance his lightsaber duel capabilities.
Fisto was one of the only Jedi skilled enough to survive more than a few moments in a duel against Darth Sidious, which is a testament to his elite status. His awe inspiring lightsaber skills were paired with a deep understanding of Force-based physical enhancement. Throughout the Clone Wars, he was a key leader for the republic forces, always leading from the front with a trademark smile. As a powerful force user, Kit Fisto remains a fan favourite and one of the most skilled duelists to ever walk the halls of the Jedi temple.
8 – Ahsoka Tano
Skilled, independent Force wielder.
Ahsoka Tano’s evolution from a headstrong Padawan to a seasoned greatest Jedi candidate is one of the most compelling arcs in the star wars universe. Trained by Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka developed a dual-wielding style that emphasised speed and defence. Her combat record is peerless; she has survived duels with Darth Maul, General Grievous, and even her former master, Darth Vader, in an empire strikes back-level confrontation.
Although she technically left the Jedi order, she continued to uphold the Jedi code in her own way. Her connection to the force deepened as she matured, allowing her to sense disturbances across the galaxy and communicate with the spirits of the past. Ahsoka’s use of white lightsabers, purified from the red crystals of an Inquisitor, symbolises her status as a pure force user who is neither traditional Jedi nor Sith. Her survival through the dark side’s reign and her role in the rebel alliance make her one of the strongest Jedi knights in history.
7 – Qui-Gon Jinn
Deeply intuitive Force philosopher.
Qui-Gon Jinn was a maverick Jedi master who frequently clashed with the Jedi high council. Introduced in The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon was deeply focused on the “Living Force”, the energy of the present moment, rather than the rigid prophecies of the past. His mastery of Form IV made him a formidable warrior, but his true power lay in his philosophical depth and his discovery of the path to becoming a force ghost.
He was the first to realise that Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One, a discovery that would change the Star Wars saga forever. Qui-Gon’s teachings were unconventional; he encouraged Obi Wan to look beyond the Jedi code and trust his instincts. Even after his death at the hands of Darth Maul, Qui-Gon continued to guide the Order from beyond the grave. His spiritual breakthrough allowed future Jedi like Yoda and Luke Skywalker to achieve immortality, cementing his legacy as one of the most powerful Jedi of all time.
6 – Rey
Rapid Force mastery, unique connection.
Rey’s ascent from a scavenger on Jakku to the saviour of the Star Wars universe is fuelled by an incredible amount of raw power. As a descendant of Emperor Palpatine, she possessed a natural aptitude for the Force that mirrored the Skywalkers’. In The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, Rey demonstrated abilities that usually take years to master, such as mind tricks and advanced telekinesis, thanks to her “Force Dyad” with Ben Solo.
Her lightsaber combat is a gritty, effective blend of various forms, often using her staff-fighting background to overwhelm Sith lords. Rey’s most significant feat was channeling the power of “all the Jedi” to finally defeat Darth Sidious on Exegol. By rebuilding the Jedi order from the ancient texts found in the Jedi archives, Rey ensured that the light side would continue into a new era. Her connection to the force and her ability to heal others make her an extremely powerful Jedi who defines the future of the galaxy.
5 – Mace Windu
Powerful combatant, unique abilities.
Mace Windu was the champion of the Jedi order, a man whose combat prowess was matched only by his iron will. He created and mastered Vaapad, a dangerous variant of Form VII that allowed him to channel his inner darkness, and the darkness of his opponent, into a weapon of the light. This made him the most formidable Jedi to face off against Sith lords, as their own aggression only made him stronger.
Windu’s victory over Darth Sidious in a lightsaber duel is one of the most impressive feats in the Star Wars saga. Had it not been for the betrayal of Anakin Skywalker, Windu would have ended the Sith threat then and there. His force abilities also included the ability to see “shatterpoints”, physical and situational faults that he could exploit with a single force push or strike. As a leader of the Jedi high council, Windu was a titan of the Order whose power remains legendary.
4 – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Strategic, the definition of Jedi.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (often known as Ben Kenobi) is arguably the most successful Jedi master in history. While he may not have the raw power of a Skywalker, his mastery of Form III (Soresu) made him virtually untouchable in lightsaber combat. His tactical brilliance allowed him to defeat Darth Maul, General Grievous, and famously, Anakin Skywalker during their tragic duel on Mustafar.
Obi-Wan’s true strength was his resilience and his unwavering commitment to the Jedi code. He survived the fall of the Galactic Republic and spent decades in exile, protecting the galaxy’s only hope: Luke Skywalker. His transition into a force ghost allowed him to guide Luke from beyond, ensuring the defeat of the galactic empire. Obi-Wan’s legacy is one of patience and wisdom, proving that a formidable Jedi knight is one who knows when to fight and when to sacrifice themselves for a greater cause.
3 – Anakin Skywalker
The prophesied Chosen One.
Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied Chosen One, possessed a midi-chlorian count that exceeded even Master Yoda. His raw power was staggering; during the Clone Wars, he was a hero who could tilt the tide of entire planetary battles. His aggressive lightsaber combat style, Form V (Djem So), was designed to dominate and overpower any opponent in a lightsaber duel.
Even after his fall and transformation into Darth Vader, his connection to the force remained immense, though it was now fuelled by the dark side. Anakin’s ability to manipulate the physical world, from crushing walkers with a force push to his unrivalled piloting, made him a most formidable Jedi before he became the galaxy’s greatest villain. His eventual redemption, where he fulfilled his prophecy by destroying Darth Sidious, proves that his power was ultimately rooted in the light. He remains the most naturally gifted force user in the Star Wars universe.
2 – Yoda
Ancient, wise Force master.
For nearly 900 years, Master Yoda served as the heart and soul of the Jedi order. As the grand master, his Jedi knowledge was unparalleled, covering centuries of Jedi history and lore. Despite his small stature, his mastery of Form IV allowed him to move with a blur of speed and acrobatic precision, using the Force to compensate for his aging body.
Yoda’s force abilities were on a cosmic scale. He could catch force lightning with his bare hands and move massive objects with a mere thought. His spiritual depth allowed him to sense every life in the galaxy, and he was the one who oversaw the training of almost every Jedi knight for generations. Yoda’s battle against Darth Sidious in the Senate showed that he was the only one who could truly match the Dark Lord’s power. He remains the ultimate revered Jedi master, a symbol of the light side’s eternal strength.
1 – Luke Skywalker
Ultimate Jedi hero.
Luke Skywalker is the strongest Jedi of the Star Wars saga. Starting as a farm boy on Tatooine with no training, he achieved in a few years what others took decades to master. His victory over the Death Star and his role in the rebel alliance were just the beginning. Luke’s greatest power was not his skill with a blade, though he was a master, but his ability to resist the dark side when even his father could not.
In the years following The Empire Strikes back era, Luke’s power grew to legendary proportions. He mastered the art of force projection, appearing across the galaxy to face down the First Order while remaining physically on Ahch-To. This was a feat that required a god-like connection to the force. He successfully redeemed Darth Vader, defeated Emperor Palpatine, and rebuilt the Order. Luke represents the perfect balance of raw power, wisdom, and compassion. He is the definitive most powerful Jedi in the Star Wars Canon universe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Powerful Jedi
Who is the strongest Jedi in the Star Wars universe?
While debate persists among fans, Luke Skywalker is widely considered the strongest Jedi in the current canon. His unique connection to the Force allowed him to achieve a state of balance that neither his father nor his masters fully reached. While Anakin Skywalker possessed higher raw power and potential, Luke’s discipline and his ability to resist the dark side allowed him to perform unprecedented feats, such as his massive force projection across the galaxy in The Last Jedi.
Is Anakin Skywalker more powerful than Darth Vader?
This is a complex question of raw power versus control. As a Jedi Knight during the Clone Wars, Anakin had greater mobility and a more direct connection to the Force. However, after his fall and transformation into Darth Vader, his power became more focused through pain and hatred. While the Sith Lord lost much of his physical potential due to his injuries on Mustafar, his mastery of dark side telekinesis and physical intimidation made him a more efficient killer than he ever was as a member of the Jedi Order.
Who could defeat Darth Sidious in a lightsaber duel?
Historically, only a few Jedi have ever stood a chance against Emperor Palpatine. Mace Windu is the most notable, as he actually defeated Darth Sidious in a lightsaber duel in his office by using Vaapad to reflect the Sith’s own malice. Master Yoda also fought the Emperor to a stalemate in the Senate. Later, Rey was able to finally destroy the Emperor by channeling the collective strength of all past force users, effectively ending the reign of the Sith Empire.
How do Force Ghosts work?
The ability to become a force ghost is an ancient and difficult force ability that was lost to the Jedi High Council for centuries. It was Qui-Gon Jinn who first rediscovered the path, later teaching it to Obi Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda. This skill allows a Jedi Master to retain their consciousness after death, existing as a part of the Living Force to guide future generations. This is a power the Sith Lords cannot replicate, as it requires total selflessness and a rejection of the dark side.
What are the most powerful Force abilities used by Jedi?
Beyond basic lightsaber skills, the most powerful Jedi utilise advanced force skills like battle meditation, which can influence the outcome of entire planetary conflicts by bolstering Republic forces. Other elite abilities include force sense, which allows a Jedi Knight to perceive events across lightyears, and force projection, an exhausting technique used to create a solid image of oneself in another location. These skills require a master-level connection to the Force and years of study in the Jedi Temple.
