8 Reasons "Star Wars" Is One Of The Most Iconic Series Ever

Whether we align with the dark side and long to work under the Sith Lord or dream of joining the rebel alliance to fight with light sabers alongside Wookiees and Ewoks, we can collectively appreciate the genius that is behind this remarkable series. So without further ado, here are eight reasons why “Star Wars” is one of the most iconic series ever created. (By: Victoria Robertson, University of Illinois)

1. Classic struggle of good vs. evil.

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Dating as far back as Greek tragedies, conflicts revolving around the good and evil dichotomy have spoken to audiences in a timeless manner.

"Star Wars" takes this classic clash and magnifies it with battles of the dark side vs. the light side, Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker, Stormtroopers vs. Jedi and the list truly goes on and on.

With such strong opposing forces as those presented by the films, how could "Star Wars" be anything less than one of the best?

2. It successfully encompasses all genres of film.

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From grand romances to epic battles, these films cover all realms cinema has to offer; science fiction, romance, action and even drama are all included over the course of the series, and there aren’t many series that can say that.

I mean think about it: instead of one stereotypical relationship story, there are two that break free from the standard love story, and to intermix that with violence and dynamic characters really hits home for these films.

However, not only does this film encompass nearly every genre, it also does so with such success that the storyline has become one that’s continuously re-imagined and referenced in pop culture.

3. Special effects as basis for new industry.

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Many people aren’t familiar with the amount of work that went into the special effects of these beloved films. Setting a film completely in space makes filming difficult, but George Lucas tackled this task with ingenuity.

And because the special effects were so spectacular given the time, the development of the Industrial Light & Magic Visual Effects Company (ILM) was inevitable. Founded in 1975 by Lucas, this company has had a hand in 275 films and won 15 Oscars and 23 Sci-Tech Awards.

So without the special effects genius that is behind the "Star Wars" films, many of today’s films such as "Iron Man" and "Transformers" wouldn’t be nearly as amazing as they are.

4. George Lucas.

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Writer and director of all the "Star Wars" films, Lucas is absolutely one of the main reasons the series is so successful. A true innovator if there ever was one, Lucas created an entire galaxy (far, far away) that we will forever value.

Without this man, "Star Wars" wouldn't be in our lives. Special effects wouldn’t be what they are today and one of the greatest villains film has ever seen would cease to exist. So we all owe a major thanks to George Lucas for being far more creative than we are or will ever be.

Plus, as a little added bonus, we can attribute a few more films to his expertise, such as the "Indiana Jones" films and "Jurassic Park;" he even had a hand in "Titanic."

5. Han Solo and Chewbacca.

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Friendships in cinema are always a positive, and bromances are even better. So what do you get when you combine Harrison Ford and a Wookiee? That’s right: brilliance.

With humor and heart, the twosome encompasses the true meaning of friendship and extends this onto those around them as well.

While many of the other characters and their relationships are worth watching the movie for as well, it is the relationship between Han Solo and Chewbacca that keeps us coming back for more.

6. Intricate ensemble characters.

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Wookies, Ewoks and Stormtroopers galore: the Star Wars ensemble cast is one of the best ever brought to film.

Looking to lesser characters with only a few appearances in the films such as Jabba the Hutt and Watto, we are still given intricate characters that have become iconically villainous in their own way.

Plus, there are the more famous recurring characters such as Yoda, C-3PO and R2-D2 without which the story just wouldn't be the same.

The only character I will grant as an exception to this rule is Jar Jar Binks: he really is one of the worst characters of the series, and kind of ruined the first film for many fans. But aside from him, the ensemble characters truly are some of the best ever, and they contribute greatly to the films.

7. Powerful female characters.

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It’s about time cinema has multiple female characters that evoke power and have the potential for greatness.

From Padme Amidala to Princess Leia, "Star Wars" is known for putting females in positions of power on the “good” side. So rather than the typical strong female character cast in the role of villain, strong females hold their place as some of the most loyal and intelligent characters the films have to offer.

So while Darth Vader and Yoda may seem strong, in comparison to these females, they can’t hold a candle. It’s about time, am I right?

8. Best lines ever given to cinema.

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“Luke, I am your father.” We have all used this line at least once in our lives, and I’m sure if the opportunity ever arises, we won’t hesitate to do it again.

Not only this, but also basically any line said by Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.” It’s inspirational and completely backwards, which makes it recognizable in a heartbeat.

"Star Wars" has given us some of the most iconic characters ever, and so why should their dialogue be any different? It really is amazing how something as simple as the spoken word can have such an impact on the "Star Wars" fanbase.

And for those of you that have been patiently waiting all these years for another trilogy of films, you can send a big "thank you" over to Walt Disney Studios for not only bringing us Episode VII in December of 2015, but also for bringing back Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer and Mark Hamill.

If we're being completely honest here, we will never be ready for this series to end, so it can only help that some of our favorite characters will be reprising their roles in the next film.

So until then, may the force be with you, and may "Star Wars" continue to entertain us long past the release of its last film.