The Star Wars franchise is a long-running science fiction franchise that features a number of films, TV shows, books, and video games. Since 1977, Star Wars has reigned supreme as one of the most popular science fiction galaxies, revolving around the Skywalker family and the order of Force-wielders known as the Jedi. The franchise's popularity has only grown over the years, with a new generation of fans being welcomed thanks to the creation of series like The Mandalorian and the introduction of Grogu AKA 'The Child'. Such characters have become favorites of many Star Wars fans, but this is not the only character to choose from.
Star Wars is indeed full of lovable characters. From political figures like Padme Amidala to ridiculous beings like JarJar Binks, the number of characters in the franchise is staggering. While many of the main characters are beloved, there are plenty of minor characters that are more deserving of attention. Some of the most beloved — but also, per Collider, most tragic — characters within the franchise are the Clone Troopers. Since being introduced in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and then expanded on in the animated series The Clone Wars, audiences have fallen in love with the clones. Despite their high numbers, there are quite a few clone troopers that are memorable. These are the best clone troopers in the Star Wars franchise, ranked.
8 Cody
While Cody is one of the most well-known names of all the Clone Troopers, his limited screen-time is always memorable. Marshal Commander Cody plays a massive role in many of the Republic victories throughout The Clone Wars. He led his troops to victory in the Second Battle of Geonosis despite all the bumps in the road. He is tactful and thinks things through, which is why he gets along with his general Obi-Wan Kenobi so well. Unfortunately, Cody fell victim to Order 66 and ordered for his general to be killed on Utapau in Revenge of the Sith, but it's impossible to forget everything he did for the Republic. Per Dork Side of the Force, Cody is expected to make an appearance in the upcoming second season of The Bad Batch.
7 Captain Keeli
Captain Keeli showed off his skills in combat at the Battle of Ryloth during the Clone Wars. Despite the difficulties Keeli faced, his unwavering determination bought time for the Twi'lek Freedom Fighters and refugees. Keeli was put through a great deal of trauma, including being knocked down by a thermal detonator and seeing many of his fellow clones die at the hands of the separatists, but he always managed to get back up and face the fight with everything he had. In his last stand with his men, standing back to back with Ima-Gun Di, Captain Keeli made the ultimate sacrifice to save the civilians.
6 Waxer
Arguably one of the most underrated clone troopers in the franchise is Waxer. While most clone troopers are known for their combat skills, what sets Waxer apart is his empathy for the victims of the war. While on Ryloth, Waxer finds a young Twi'lek girl named Numa hiding in what remained of her village, separated from any family she may have. Waxer looks after Numa, determined to keep her safe and comfortable, offering her food and speaking with her to keep her distracted from the war-torn surroundings. When she is finally reunited with her Uncle, Numa bid Waxers a heart-warming goodbye, whom she now considers her brother.
5 Hevy
Hevy, who got his nickname from his skill and love of heavy weapons, is a name that every Star Wars fan should recognize. Introduced in Season 1 of The Clone Wars, Hevy was a rookie who was faced with a huge threat. He had a preference to work on his own, but the circumstances of his first mission lead him to become a strong leader. Unfortunately, Hevy's glory was short-lived after he gave his life on the Rishi Moon Outpost by manually detonating the bomb to destroy it and let their superiors know the outpost was being infiltrated. Hevy made a memorable trooper and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
4 Ninety-Nine
While Ninety-Nine is technically not a clone trooper as he is not equipped for combat, he is one of the most memorable clone troopers to cross our paths. Ninety-Nine's unique perspective brought about wisdom that not many clones had access to, making him just as valuable as any other trooper. During the attack on Kamino, Ninety-Nine helps his brothers to defend their home by providing them with weapons and ammunition they need. He proves his loyalty to his brothers when he sacrifices himself trying to get to the armory for more thermal detonators. His legacy lived on in The Bad Batch AKA Clone Force 99 was named after him.
3 ARC Trooper Echo
One character that has shown up time and time again is ARC Trooper Echo. Echo got his name from his tendency to reiterate orders, wanting to follow every instruction to the tee. Over the course of The Clone Wars, he changed and adapted, earning a position as an ARC Trooper in the 501st after his valiant work in defending Kamino. Echo was originally thought to have been killed during the infiltration of the Citadel, but it was later revealed that he was captured by separatists and experimented on by the Techno Union. Despite severe injuries and torture, his loyalty to the Republic remained. After his rescue, Echo returned to combat and eventually joined The Bad Batch.
2 ARC Trooper Fives
Often referred to as the unsung hero of The Clone Wars, Fives is not only one of the best clone troopers, but he is arguably one of the best characters of the series. Fives was responsible for uncovering Sidious' plan behind the inhibitor chips placed within each clone's brain, which nearly led to Fives foiling the secret of Order 66. While Fives is a fiercely loyal soldier, he is not willing to blindly follow orders, proven by his rebellion during the Battle of Umbara. When Fives' inhibitor chip malfunctioned, leading to the execution of Jedi General Tiplar, he launched an investigation into the true nature of the inhibitor chips. After his tragic death at the hands of Commander Fox, his name lived on. It was later revealed that he did not die in vain as his efforts assisted Ahsoka during the events of Order 66.
1 Captain Rex
Disney
Captain Rex is the most beloved and memorable clone in the entire franchise, making appearances across several Star Wars TV series, notably The Clone Wars and Rebels. This fan favorite serves as one of the most valuable assets to the Republic, thinking quickly on his feet and having the ability to strategize while still caring for his brothers-in-arms. Rex's bond with Anakin and Ahsoka led him to be able to initially resist the orders from the inhibitor chip. Despite everything that Rex went through during the Clone Wars, he remained loyal to the Republic. Rex eventually aided The Bad Batch, helping them to remove their inhibitor chips and lent his expertise to the budding Rebel Alliance after Order 66. Captain Rex is beloved by all as one of the strongest and most caring soldiers to brave the clone wars.