The 20 Coolest Star Wars Alien Species From Throughout The Galaxy
Toydarian
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
With wings, large snouts, webbed feet and an attitude, Toydarians are very strange. Watto was the first of the series, as the owner of a young Anakin Skywalker and his mother Shmi.
While Jedi can use mental manipulation on many, it's ineffective on Toydarians.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Yuzzum
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Like Ewoks, Yuzzum are native to the forest planet of Endor.
In the original Return of the Jedi, a lone Yuzzum appears in the background at Jabba's palace -- at the time, it was too expensive to create more than one physical model. In the movie's 1997 Special Edition release, a CGI-created Yuzzum plays with Max Rebo's band.
Image credit: LucasFilm
Geonosian brain worm
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
It's hard to judge the brain worms based on how they look but their power is quite impressive. The parasites have the capability to take control of a host, using it to forward its own agenda--or their queen's, at least.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Bendu
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels
This moose-like creature from the planet Atollon is just too unique to skip. The massive being is sensitive to Force powers and has befriended Kanan on Star Wars Rebels. He also acts as a mediator of sorts, helping Kanan and his padawan Ezra deal with their conflict, never taking a side.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Sullustan
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
The multiple layers of Sullustan faces help these aliens stand apart from the rest.
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Rodians
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
The green-skinned reptilian Rodians have a long history in the Star Wars franchise. Greedo, the most infamous member of the species, met his demise in A New Hope when he is shot and killed by Han Solo.
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Trandoshan
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
The original Trandoshan designs might seem a bit dated due to the use of rubbery-looking masks, but the species has evolved over time. They're giant reptiles that also fancy themselves to be big game hunters -- what's not to love?
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Ortolan
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
These guys look like strange blue elephants with elongated noses and floppy ears. What would Star Wars be without Max Rebo and his band keeping Jabba the Hutt entertained in Return of the Jedi?
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Tusken Raiders
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
The Tusken Raiders, also known as the Sand People, come from Tatooine and are very xenophobic about those who settle in their planet. Outside of A New Hope, the Tuskens don't play a major role in Star Wars. However, their interactions with Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi -- along with their interesting look -- make them notable.
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Lasat
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels
Like Wookiees, the Lasat are a large and very strong species that you do not want to be on the opposite side of a fight from. Interestingly enough, their design is based on the original concept art for Chewbacca, before it was decided he would be covered in fur.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Twi'lek
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
With long tentacles growing out of their heads and bright-colored skin, it's hard to confuse a Twi'lek with anything else in the galaxy. Many ended up as slaves, but some Twi'lek--including Jedi Knight Aayla Secura--rose to greatness.
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Zabrak
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
They look almost human, except for the horns growing out of the top of their head. The most notable is Darth Maul, the Sith Lord that killed Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace. While Maul's skin was black and red with yellow eyes, these physical attributes of the Zabrak vary.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Mon Calamari
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
The Mon Calamari are a peculiar-looking bunch with their giant eyes and seemingly always smiling faces. The most recognizable member of the species is most certainly Admiral Ackbar. It's a trap!
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Jawa
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Nobody really knows exactly what Jawas look like under their hooded robes, but it's hard to mistake their glowing eyes with anything else in the Star Wars universe.
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Ewok
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
It's easy to make fun of the Ewoks. They're tiny little teddy bear aliens in a war for the universe. They're more powerful than they look, though. Their fighting style may be primitive, but it sure proved effective against Stormtroopers.
They also like to party after winning, which is never a bad thing.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Hutt
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
The slow-moving Hutts are part of a crime syndicate. They keep themselves quite protected without the need for doing their own fighting.
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Togruta
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Visually, the Togruta are a striking alien species--colorful skin and tail heads help them stand out. After being introduced in Attack of the Clones, it was Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels that became a breakout character, cementing her species as one of the franchise's best.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Asogians
First appearance: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
While they've only appeared in The Phantom Menace, Asogians play a fun role in the Star Wars universe, bridging the gap with Steven Spielberg's classic film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
Wookiee
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
This incredibly hairy species is native to Kashyyyk. Wookiees are fierce warriors, loyal to a fault and have very long lifespans--one that has lived for centuries appears in the canon novel Lost Stars.
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Yoda
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
It's never been confirmed exactly what race of alien Yoda is. Still, even with all of the mystery, it's hard to deny that Yoda is the most interesting and important alien in the galaxy.
Image credit: Lucasfilm
