Episode I, II and III of the Star Wars universe remain some of the most hotly debated films of all time. With nearly impossible standards to look up to, fans expected a lot and weren’t not happy with the results. But myself along with several geek friends are here to explain why the Star Wars prequels were good.

The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005) have been mercilessly attacked over the years as a money grab and CGI-abomination with the introduction of characters like Jar Jar Binks

As we grow closer to the release of a new set of Star Wars films, the prequels are regarded as the lesser-quality Star Wars films most would like to forget. Contrary to popular opinion, the prequels have many enjoyable aspects that seem to be overlooked.

Here are 12 moments from the Star Wars prequels that prove the trilogy wasn’t as terrible as your friends would have you believe:

1. Darth Maul

Darth Maul is the single saving grace and the only reason to ever watch The Phantom Menace ever again.

 

2. The Geonosis Battle

There were plenty of battle scenes in the prequels but the one Paul and Twitter user BCBCouch prefer is the Geonosis Battle. No word on if it’s because of Natalie Portman’s overall badassery in the scene, but it probably plays a role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmR1ee223zQ

 

3. Speaking of Natalie Portman…

She’s the only reason some people will watch the prequels. Her role of Padme Amidala was a character many girls (including myself) looked up to as a kid because of her political savvy and ability to kick ass.

When asked which Natalie scene in particular he prefers, Solly responds with “the one where Natalie Natalie’s.”

 

4. The birth of the Galactic Empire

Part of the mystique behind Star Wars is the ever-changing politics which occasionally mirrors our own society.

Much like Twitter users DCole and NotaKop, I enjoy seeing the backstory on how Vader and Palpatine rose to power while also delivering us Padme’s famous line, “So this is how liberty dies…With thunderous applause.”

 

5. Obi-Wan vs Anakin Skywalker

Because the battle with Obi-Wan and Darth Vader is so short in A New Hope, the fight scene between Obi-Wan as Anakin turns to the dark side is what Bryan says, “better than the original.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xP3fI7yn5s

 

6. Podracing

Like Chris, one of the few reasons to watch The Phantom Menace was because of the podracing.

I remember loving this scene so much as a kid that we jumped at the chance to buy the video game which was better than the movie.

 

7. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi

One of my favorite parts of the prequels was Ewan McGregor’s adaptation of Obi-Wan. Because we saw so little of Obi-Wan in the original trilogy, it was nice to see the background of one of the famous characters.

And as Brittany and Joshua put it, McGregor was one of the biggest reasons to care about the prequels.

 

8. Speaking of Ewan…

Brandon brings up one of the most famous lines from the prequels, “You were the chosen one.”

 

9. The Execution of Order 66

In what was originally designed a fail-safe method against rogue Jedi, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine executed Order 66 which resulted in the murder of several Jedi members.

Doug Carter says “Watching a few Jedi get gunned down with John Williams’ score was terrific.”

 

10. I’m sorry

Part of me can’t help but feel sorry for all the hate Jar Jar has received over the years. Arguably the most hated character in the Star Wars universe was recently tied to a Sith Lord rumor. But even that distinction won’t save Jar Jar from forever being known as a mistake that should have never happened.

However some people like Tommy prefer to take affinity towards Jar Jar in the Star Wars universe “just to watch the world burn.”

 

11. Yoda vs. Dooku

Christopher Lee has played some incredible villains and Dooku is one of them.

When 900-year-old Yoda decides he’s has about enough, the two face off in what Twitter user aacameron calls one of the best lightsaber fights in the entire series.

 

12. The workaround

If you still find yourself hating the prequels, this fan-made YouTube video is an edited version with all three prequel movies condensed into one three-hour session.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXL1agXVeuo