There is no doubt that a lot of the opinions from Star Wars fans on their preference of films comes down to the simple factor of what movies they grew up watching. As such, the prequel trilogy that was once so controversial, that suffered unbelievable levels of criticism, is now beloved by so many fans, with a plethora of people seeing the quality within the films.
They are, of course, not perfect, and have so many flaws. But throughout each film are a variety of brilliant storylines, especially in the ideas beneath them, with some aided by The Clone Wars, and some that are just great on their own merit.
The Politics
The politics of the prequel trilogy is definitely a touchy subject, and in terms of the execution is not one of the best storylines the prequels have to offer, lowering its place on the list.
However, in its idea, and with the collection of canon material surrounding it, and even to a lot of fans on its own two legs, the politics is incredibly interesting. Seeing how the Republic once functioned and turned into the Galactic Empire is fascinating, likewise was seeing democracy die with thunderous applause.
The Battle Of Geonosis
Most fans will have Attack of the Clones near the bottom of their Star Wars rankings, but will often point to its last section as by far the best part of the film.
Seeing a collection of Jedi fighting droids is a sight to behold, so too is seeing Yoda in action, and the clones - who would go on to be one of the most beloved groups in the franchise - swooping in to save the day, the whole sequence is great from the coliseum battle to the lightsaber duel.
Rescuing The Chancellor
While Attack Of The Clones sits near the bottom of the fan's list, Revenge Of The Sith will always be seen by the majority as the finest the trilogy has to offer, and one of the best of the series.
It also has one hell of an opening with the Battle of Coruscant and the rescue of the Chancellor, with some fantastic action, a decent lightsaber duel, and some of Sidious's biggest manipulations. Its presence in the seventh season of Clone Wars only aids the whole story.
Anakin & Obi-Wan
The prequel trilogy has so many flaws, one of which is how much it tells us about the adventures of Anakin and Obi-Wan, but does not show them to us.
Nevertheless, there is something about the pair that induces an admiration from fans. They are one of the best friendships as well as Master/Apprentice relationships in the franchise, and seeing them grow from a hesitant pairing, to brothers, to enemies is brilliant.
Padmé's Role
Padmé Amidala is a character who gets a lot of stick from her time in the prequel trilogy, with the writing of the character as well as her relationship with Anakin being one of the weakest aspects of the movies.
However, Padmé's story without Anakin in the trilogy is pretty great; she is the only person who continuously gets in the way of Palpatine's plans, forcing him to adapt. The way she protects her people and later the Galaxy is excellent, and she only improves in that sense as the years go on and the content flows.
Hubris Of The Jedi
Seeing the Jedi seemingly at their prime was one of the most exciting things going into the prequel trilogy, but throughout the movies, it soon becomes clear they are not at their prime, or at least, are very problematic.
There are so many issues with the Order and the Council in terms of their attitudes and beliefs, and the way they act. Except for a couple of Jedi like Qui-Gon and Yoda, they are full of hubris, aiding in their downfall and blindness. Mace Windu and his arrogance, as well as his extreme and ironic attachment to the Jedi Code, is a prime example of this.
Darth Maul's Hunt
If there is one thing all fans can agree on about the prequel trilogy, it is that the Duel of the Fates is the best part about The Phantom Menace by a country mile.
Maul, despite his extremely limited dialogue - in this film -is a consistent highlight in the movie. He embodies what many fans envision a Sith Lord to be, and from his first run-in with Qui-Gon, to his hunt for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, to the final duel, he is incredible.
Order 66
There are a variety of heartbreaking moments in the Skywalker Saga, but there are few, if any, that are as emotional as when Order 66 gets unleashed, once again made even more so due to The Clone Wars.
When Sidious gives the Order to Cody, and fans proceed to watch beloved Jedi like Plo Koon, Aayla Secura, and Obi-Wan get targeted by their battalions. It is hard to watch, made even worse by Anakin's march on the Jedi Temple.
Palpatine's Manipulation, Sidious' Rise
Speaking of Sidious's plans, fans get to witness them brilliantly unfold throughout all three movies of the prequels, and it helped solidify his legacy as an outstanding villain.
The way Palpatine manipulates Anakin in each film, the way he maneuvers politically and shapes the nature of the Galactic Senate and the Clone Wars around his plans is masterful.
The Fall Of Anakin, The Rise Of Vader
Sidious's manipulations are not the only factor in Anakin Skywalker's tragic downfall, and throughout the trilogy, fans get glimpses into a lot of the reasons that break him emotionally and mentally.
While a lot of fans believe Anakin's fall did not get developed enough, there was still plenty to make it a great story overall. Anakin becoming Darth Vader, slaughtering younglings, battling his brother, and betraying the light within him in favor of the dark, it is the highlight and central story of the trilogy.