Across six Star Wars movies over forty years, Han Solo managed to become one of the greatest characters in the franchise. He is instantly recognizable and iconic, as well as just an absolute joy to watch on screen, with Harrison Ford being the perfect actor to portray the lovable smuggler.
He is one of the heroes of the franchise and one third of the main three in the original trilogy. But, just because he was a hero in the rebellion does not mean there were no points where fans felt a momentary dislike of him, as well as other moments where audiences felt immense sympathy for Han.
Felt Bad - When Qi'ra Leaves
Solo: A Star Wars Story introduces to Han's first love, long before Leia, in the form of Qi'ra, a fellow scrumrat from Corellia.
When the two are reunited, Qi'ra has risen in the ranks of the Crismon Dawn crime syndicate, and at the end of the movie, it seems as though Han and Qi'ra might be together again. However, Qi'ra instead takes up the leadership of Crimson Dawn and abandons Han.
Hated - When We Know Han Smuggled Spice For Jabba
Han's status as a smuggler is part of who he is and what makes him so beloved and relatable. However, his smuggling drugs for Jabba is far from admirable.
From wider Star Wars lore, we know the danger of spice, and we also know in general that Jabba is the worst, so the knowledge that such a hero was involved with gangs and drugs is not fun.
Felt Bad - When We Find Out Han Was A Big Optimist
When we meet Han in the original trilogy, he is a complete pessimist who is judgmental, seems to be eternally negative, and believes in making his own luck.
Solo, however, revealed that Han was not always like this. Fans had figured as much, but wanted to know what happened to make him so pessimistic. When we find out that his younger self was full of spunk and optimism, it is pretty sad knowing he turns into the opposite, yet equally lovable person.
Hated - When He Is Dismissive Of The Force
That pessimistic nature is first seen in A New Hope and in one of the most frustrating moments where Han is extremely dismissive of the Force and Obi-Wan's beliefs.
We know Chewbacca knew the Jedi and has been alive for over two centuries, so surely he could have corrected Han on this? It is all very frustrating, and viewers side with Obi-Wan and Luke here from the get-go.
Felt Bad - When He Get's Frozen In Carbonite
One of the most iconic scenes in the entire franchise comes when Darth Vader freezes Han Solo in carbonite, it is fantastic and painful to watch and would have been doubly so back when it was unknown if Harrison Ford would return.
Han, knowing he may die at that moment, still manages to stay strong for Leia, profess his love for her in his unique way, and then tells Chewie to take care of her.
Hated - When All He Cares About Is Himself & The Rewards
When captured on the Death Star and in search of an escape, Han and Luke find out Princess Leia is on board, with Han's uncaring reaction inspiring frustration.
This only got worse when he only accepted to help her when Luke lured him in with the thought of a big reward from royalty; all Han seemingly cared about at the time.
Felt Bad - When He Sees Leia
When we find out Han and Leia are not together in The Force Awakens, it is heartbreaking and understandable with the circumstances.
When we see Han later, waiting to see if Leia will arrive with the Resistance troops, it is obvious the love he has for her, a love we see a couple of times before they part ways for the last time.
Hated - When He Went Back To Smuggling
Speaking of Han and Leia not being together though, while Leia aided the New Republic and led the Resistance, Han went back to his old ways.
Smuggling who knows what and getting crews of people killed is not exactly the triumphant return to form many would have wanted from Han, but it was expected and made worth it by the "Chewie, we're home" line.
Felt Bad - When He Goes For Ben/Kylo
After Han and Leia part ways for the last time, Han goes to Starkiller Base to help blow it up, and knows that he must do something else for Leia while there. Save Ben Solo.
This, of course, results in Han's death, and the fact he went for Ben shows just how much he cared, not only for his son but for Leia too.
Hated - When He Abandons Luke & Leia
This moment is rectified soon after, but for a brief time, fans cannot help but hate Han when they first watch this scene.
Taking his reward, leaving Luke, leaving Leia, and leaving the rebellion, Han proves he only cares about himself. Until, of course, when he comes back and shows his true colors.