Summary

• Droids are an essential and beloved part of the Star Wars galaxy, providing both comedic relief and accomplishing tasks no one else can.
• The Star Wars universe features a wide variety of droids, with new types constantly being introduced.
• Each droid listed in the article has unique qualities and contributions, with R2-D2 ultimately being the most iconic and important droid in the franchise.

The Star Wars galaxy wouldn't be the same without droids, from the loving companions of the franchise to the hilarious standalone characters with rough-around-the-edges programming. Droids have always been essential to the story of Star Wars, beginning with R2-D2's mission to deliver Leia Organa's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine. Not only are they an important part of the galaxy, but they're also a beloved one, often acting as agents of comedy while also accomplishing tasks that no one else in the galaxy could ever do.

There are many types of droids in the Star Wars galaxy, and their numbers are only growing. From the B-1 battle series droids often seen during the Clone Wars era to the record-breaking set full of droids in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 6 at the droid bar, Star Wars has only emphasized the importance of droids and their influential role in the galaxy. With so many droids to choose from, here are 15 of Star Wars' very best.

15 AP-5

First Appeared: Star Wars Rebels

AP-5 becomes the reluctant friend of Chopper in Star Wars Rebels, which is no small feat given the astromech's less-than-friendly record. He's present not only as the Squidward Tentacles type of grumpy character, but also as an actual important part of the early Rebellion, providing them with information from the Imperial manifests he had to look over so many times. AP-5 is a great addition to the galaxy, especially the scene of him floating alone in space before he's retrieved by the Ghost crew once again, but he otherwise hasn't done much else.

14 Gonky

First Appeared: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

All gonk droids deserve a place here, but for being the reliable friend of Clone Force 99, Gonky gets the highlight. He functions not only as a weight for Wrecker to lift, but also as a source of power and hope in their darker times, providing the Marauder with life when things get difficult. Gonky has also been there for Omega throughout the Bad Batch's hardships in space, and he's a great addition to their family - though he does spend most of his time as a background character.

13 SK-620

First Appeared: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

The story of SK-620 is not one to be forgotten, especially given both their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good and their alliance with Rey and Chewbacca. The astromech is the former assistant cruise director of the Halcyon Starcruiser, and they helped cruise director Lenka Mok run secret missions for the Resistance before ing Rey's crew. SK-620 is also fearless, and was often seen around the Halcyon intimidating stormtroopers and standing up to the egregious Lieutenant Harman Croy. They still have yet to make an appearance outside the immersive experience, though, which keeps them on the lower side of this list.

12 L3-37

First Appeared: Solo: A Star Wars Story

No one is more vocal about the droid rights movement than L3-37, and she did all she could to prove that. As the right-hand woman of Lando Calrissian, L3 was given the chance to fight for her kind while she could, and she did just that on Kessel. Though it ultimately led to her taking critical damage, she's now since become an important part of the beloved Millennium Falcon, which earns her a spot on this list. Her ions, however, did jeopardize the mission on Kessel, and that keeps her spot further back than others.

11 R5-D4

First Appeared: Star Wars

R5-D4 is one of the most underrated droid heroes of the Star Wars galaxy, and it goes all the way back to the first Star Wars movie, later titled A New Hope. R5 was the one who made sure that Luke Skywalker took R2-D2 instead of himself, a decision that saved the galaxy. He also had another role in aiding the Rebellion, and most recently, he's become an addition to none other than Din Djarin's small clan. He's wonderful enough for someone who hates droids as much as Din to appreciate, and he's the one who makes it possible for Din to get to Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian season 3 finale. Still, he has even more to prove in their adventures in The Mandalorian season 4.

10 IG-11

First Appeared: The Mandalorian

IG-11 shows what bounty hunter IG-88 could have done in The Empire Strikes Back, and he creates a hilarious yet trusting dynamic with Din Djarin. He becomes the very first droid that Din trusts, first with their reluctant deal on Arvala-7 and again when IG-11 is the one to save Din's life. His humor is one of his best traits, especially when he would deliver jokes to ease the tension - as he did for Din when his helmet was removed for the first time. Thankfully, IG-11's time in the galaxy has been extended by the ending of The Mandalorian season 3, and so there's much more left in store for him.

9 B2EMO

First Appeared: Andor

B2EMO, also known as Bee, is the most faithful a droid companion could get. The adorable droid of Maarva and Cassian Andor cares so deeply for his family, to the point where he's not afraid to call them out if he has to. All he wants is to keep them safe, which causes him to lie for them if he has to. Bee is so loyal and sweet that many of the others on Ferrix consider him to be a friend, with many rushing to his aid when he's assaulted by an Imperial officer. He is an excellent addition to Andor season 1 and will hopefully continue to be so in season 2.

8 R7-A7

First Appeared: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

R7-A7 is another underrated Star Wars hero, and as the astromech who served Ahsoka Tano for so many years, he's certainly done his part. His most heroic moment is during Order 66, where he helps Ahsoka lead the droids on their task to get Rex and remove his chip before attempting to help with Ahsoka's and Rex's escape. Sadly, he had to sacrifice himself in the process, but it only adds to how amazing of a companion he's always been. This earns him a solid place on this list, even with a small amount of story time.

7 BD-1

First Appeared: Jedi: Fallen Order

BD-1 is another sweet and loyal companion, and his willingness to help knows no bounds. He's enthusiastic about the research he does and the knowledge he holds, but he's just as equally eager to protect both Cal Kestis and himself. BD-1 even lunged at Darth Vader himself, mostly due to his dedication to Cal in trying to keep him safe. BD-1 is an excellent droid to have, and he's only proven that more and more in his partnership with Cal - and it helps that he's so adorable.

6 Huyang

First Appeared: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Huyang is voiced by David Tennant, and he has been an important part of Star Wars history, most notably Jedi history, for thousands of years. The knowledge he possesses knows no bounds, from the masters and apprentices of Jedi past to every single detail about a lightsaber. He's very much a guiding figure for Ahsoka during her journey in Ahsoka, always ready to lend a helping hand, even if it's somewhat reluctant. Impressively, he's also still composed of 75% original parts, which also proves his dedication to everything he does.