However controversial the Star Wars sequel trilogy may be, it featured a roster of beloved characters, both new and old. Over the course of the three films, there were many decisions made that impacted the course of events dramatically, and while there were some ill-made choices, there were many good ones too.
Intrinsically good characters like Chewie and Leia were among those who acted selflessly and made choices with others' best interests at heart, which made for some heartwarming and heroic moments. However, even the villains of the trilogy had a chance to redeem themselves with the good decisions they made along the way.
Chewbacca: Staying With The Falcon
After the tragic death of Han in The Force Awakens, it would have been understandable if Chewie wanted to become a recluse like Luke, and not ever co-pilot the Millennium Falcon again without his comrade. Yet, Chewie chose to accept Rey, Poe, and Finn into the Falcon, both in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, acting with loyalty to the beloved ship and to Han.
Han and Chewie were one of the best duos in Star Wars, and Chewie's decision to stay with the Resistance and accompany them on their path to victory truly kept Han's memory alive. Throughout the whole of the sequel trilogy, Chewie never strayed too far from the ship, and it was his best decision.
Rose: Stopping Finn's Sacrifice Attempt
Finn and Rose became fast friends in The Last Jedi, and Rose's best decision in the trilogy came at the end of the film when she stopped Finn from flying his ship into the First Order's canon. Rose's decision to put herself in harm's way to save her friend was extremely heroic and showed Finn what the Resistance was fighting for.
Her statement to Finn telling him that the only way to win the war against the First Order was by "saving what we love," was one of Rose's best quotes, and conveyed her understanding of the cause they were fighting for. Rose saved her friend and made him see the true purpose of the Resistance, securing it as her best decision.
Hux: Freeing Finn, Poe, and Chewie
Hux was notoriously loyal to the First Order's cause in the first two films of the sequel trilogy, but by The Rise of Skywalker, his priorities had shifted greatly. In a shock twist, Hux revealed that he was the mole who had been feeding information to the Resistance and freed Poe, Finn, and Chewie from their capture.
However wayward Hux's intentions were, it was refreshing to see him finally do something good for a change. His decision to free the heroes ultimately saved their lives, and whether Hux realized that the First Order was never going to win the war or that freeing the Resistance would bring Kylo Ren down, it was the best decision he made throughout the sequels.
Han: Not Giving Up On Ben
In all the heartbreak of Ben Solo's fall to the dark side, Han still harbored hope that his son would come home, and continuously chose to believe in this. While others doubted that Kylo Ren could ever be turned, Han believed that his son was still in there, and this belief was ultimately the catalyst that brought Ben back to the light.
Han's defiance was not an easy decision to keep up, but Han kept choosing to believe in Ben, no matter how painful it was. Even when Kylo killed him in The Force Awakens, Han's display of love and sorrow towards his son was poignant enough to haunt Kylo's memories and remind him of where he belonged and renounce the dark for good.
Leia: Training Rey
Whether political or personal, Leia made many sensible decisions throughout the entirety of Star Wars, but her decision to train Rey in The Rise of Skywalker was her best one in the sequel trilogy. Through all the painful things that happened to Leia, she was still a kind and generous leader to those around her, and to Rey in particular who was in need of her guidance.
Leia acted with patience towards Rey, and her decision to help train her to become a Jedi was a great one. Leia encouraged Rey to believe in herself and the Force more, and her actions were a testament to the wisdom and selflessness of her character. It was a heartwarming thing for Leia to do amidst all of her other duties and was a truly good decision.
Luke: Saving The Resistance On Crait
Luke's character development through The Last Jedi alone was incredible, as he learned to trust in the Force once more and ed the importance of rebelling against cruelty. His best decision in the sequel trilogy was a valiant sacrifice, whereby he presented himself as force vision to Kylo on Crait so that the Resistance could escape.
Although it was a bittersweet ending for Luke Skywalker, the act embodied his character perfectly as a selfless and kind person who wished harm on no one. He saved the Resistance and apologized to Kylo Ren, all the while projecting his vision. Not only was it his best decision, but it was also an impressive feat.
Poe: Following In Leia's Footsteps
His recklessness and impulsivity were among Poe's worst character traits, as they often landed him in trouble even if he was trying to do the right thing. In The Last Jedi however, Poe's battle tactics and way of thinking developed greatly, thanks to the guidance that Leia gave him in the film, and allowed his character to mature into a true leader.
However much Leia and Poe disagreed with one another, there was great respect between them, and Poe's best decision was to heed her advice and change his way of thinking accordingly, which allowed him to lead the Resistance to victory. Rather than relying on his usual impulsive instincts on Crait, Poe acted in a way that was reminiscent of the General, something that carried through into The Rise of Skywalker, making it Poe's best decision.
Finn: Defecting From The First Order
Finn's best decision came at the very start of the sequel trilogy when he chose to defect from the First Order and help Poe to escape. The decision was extremely risky and thus, courageous, as it made him an enemy to the First Order but also enabled Finn to find his true purpose within the Resistance.
The choice Finn made in The Force Awakens had a ricochet effect on his life and helped him grow into a strong and irable hero. Through this decision, he met his friends, with whom he helped to save the galaxy as a general of the Resistance, and even met other Stormtroopers who had defected. It was a truly life-changing decision for Finn and his best by far.
Kylo/Ben: Force Healing Rey
Kylo Ren started out as the Star Wars sequel trilogy's most intimidating villain, but by The Rise of Skywalker, he finally turned back to the light and reclaimed the name he had left behind. As Ben Solo once more, he acted bravely in the face of Palpatine's terror, and his heroism in saving Rey was Ben's best decision for how purely selfless it was.
Despite the tragedy the action ensued, Ben's sacrifice was noble and showed that the light in him had never really disappeared, only dimmed by the dark side. At long last, Ben made a decision borne out of his own instincts and saved someone who he truly cared for and vice versa. However sad it was, using his Force energy to bring Rey back to life was a valiant choice.
Rey: Leaving Jakku
Until she encountered BB-8 and Finn on Jakku, a lot of Rey's identity was bound up in waiting for her parents to return and trying to survive in the planet's rough climate. Yet, when she left Jakku after escaping from the First Order, Rey's life changed incalculably - she ed the Resistance, found a new family among friends, and her force potential was unlocked.
Through all the pain she endured in the war against the First Order, her decision to leave Jakku and not to return was still a worthwhile decision for all the eventual happiness it brought and all the good she achieved. Not only did Rey find her purpose in the galaxy, but she also found out the truth about her parents and didn't have to live her life with bitter hope any longer.
