“In a galaxy far, far away…” Since 1977, these words and the stories they unfolded became legendary to the generations before us. This December, we will be able to experience an important landmark in the Star Wars series with “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.”

It will be the first Star Wars film in the ten years since the last (and best) prequel “Revenge of the Sith” was released, and the first sequel since the original trilogy. Because of this, fans are thrilled knowing that Luke, Leia, and Hans will be reintroduced, this time about thirty years after the events in “Return of the Jedi,” with all of the familiar characters being reprised by their original actors.

This alone will make this opening much more magical and nostalgic than the 1999 release of “The Phantom Menace,” which was marred with a cast of characters that was not as well received. Despite the more updated special effects like CGI, the prequels could not match the revolutionary spirit and the brilliant epic that the original trilogy began.

On top of that, fans will see how new director J.J. Abrams has chosen to add to the series’ canon, and continue the storylines and loose ends of the prior six films. Where are the beloved characters of the original trilogy now? Will we actually be able to spot the bones of Jar Jar Binks? Will that galaxy far, far away still be familiar to us? And how is Disney going to incorporate the new films into the upcoming Star Wars Land?

From the devoted fan to someone completely new to Star Wars, everyone who watches and rewatches George Lucas’ masterpiece will find at least one thing to praise as they progress through the movies. Here are some of the best moments in original and prequel trilogies.

Mos Eisley Cantina: Luke doesn’t miss his home planet after paying visit to this bizarre establishment in “A New Hope,” and I wouldn’t either. Tatooine can be a rough place, but the cantina scene is the perfect place for our hero to meet that rebel Han Solo and the Wookie Chewbacca, who are in a bit of a hassle with a bounty hunter.

Hoth: A perfect beginning to what is widely regarded as the best film in the series, the battle scenes on the snowy planet of Hoth not only make for a contrasting change of scenery from the deserts of Tatooine, but they also set the stage for the close and real danger that the characters are going to face. Try to stay lukewarm, Luke, and watch out for that Wampa.

Obi Wan vs. Darth Vader: World meets light saber duel.

Jabba the Hutt’s Palace: After three years of waiting in suspense about the fate of Han Solo, fans can finally watch the fight for his freedom, and the not as fortunate fates of Jabba and the enigmatic bounty hunter Boba Fett at the Sarlacc Pit.

“There is no try”: Much of Luke’s time in “The Empire Strikes Back” is spent training with Yoda, and here we see Yoda in one of his wisest and most powerful moments.
Pod race: Even as the worst film in the series, one can’t help but smile at the cheesiness of “The Phantom Menace” and the young Anakin Skywalker. The pod race itself is exciting, and pivotal to the fate of the young Darth Vader.

Battle of Geonosis: After most of the cheesy agony that is “Attack of the Clones” the ensuing battle shows good use of mixing science fiction creativity with CGI.

“I am your father”: Need I say more? The scenes on Bespin are some of the best in the series, especially since this unique planet becomes home to the greatest light saber battle of all time.