As time has gone on and more and more content has come out, the number of alien species has increased exponentially. There are so many that are totally beloved by fans, whether that be due to their awesome design, their history, or based on a single character representing the whole race.
Mon Calamari
Debuting all the way back in 1983 in Return Of The Jedi, with a group of them helping to lead the charge in the Battle of Endor to destroy the second Death Star, the Mon Calamari were an instant hit with fans.
Most of this is down to one of the most beloved side characters in the Skywalker saga, iral Ackbar, whose iconic "It's a trap!" has echoed throughout the pop culture sphere for over forty years. The Clone Wars also delved into the Mon Calamari culture a bit more with a fun civil war arc, adding to the history of the fascinating fish-esque species.
Jawas
The first alien species seen in Star Wars came when Threepio and Artoo landed on Tatooine, with both characters separately finding themselves captured by the iconic Jawas.
As mysterious as they are mischievous, Jawas scavenge throughout the Tatooine deserts for scraps and droids, selling them on to farmers like Uncle Owen. They have an instantly recognizable look, and while they are not badasses or wildly cool, they are loved by fans.
Zabraks
One species that very much contrasts with the Jawa in that they exude badassery, specifically through their most recognizable character, are the Zabrak's natives of Iridonia, who have a famous subservient colony Dathomir.
The species debuted in The Clone Wars does a great job at giving fans more to love about the species through Savage Oppress and more Maul. With their horns, tattoos, and colors, they are one of many fan's favorite designs.
Tusken Raiders
Moving back to Tatooine, the original scary characters in Star Wars, excluding, of course, the stormtroopers and Darth Vader, were the Tusken Raiders.
The sand people have a fascinating culture, and a small look into this is a fleeting but perhaps underrated aspect of The Mandalorian, which only increased people's estimation for the mysterious species who have been prominent aspects of the franchise since 1977.
Chiss
The only species on this list to not have appeared in any Star Wars movie to this point is the Chiss, a species whose love from fans is spearheaded by a single character, whose novels take a deep dive into the species, their history, and culture.
Mitth'raw'nuruodo, AKA Grand iral Thrawn, was once one of the most beloved characters in Legends, and now he is an exciting part of the canon as he looks set to be a crucial part of some content, as well as having his own ongoing book series. This series does a great job in getting fans invested in the Chiss' story, and they are a species fans hope to see on the big screen sooner rather than later.
Ewoks
Undoubtedly the most divisive species on this list, as the generations go on, the Ewoks seem to be becoming more and more adored, with those who were children during Return Of The Jedi, and those who grew up on Star Wars since, loving the little teddy bears.
There are still those who take issue with the Ewoks and their role in the Battle of Endor, but compared to the idea of a second Death Star in general, the Ewoks are such an inoffensive part of the movie. In reality, they are an adorable species of creatures who are a pleasant, nostalgic sight.
Twi'lek
One of the species that has appeared in abundance throughout every type of Star Wars media in the canon, and that has some exceptional characters, is the Twi'lek, a species fans have been attached to since their debut in Return Of The Jedi.
Bib Fortuna, Oola, Aayla Secura, Cham Syndulla, Suu Luquane, and, of course, the best of them all, Hera Syndulla, are some of the most notable Twi'leks in canon, all of whom don the iconic, awesome design. Throw in their culture on Ryloth, High Republic content, and future projects; the Twi'lek legacy undoubtedly continues to expand.
Togruta
Often confused with Twi'leks by the untrained eye, the Togruta share a notable biological aspect with them, their Lekku, and are another people with a great culture and history in canon that continues to expand.
The main source of this expansion for the Togruta comes through one of the greatest characters in all of Star Wars, Ahsoka Tano. Attack Of The Clones with Shaak Ti and Ashla, they have been one of a tonne of species that has captivated fans in some way.
Yoda's Species
The most mysterious and fascinating species in all of Star Wars is one with no name, no known home planet, no known culture, but with three canon , an abundance of life and power, and two of Star Wars' most popular characters.
Yoda's debut in member of the species alongside Yoda and Yaddle, who is a baby at 50 years old, immensely powerful in the Force, and not only continues to make fans adore the species but makes everyone desperate for answers about them.
Wookiee
Even with Grogu, it is tough to put Yoda's species ahead of the cherished Wookiee, with it, at this point, being very easy to switch between the two.
The Wookiees are another species with an incredible culture, with a beautiful home planet, a great design, and Chewbacca under their belt. Often captured as slaves, often seen fighting against injustice, especially for their family, and known as incredibly kind, loyal creatures alongside their scarily strong and violent side, the Wookiees have been beloved for over forty years and will continue to be held in unbelievably high esteem by fans everywhere.
