The Star Wars universe has an overabundance of wild and wacky alien creatures, a trend that has been a mainstay in the franchise since the very first installment. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there are species in Star Wars that most fans have never even heard of.

For decades, a significant portion of Star Wars lore has existed outside the realm of live-action films and animated series. Those stories live only in the comic books, both canon and Legends. And within those pages are a great number of alien species that only hardcore fans are aware of.

10

The Yuuzhan Vong

The Yuuzhan Vong might be the most significant alien species in Star Wars that many fans are not familiar with. The reason they haven’t heard of them is that the Yuuzhan Vong never appeared in the films or series, as they only exist in Star Wars novels and comic books.

The Yuuzhan Vong are a nomadic species with technology developed through biological means. Their only mission is to spread across the cosmos, engulfing everything in their biomechanical horror. Hardcore fans are well aware of their deadly nature, and casual fans should turn to the comics to learn more about them.

9

The Rybet

The Rybet is a species of sentient amphibians, not unlike the more well-known Mon Calamari. The Rybet lost their homeworld after waging a war against the Hutts long ago. Now, they resort to traveling the galaxy, their species spread out over countless planets and systems.

One central standout feature of the Rybet species is their appearance. Sure, they look like frog-people. But more than that, they look like classic aliens reminiscent of those depicted in Destroy All Humans and Paul. It’s cool that Star Wars included the classic ‘little green men’ look with the Rybet.

8

Alien vs Predator

Obviously, Alien vs Predator exists in its own continuity, far away from the galaxy far, far away. However, for a brief, shining moment, both the Yautja and the Xenomorph existed in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars Tales #12: “The Revenge of Tag & Bink” shows a Xenomorph and a Yautja thumb wrestling, which is a hilarious take on the classic Alien vs Predator. Then, in Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron #8, a lone Xenomorph is seen in a crowd of other Star Wars aliens.

While most people know about Aliens and Predators, it’s doubtful that many knew they technically exist in Star Wars. Additionally, Disney owns both Star Wars and AvP, so it’s possible that this isn’t the last time fans will see these two iconic aliens in the Star Wars galaxy.

7

Waru

The Waru is a unique entry, as it’s not exactly an alien that exists in the Star Wars universe like the others. The Waru is actually an interdimensional entity from a universe where there is no Force, but rather the Anti-Force.

The Waru is a giant blob-like creature covered in golden scales that leaks a strange, ooze-like substance. Many people started to worship the Waru, forming the Cult of Waru, as it has the power to heal those who come into contact with it through the Anti-Force.

In the end, all the Waru wanted was to return to its home universe, working with an Imperial to accomplish that goal. However, it’s unclear if the Waru survived, meaning fans may not have seen the last of this strange creature.

6

Ravna, Lord of Darkness

Ravna, Lord of Darkness, represents one of the rarest species in Star Wars: vampires. In Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle, it’s revealed that Ravna once lured Count Dooku to his homeworld, infected him with the vampiric germ, and nearly took over the galaxy.

For a brief moment during the Clone Wars, Ravna posed an even greater threat to the galaxy than even Darth Sidious. He infected Dooku, stealing Sidious’ top pawn, and nearly spread his vampirism to every corner of the galaxy.

Thankfully, Ravna is the only known member of the vampire species in Star Wars, and he was stopped before causing too much damage.

5

The Killiks

The Killiks are a race of bug-like aliens that originally existed on Alderaan before being driven off-world long before the events of the Original Trilogy (which likely saved their species, since Alderaan was famously destroyed by the Death Star).

They exist as a hive mind, and they have the power to bring other species under their control, making them a terrifying threat to the galaxy. Luke Skywalker’s New Jedi Order fought the Killiks in the Dark Nest trilogy, but factions of them still exist in Star Wars to this day.

4

Abersyn Symbiotes

Abersyn Symbiotes are essentially alien ticks that don’t drain one of their blood, but rather the Force. However, since midi-chlorians exist in the bloodstream, it could be argued that they’re almost exactly ‘space ticks’. Nevertheless, Abersyn Symbiotes are a scourge on the galaxy that even the Empire couldn’t endorse.

In Marvel Comics’ Screaming Citadel arc, the Abersyn Symbiotes became such a problem that the Empire made it illegal to be in possession of one, as they were to be kept as far away from civilization as possible.

3

T’landa Til

The T’landa Til possess the terrifying ability to project psionic vibrations into the minds of other species, giving them an overwhelming and addictive sense of euphoria. They used this power to create cults where they would force people to work in their spice mines as slaves.

The only thing they’d give their slave-cultists in return for their work in the mines is that euphoric feeling. Anyone can fall victim to these aliens, including Han Solo in Legends continuity, which is why they’re especially terrifying.

2

Ssi-ruuk

A reptilian species with ties to the Empire, the Ssi-ruuk found themselves in the Emperor’s favor due to their horrific method of harnessing power. They would drain other species of their life force and use that energy to fuel their technology, and they shared that method with the Empire.

The Ssi-ruuk were also incredibly xenophobic, meaning they derived sick pleasure from killing members of other species to power their tech, and had no qualms over helping the Empire extend its tyrannical reach across the Star Wars galaxy.

1

B’omarr Monks

Perhaps the most disturbing aliens in Star Wars, the B’omarr Monks deliberately removed their brains and placed them in nutrient-filled jars, which are housed in spider-like droids that wander like a herd of some twisted animal.

They did this to achieve enlightenment by cutting themselves off from physical sensation. While they have made cameo appearances in live-action Star Wars, it wasn’t until the comics that fans realized the horror of what they were, allowing them to hide in plain sight for everyone except hardcore fans.

The B’omarr Monks aren’t a threat to anyone, but they serve as a reminder of how dark some corners of the Star Wars galaxy truly are, even with so many other weird alien species to contend with.

Cast

Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Ian McDiarmid, Ewan McGregor, Rosario Dawson, Lars Mikkelsen, Rupert Friend, Moses Ingram, Frank Oz, Pedro Pascal

TV Show(s)

The Mandalorian, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lando, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Resistance, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Star Wars: Visions

Movie(s)

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Star Wars: New Jedi Order

Character(s)

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Rey Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Grand Inquisitor, Reva (The Third Sister), The Fifth Brother, The Seventh Sister, The Eighth Brother, Yoda, Din Djarin, Grogu, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Ben Solo/Kylo Ren