Although sentiment toward the prequels has changed a lot, Star Wars wasn't immune to backlash under George Lucas.

Over the past few years, the consensus surrounding Star Wars prequels has shifted a lot, mostly thanks to Disney's treatment of the massive IP. But fan dissatisfaction with the new era of Galaxy Far, Far Away has caused many to put on rose-colored glasses as they look back on the prequels.

It's important to acknowledge that the IP under George Lucas wasn't universally loved, especially the prequels, which were seen as a step down from the original trilogy at the time. By participating in this discourse, fans recall their unbiased memory of the franchise from that era.

One thing that separates the prequels from the last Star Wars releases is that it was a project of George Lucas' unabashed artistic vision, which at the time did not sit well with many. Given that the prequels strayed far from the serial nature of the original trilogy's raucous adventures, many were not fond of its heavy emphasis on politics.