I recently watched the classic Cool Hand Luke for the first time. It’s not sci-fi/fantasy by any measure at all. But Paul Newman in the title role embodies all the best things about Han Solo. If you’re a fan of Han’s scoundrel charm there’s no way you wouldn’t adore this film and with a little stretch of the imagination feels like a believable pre-New Hope Solo story.
Any other roles/films that aren’t Star Wars adjacent but carry the same spirit?
I don’t know about films but Mordechai Ben David has made a career out of making music that sounds like it comes straight out of Star Wars since the 80’s and singing to it Listen to Miracles Moshiach Samchem Kaitzad And a couple others They’re all orchestral and crazy good (some aren’t English but Hebrew but absolutely slap)
That’s a genuinely novel suggestion I haven’t heard before and am excited to check out. Thanks!
Guardians of the Galaxy (all 3 of them) has a very Star Wars vibe when it comes to adventures with space pirates, evil empire’s, and epic scale destinies.
Firefly for me.
Firefly definitely scratches the sci-fi group of scrappy people trying to make their way in the galaxy itch. Found family-ish crew too similar to say Rebels’ Spectre crew.
Film?
First Guardians of the Galaxy movie made me excited about the idea of upcoming live action Star wars
George Lucas was heavily inspired by Akira Kurosawa. I'd check out Seven Samurai, Ran, Rashomon, Sanjuro and Yojimbo.
Don't forget Hidden Fortress!
John Carter?
Mickey 17 has some aesthetic overlap as well as a story about toppling a corrupt empire in Space. also has a cool ice planet with alien creatures and some awesome costuming. The Creator is also kinda Star Wars. made by the same guy who made Rogue One i believe and just generally really beautiful. kind of corny at times but i think good. Fantastic Planet isnt totally Star Wars vibes but the creature designs are pretty SW and imo it’s one of the best non-Earth movies ever made.
Finally, it's my time to shine... There's a French film that is meant to be a spoof on Star Wars, but I found it a bit weird and uneven: it's called The Empire. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_%28film%29?wprov=sfla1