I’m not here to argue about the characters of R1. Movies can be good, without being character-driven.
I think the term you’re looking for here is children’s movies. ;p Or Art Films. If a story doesn’t develop characters to care for and connect with, the story simply doesn’t matter. If I get invited to a party with someone I like, I will most likely enjoy myself and have great connection(a). If I get invited by someone I don’t like (characters I fail to connect with) I might enjoy the view from the penthouse and the local booze, but I hardly would’ve gone for any other reason than to force myself to try to like them. Rogue One is that person you don’t like, but with a nice penthouse maybe worth the view a couple of times.
I completely agree with most of moviefreaked’s points above here. He makes an excellent point, and I think you made some ones too - but saying a story can work without being character driven is to ask the audience not to give a fuck. I can’t do that.