Over the past twenty years, Star Wars has released several live-action and animated TV series, but their quality varies. There’s no simple rule for what makes a good Star Wars show – surprisingly, some of the best ones have actually been animated, even though animation is often seen as being just for kids.
The most popular Star Wars shows have explored different eras, including the time of the prequel movies, the dark period following the films, and the age of the New Republic. Here’s a ranking of all the animated and live-action Star Wars TV series, from least to most enjoyable.
16) The Book of Boba Fett
As a huge Star Wars fan, I was really disappointed with The Book of Boba Fett when it came out in 2021. It’s honestly the weakest Star Wars TV show we’ve seen so far. I get they wanted to bring Boba Fett back after he seemingly died in Return of the Jedi, but that wasn’t even the biggest issue. The show just dragged, and I struggled to stay engaged. It’s such a shame, because Boba Fett is a fantastic character, and Temuera Morrison is a really talented actor – the show just didn’t quite work, you know?
15) Star Wars Resistance
Set during the time of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Resistance faced an uphill battle from the start, as those films are divisive among fans. The show’s animated format may also have limited its audience, not because of the animation itself, but due to common assumptions about animated series. In the end, Resistance simply didn’t grab enough viewers and remains one of the less popular Star Wars shows.
14) The Acolyte
Despite facing unfair criticism, particularly towards the cast, The Acolyte still had significant problems. The first season’s ending felt incomplete because the show was cancelled and clearly intended to continue into a second season. Beyond that, the show attempted to cover too much ground and ultimately didn’t deliver on its potential as a story focused on the Sith.
13) Young Jedi Adventures
While Young Jedi Adventures isn’t a groundbreaking show, it’s designed for very young viewers, which explains a lot. Despite that, it’s actually quite delightful and takes place in an interesting, previously unseen part of the High Republic era. It might not appeal to everyone, but Young Jedi Adventures is still a good addition to the Star Wars universe.
12) Star Wars Visions
Star Wars Visions is a fresh take on the Star Wars universe. It’s unique because it’s an anime anthology series that isn’t part of the official Star Wars storyline. While this difference may have impacted how many people watched it, it’s actually what makes Visions so compelling. Being outside of established canon allows the show to explore bold, new ideas and stories that wouldn’t be possible in other Star Wars series.
11) Tales of the Underworld
Star Wars has released three ‘Tales Of’ series, but ‘Tales of the Underworld,’ focusing on Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress, was the weakest. While both characters are interesting—Ventress especially—and the show had its good moments, it didn’t resonate as strongly as the previous two installments, ‘Tales of the Empire’ and ‘Tales of the Jedi’.
10) Tales of the Empire
As previously noted, Tales of the Empire is another installment in the Tales of series, but it’s a stronger entry than Tales of the Underworld. Like other stories in the series, this one focuses on two characters: Barriss Offee and Morgan Elsbeth. Both are compelling, and the show does a good job of delving into their complicated backgrounds. We learn more about Morgan’s history as a survivor of the Nightsister massacre and Barriss’ journey to the dark side, her work with the Imperial Inquisitors, and her eventual redemption.
9) Skeleton Crew
As a big Star Wars fan, I was really pleasantly surprised by Skeleton Crew. It’s not the typical Jedi vs. Sith story you might anticipate, or anything connected to the Skywalker saga. Instead, it follows a group of kids who get lost out in the galaxy and stumble upon this intriguing, Force-sensitive pirate named Jod Na Nawood. Honestly, it’s got a really fun, 80s vibe – think Stranger Things – and I’d definitely recommend checking it out.
8) Tales of the Jedi
Tales of the Jedi stands out as the strongest entry in the Star Wars ‘Tales of Shows’ series, effectively bridging gaps in the franchise’s timeline. The show focuses on two prominent characters: Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan, and the Sith Lord Count Dooku. Ahsoka’s episodes delve deeper into her history and training with Anakin, while Dooku’s explore his descent to the dark side and his complex relationship with his former master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
7) Ahsoka
Despite some criticism – including concerns that the show doesn’t fully center on Ahsoka herself – the series has delivered some fantastic Star Wars experiences. Notably, it successfully brought characters from Star Wars Rebels into live-action, including the long-awaited return of Jedi Ezra Bridger, who disappeared at the end of the animated series. The show also featured Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker, finally providing a sense of resolution between the former master and apprentice through a unique, otherworldly setting.
6) Obi-Wan Kenobi
Similar to Ahsoka, the series Obi-Wan Kenobi faced criticism, with some viewers feeling the show didn’t focus enough on its main character. However, it’s generally a stronger series than many give it credit for. It successfully brought Hayden Christensen back as Anakin Skywalker and provided a satisfying resolution to the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin/Darth Vader. The show also offered a glimpse into the childhoods of Luke and Leia Skywalker, set a decade after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Importantly, it presented a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
5) Star Wars Rebels
Star Wars Rebels was a bold move for the franchise, introducing mostly new characters alongside brief appearances from popular figures like Ahsoka, Captain Rex, Darth Maul, and Lando Calrissian. It was also one of the first major animated series in the Star Wars universe. Despite being a risk, the show turned out to be fantastic. Not only did it establish Kanan Jarrus as a truly great Jedi, but it also gave fans a unique look into the previously unexplored era known as the Dark Times.
4) The Bad Batch
Star Wars: The Bad Batch surprised many fans, but quickly became a well-loved addition to the franchise. The show follows the Bad Batch, a unique group of clones from the Clone Wars, and does a fantastic job of showing their humanity. It also introduces Omega, a special, unaltered female clone who becomes like a little sister – and almost a daughter, especially to Hunter – to the team. With a lot of heart and a surprisingly upbeat ending, The Bad Batch stands out in the often-dark Star Wars universe.
3) The Mandalorian
It’s no surprise The Mandalorian is considered one of the best Star Wars TV shows. The recent film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, directly continues the show’s story, highlighting its significant influence. The Mandalorian successfully introduced fans to the popular characters Din Djarin and Grogu, and uniquely shifted the focus away from the typical Jedi and Sith storylines. While season 3 wasn’t as strong, it remains a top-tier Star Wars series.
2) The Clone Wars
Despite being one of the first Star Wars TV shows, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is widely considered one of the very best in the franchise – second only to one other series. The show takes place mostly between the films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, with some events overlapping with the beginning of the latter. It adds significant depth and understanding to this period in the Star Wars timeline, especially regarding the character of Anakin Skywalker. While the first season starts a bit slowly, it’s ultimately a must-see for any Star Wars fan.
1) Andor
Most fans agree that Andor is the best Star Wars TV show ever made. Focusing on Cassian Andor, first seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the series shows what it was like for ordinary rebels fighting the Empire – people without famous families or special powers. This offers a fresh perspective often missing in Star Wars, and it portrays the Empire’s cruelty with striking detail. With its excellent writing, visuals, and performances, Andor truly showcases the best of what Star Wars can be.
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2026-04-02 02:16