The Ultimate Guide to the Top Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episodes You Can't Miss!

Summary

Clone Wars changed the Star Wars universe forever, as it revisited characters from the movies while also introducing new concepts and storylines.

In season 3, the episode "Ghosts of Mortis" brings a fresh perspective to the Chosen One prophecy, adding depth to the Star Wars mythology. Another captivating episode, "Revenge" in season 4, features a riveting showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul, who has transformed into a crime lord seeking vengeance.

Ranked below are the top 10 episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, showcasing the impressive evolution of the show from its initial episodic adventures to arcs that rival the significance of the theatrical films. While initially intended to bridge the gap between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Clone Wars expanded beyond its original premise and developed into a captivating Star Wars narrative in its own right, independent of its ties to the movies. Though the presence of beloved characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi added to the appeal of Clone Wars, the show excelled in featuring original characters like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, delivering some of its most memorable moments.

10 Clone Wars Season 6, Episode 13, “Sacrifice”

While it is challenging to isolate "Sacrifice" as an individual episode rather than a part of the renowned "Yoda arc," the finale of Clone Wars season 6 undoubtedly stands out as its pinnacle. "Sacrifice" is a remarkably imaginative arc that defies expectations by introducing enigmatic new concepts and characters within the Star Wars lore. Furthermore, it cleverly makes references to other elements of Star Wars, notably featuring what appears to be a vision of Darth Bane. Beyond merely serving as an intriguing addition to the canon, the finale of Clone Wars season 6 seamlessly clarifies the stark contrast in Yoda's character portrayal between the original trilogy and the prequels.

9 Clone Wars Season 3, Episode 17, “Ghosts of Mortis”

The Mortis arc in Clone Wars is both captivating and contentious. It took a daring approach by introducing tangible embodiments of the dark side of the Force, the light, and the balance of the Force, particularly after the inclusion of midi-chlorians in the Star Wars canon. This reinterpretation of Anakin's Chosen One prophecy and his discovery of equilibrium between the Son and the Daughter posed a potential risk of altering the Star Wars narrative forever. Nevertheless, the seventeenth episode of season 3, "Ghosts of Mortis," stands out as one of the finest and most significant installments in the series. The Chosen One prophecy in Star Wars has long been perplexing, and "Ghosts of Mortis" adds another intriguing dimension to its complexity.

8 Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 22, “Revenge”

7 Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 14, “Eminence”

Darth Maul's captivating presence stole the spotlight in Clone Wars, particularly in the initial episodes that followed his surprising reappearance. Transforming into a formidable crime lord driven by vengeance, Maul's role as a third party in the Clone Wars proved to be far more intriguing than his previous stint as a Sith Lord in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. The dynamic duo of Maul and Savage yielded enthralling exchanges, but the true allure of "Revenge" lies in the intricate history shared between Maul and Kenobi. Witnessing the long-awaited rematch between Obi-Wan and Maul was an exhilarating experience. Furthermore, the extraordinary alliance formed between the recurring Clone Wars antagonist, Asajj Ventress, and Obi-Wan to confront Maul added an awe-inspiring element to the narrative.

Unlike most seasons of the Clone Wars, which consisted of separate storylines or individual episodes, season 5 took a different approach. It focused on Maul's return and his ambition to create a criminal empire. However, Maul had grander plans than just being a crime lord. By joining forces with the Death Watch, he became even more formidable. In episode 14 of season 5, titled "Eminence," multiple storylines converged, resulting in a thrilling and dark narrative that set the tone for the rest of the season. "Eminence" showcased the rise of Maul as a formidable villain, solidifying his position as a major player in the Clone Wars.

6 Clone Wars Season 4, Episode 10, “Carnage Of Krell”

Clone Wars’ Umbara arc is an exceptional piece of Star Wars content, surpassing even the animated series. This gripping and gritty war tale solely focuses on the clones, delivering both visually stunning scenes and masterfully crafted writing. While every episode in this arc is commendable, “Carnage of Krell” stands out for its profound impact. After enduring three episodes that challenged the clones' spirit, “Carnage of Krell” presents them with a heartbreaking dilemma. This episode truly highlights the strength of Clone Wars when the clones are portrayed as fully developed characters, and “Carnage of Krell” flawlessly achieves this.

5 Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 20, “The Wrong Jedi”

There were three series finales in Clone Wars, and one of them was "The Wrong Jedi". In a sense, episode 20 of season 5 could have served as the show's conclusion. After five seasons, Clone Wars finally uncovered the reason behind Ahsoka's absence in Revenge of the Sith. "The Wrong Jedi," the culmination of a two-part story, delved into Ahsoka Tano's trial as Anakin sought to uncover the true perpetrator of the attack on the Jedi Temple. Ahsoka's trial serves as a prime example of the Jedi's arrogance and their obliviousness to their surroundings, ultimately leading to an emotional departure of Ahsoka Tano from the Jedi Order.

4 Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 10, “The Phantom Apprentice”

3 Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 11, “Shattered”

Clone Wars season 7 is arguably the finest installment of the show, even though it was produced several years after the original series concluded. With the utilization of enhanced animation techniques, Clone Wars season 7 attained a superior level of quality compared to its preceding seasons. As an illustration, "The Phantom Apprentice" showcased a breathtaking Ahsoka Tano vs. Maul battle, employing motion-capture techniques to create incredibly precise and lifelike movements. Notably, episode 10 of Clone Wars season 7 featured one of the most remarkable lightsaber duels in the entire Star Wars saga, while also poignantly foreshadowing the decline of the Republic through Darth Maul's predictions.

Although not as thrilling as “The Phantom Apprentice,” “Shattered” was a gripping episode that flawlessly connected Revenge of the Sith’s timeline with Clone Wars. It would have been incomplete for a series centered around the clone troopers to conclude without delving into Order 66, and “Shattered” accomplished this feat seamlessly. In season 7, episode 11 of Clone Wars, viewers experienced the tense moments leading up to the aftermath of the Siege of Mandalore. While those familiar with Revenge of the Sith were aware of the impending execution of Order 66, the characters within the story were oblivious. The mounting unease preceding the clones’ ultimate betrayal, coupled with the tragic consequences, solidifies “Shattered” as an indispensable chapter in the annals of Clone Wars history.

2 Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 12, “Victory and Death”

Clone Wars season 7, episode 12 marked the definitive conclusion of the show, surpassing its initial cancellation and The Lost Missions. Although “Victory and Death” is part of a larger story arc that can be viewed as a standalone movie, it retains its own individuality. Significantly, Clone Wars does not conclude on a positive note, as the termination of the war only ushers in bleaker times for the Star Wars universe. The Sith's master plan is realized as Palpatine emerges triumphant from the Clone Wars, leaving both the Jedi and the clones as victims. In this respect, “Victory and Death” appropriately centers on Ahsoka, Rex, and Maul, who have made substantial contributions to the Star Wars canon throughout the show's run.

1 Clone Wars Season 5, Episode 16, “The Lawless”

Obi-Wan Kenobi donned a Mandalorian armor inspired by Darth Maul as he ventured into the midst of a civil war among the Mandalorians. This gripping twist is just one of the many elements that make “The Lawless” episode truly exceptional. In this pivotal sixteenth episode of Clone Wars season 5, the stakes were heightened when Satine, the leader, met her demise at the hands of Maul, right before Obi-Wan's own eyes. Obi-Wan's unwavering determination, devoid of any desire for revenge, echoed Anakin's own storyline, shedding light on his resilience even in the face of the Republic's downfall. This tragic and action-packed episode masterfully demonstrated that every action carries its own consequences. Entwined with the essence of Star Wars: The Clone Wars at its pinnacle, "The Lawless" remains an outstanding testament to the series' brilliance.