The Ultimate Guide to Watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars in the Perfect Chronological Order

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Why Clone Wars Episodes Are Out Of Order

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is not presented in chronological order on Disney+. However, there is a way to watch the show according to the timeline. Created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni, the show followed a unique release schedule. Instead of organizing episodes based on the timeline, they were grouped by story arc, with each season exploring multiple arcs. While this approach made it easier to identify major themes, it created confusion for viewers when characters who were thought to be dead suddenly reappeared, indicating a jump back in time.

Fortunately, there is a way to "normalize" the timeline, although it does not completely resolve all the issues. This is partly due to Disney canceling the show after acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012. Subsequently, several stories were adapted into tie-in comics and novels before Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 7 was commissioned for Disney+. Despite these complications, watching the show in the best viewing order helps establish the flow of the Clone Wars and enhances the overall viewing experience. Here's how to watch the Clone Wars in chronological order.

How To Watch Clone Wars In Chronological Order

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (the theatrically released movie)

Season 3, episode 1, "Clone Cadets"

Season 1, episode 2, "Rising Malevolence"

Season 1, episode 3, "Shadow of Malevolence"

Season 1, episode 6, "Downfall of a Droid"

Season 1, episode 7, "Duel of the Droids"

Season 1, episode 8, "Bombad Jedi"

Season 1, episode 9, "Cloak of Darkness"

Season 1, episode 12, "The Gungan General"

Season 1, episode 13, "Jedi Crash"

Season 1, episode 17, "Blue Shadow Virus"

Season 1, episode 18, "Mystery of a Thousand Moons"

Season 1, episode 21, "Liberty on Ryloth"

Season 2, episode 1, "Holocron Heist"

Season 2, episode 2, "Cargo of Doom"

Season 2, episode 3, "Children of the Force"

Season 2, episode 19, "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back"

Season 2, episode 4, "Senate Spy"

Season 2, episode 7, "Legacy of Terror"

Season 2, episode 8, "Brain Invaders"

Season 2, episode 11, "Lightsaber Lost"

Season 2, episode 12, "The Mandalore Plot"

Season 2, episode 13, "Voyage of Temptation"

Season 2, episode 14, "Duchess of Mandalore"

Season 2, episode 22, "Lethal Trackdown"

Season 3, episode 5, "Corruption"

Season 3, episode 2, "ARC Troopers"

Season 3, episode 4, "Sphere of Influence"

Season 3, episode 9, "Hunt for Ziro"

Season 3, episode 10, "Heroes on Both Sides"

Season 3, episode 11, "Pursuit of Peace"

Season 2, episode 15, "Senate Murders"

Season 3, episode 14, "Witches of the Mist"

Season 3, episode 15, "Overlords"

Season 3, episode 18, "The Citadel"

Season 3, episode 19, "Counter Attack"

Season 3, episode 22, "Wookiee Hunt"

Season 4, episode 1, "Water War"

Season 4, episode 2, "Gungan Attack"

Season 4, episode 3, "Prisoners"

Season 4, episode 6, "Nomad Droids"

Season 4, episode 7, "Darkness on Umbara"

Season 4, episode 10, "Carnage of Krell"

Season 4, episode 11, "Kidnapped"

Season 4, episode 14, "A Friend In Need"

Season 4, episode 15, "Deception"

Season 4, episode 16, "Friends and Enemies"

Season 4, episode 17, "The Box"

Season 4, episode 20, "Bounty"

Season 4, episode 21, "Brothers"

Season 5, episode 3, "Front Runners"

Season 5, episode 4, "The Soft War"

Season 5, episode 7, "A Test of Strength"

Season 5, episode 8, "Bound for Rescue"

Season 5, episode 9, "A Necessary Bond"

Season 5, episode 10, "Secret Weapons"

Season 5, episode 13, "Point of No Return"

Season 5, episode 1, "Revival"

Season 5, episode 16, "The Lawless"

Season 5, episode 17, "Sabotage"

Season 5, episode 20, "The Wrong Jedi"

Season 6, episode 1, "The Unknown"

Season 6, episode 2, "Conspiracy"

Season 6, episode 3, "Fugitive"

Season 6, episode 6, "The Rise of Clovis"

Season 6, episode 7, "Crisis at the Heart"

Season 6, episode 10, "The Lost One"

Season 6, episode 11, "Voices"

Season 7, episode 5, "Gone With A Trace"

Season 7, episode 6, "Deal No Deal"

Season 7, episode 7, "Dangerous Debt"

Season 7, episode 8, "Together Again"

Season 7, episode 3, "On the Wings of Keeradaks"

Season 7, episode 4, "Unfinished Business"

Season 7, episode 11, "Shattered"

Season 7, episode 12, "Victory and Death"

The order of Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes can be quite confusing, as acknowledged by Lucasfilm. To address this, a confirmed chronological viewing order has been established. This decision reflects George Lucas' creative vision for the series, as he aimed to explore the vast scope of the Clone Wars and its significant themes through an anthology format. Initially, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano were not intended to be the primary protagonists, but rather part of an ensemble cast. However, over time, The Clone Wars evolved, focusing more on these three Jedi characters.

As the story progresses, viewers will notice that The Clone Wars gradually becomes more chronological, aligning with the narrative arcs of the main characters. In subsequent Star Wars animations like Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Bad Batch, the anthology approach was abandoned in favor of a more traditional storytelling style. While George Lucas' animated TV show was groundbreaking, not every experiment is successful, and the anthology structure did not quite achieve its desired effect. Therefore, watching The Clone Wars in chronological order is highly recommended.

What Are The Best Clone Wars Arcs To Watch?

Magic of the Holocron (Season 2, Episodes 1-3)

The Mandalore Plot (Season 2, Episodes 12-14)

"The Nightsisters Trilogy," also referred to as "Witches & Monsters," introduces audiences to the Nightsisters of Dathomir. In this storyline, Asajj Ventress seeks vengeance against Count Dooku for his betrayal, and she accomplishes this by seeking refuge with her sisters on Dathomir. These episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars introduce several important characters, and the Nightsisters have gained even greater significance in Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor.

An essential window into George Lucas' vision of the Chosen One, "The Mortis Trilogy" takes us on a captivating journey alongside Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano as they embark on a mysterious expedition to Mortis – a planet enveloped in the profound power of the Force. Diving deep into the essence of the Chosen One, they come face-to-face with the avatars representing different facets of the Force. This trilogy stands out for its gripping plot twists centered around Ahsoka Tano, which are sure to have a lasting impact on the upcoming Ahsoka Disney+ TV show.

The Return of Darth Maul (Season 4, Episodes 19-22)

The mistake of killing Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was made by George Lucas. However, the Sith apprentice was unexpectedly resurrected in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Maul's return as a major antagonist during the Clone Wars is one of the highlights of the animated TV show. His story continues in Star Wars Rebels, where Maul goes on to play a key role. Notably, Maul takes over Mandalore as an act of revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Ahsoka Tano's departure from the Jedi Order takes place during a poignant arc showcased in episodes 17-20 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 5. This particular storyline is especially heart-wrenching as it portrays Ahsoka being wrongfully accused of a terrorist bombing. As a result, Anakin Skywalker's unwavering faith in the Jedi Council becomes shattered, paving the way for the subsequent turmoil depicted in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Clone Protocol 66 (Season 6, Episodes 1-4)

Yoda's Mission (Season 6, Episodes 11-13)

Making their debut in the first four episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 7, Clone Force 99 proved themselves as potential candidates for their very own spinoff. United with Anakin Skywalker, these mutant clones embarked on a critical mission to liberate Echo, a fellow clone who had been captured by the Separatists and turned into a weapon against the Republic. This enthralling storyline is an absolute necessity for comprehending the continuing development of these intriguing characters.

The Siege of Mandalore (Season 7, Episodes 9-12)

Disney's decision to cancel Star Wars: The Clone Wars in 2013 marked a shift in their approach to Star Wars animation. At the time, it appeared that the story of the Clone Wars would remain unfinished. To address this gap, Lucasfilm embarked on a multimedia project called "The Clone Wars Legacy," tapping into other mediums. Interestingly, Disney eventually had a change of heart and brought back the show for its seventh season, which premiered on Disney+ in 2020.

The "Clone Wars Legacy" project encompassed the unveiling of multiple incomplete story reels, along with the addition of a comic book miniseries and a novel. One of the noteworthy publications to emerge from this endeavor was "Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir," authored by Jeremy Barlow and illustrated by Juan Frigeria, which shed light on crucial aspects of Darth Maul's journey. Additionally, Christie Golden's "Dark Disciple" delves further into Asajj Ventress' narrative. To enhance the viewing experience, this viewing order also incorporates relevant Star Wars books and comics.

Season 2, episode 16, "Cat and Mouse"

Season 1, episode 16, "Hidden Enemy"

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (the theatrically released movie)

Season 3, episode 1, "Clone Cadets"

Season 1, episode 2, "Rising Malevolence"

Season 1, episode 3, "Shadow of Malevolence"

Season 1, episode 6, "Downfall of a Droid"

Season 1, episode 7, "Duel of the Droids"

Season 1, episode 10, "Lair of Grievous"

Season 1, episode 11, "Dooku Captured"

Season 1, episode 12, "The Gungan General"

Season 1, episode 13, "Jedi Crash"

Season 1, episode 17, "Blue Shadow Virus"

Season 1, episode 18, "Mystery of a Thousand Moons"

Season 1, episode 21, "Liberty on Ryloth"

Season 2, episode 1, "Holocron Heist"

Season 2, episode 17, "Bounty Hunters"

Season 2, episode 18, "The Zillo Beast"

Season 2, episode 19, "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back"

Season 2, episode 4, "Senate Spy"

Season 2, episode 7, "Legacy of Terror"

Season 2, episode 8, "Brain Invaders"

Season 2, episode 11, "Lightsaber Lost"

Season 2, episode 12, "The Mandalore Plot"

Season 2, episode 20, "Death Trap"

Season 2, episode 21, "R2 Come Home"

Season 2, episode 22, "Lethal Trackdown"

Season 3, episode 5, "Corruption"

Season 3, episode 2, "ARC Troopers"

Season 3, episode 4, "Sphere of Influence"

Season 3, episode 9, "Hunt for Ziro"

Season 3, episode 10, "Heroes on Both Sides"

Season 3, episode 12, "Nightsisters"

Season 3, episode 13, "Monster"

Season 3, episode 14, "Witches of the Mist"

Season 3, episode 15, "Overlords"

Season 3, episode 18, "The Citadel"

Season 3, episode 19, "Counter Attack"

Season 3, episode 22, "Wookiee Hunt"

Season 4, episode 1, "Water War"

Season 4, episode 4, "Shadow Warrior"

Season 4, episode 5, "Mercy Mission"

Season 4, episode 6, "Nomad Droids"

Season 4, episode 7, "Darkness on Umbara"

Season 4, episode 10, "Carnage of Krell"

Season 4, episode 11, "Kidnapped"

Season 4, episode 14, "A Friend In Need"

Season 4, episode 15, "Deception"

Season 4, episode 18, "Crisis on Naboo"

Season 4, episode 19, "Massacre"

Season 4, episode 20, "Bounty"

Season 4, episode 21, "Brothers"

Season 5, episode 3, "Front Runners"

Season 5, episode 4, "The Soft War"

Season 5, episode 7, "A Test of Strength"

Season 5, episode 8, "Bound for Rescue"

Season 5, episode 11, "A Sunny Day in the Void"

Season 5, episode 12, "Missing in Action"

Season 5, episode 13, "Point of No Return"

Season 5, episode 1, "Revival"

Season 5, episode 16, "The Lawless"

Season 5, episode 17, "Sabotage"

Season 5, episode 20, "The Wrong Jedi"

Season 6, episode 1, "The Unknown"

Season 6, episode 4, "Orders"

Season 6, episode 5, "An Old Friend"

Season 6, episode 6, "The Rise of Clovis"

Season 6, episode 7, "Crisis at the Heart"

Season 6, episode 10, "The Lost One"

Season 6, episode 11, "Voices"

A Death on Utapau (Crystal Crisis On Utapau Story Reels)

In Search of the Crystal (Crystal Crisis On Utapau Story Reels)

Lethal Alliance (Dark Disciple Novel)

The Mission (Dark Disciple Novel)

Conspirators (Dark Disciple Novel)

Dark Disciple (Dark Disciple Novel)

Proxy War (Son of Dathomir Comic Series)

Showdown on Dathomir (Son of Dathomir Comic Series)

Traitor (Dark Disciple Novel)

The Path (Dark Disciple Novel)

Season 7, episode 7, "Dangerous Debt"

Season 7, episode 8, "Together Again"

Season 7, episode 1, "The Bad Batch"

Season 7, episode 2, "A Distant Echo"

Season 7, episode 9, "Old Friends Not Forgotten"

Season 7, episode 10, "The Phantom Apprentice"