The Ultimate Ranking of All Star Wars TV Shows - From Bottom to Top!

Ranked from worst to best, here are all the Star Wars TV shows to date. Despite the modern explosion of content on Disney+, it's important not to forget that Star Wars TV shows have been around since 1985. George Lucas always had a bigger vision beyond just a film franchise. Back in 1978, before The Empire Strikes Back was released, the first Star Wars tie-in novel called Splinter of the Mind's Eye was published, setting the stage for expanded storytelling. After concluding the original trilogy with Return of the Jedi in 1983, Lucas turned his attention to the small screen, licensing stories that continued to fascinate audiences in a galaxy far, far away.

Under Disney's guidance, Star Wars has become a groundbreaking transmedia franchise. While the main film series took a break after the sequel trilogy, the saga carries on through high-profile Disney+ TV shows. These TV shows have had an incredible impact on popular culture, ensuring that Star Wars remains a vital part of our collective consciousness. Each TV show has its unique style and themes, adding value to the overall franchise. It's particularly interesting to compare the different Star Wars TV shows, as it offers insight into how the franchise has evolved over time.

14 Ewoks

13 Star Wars: Droids

The Star Wars franchise seemed to reach its conclusion after Return of the Jedi. However, in 1984, viewers were captivated by a family-friendly, feature-length adventure featuring the Ewoks. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, believed that the franchise was primarily targeted towards children, and thus, he introduced the Ewoks as characters to appeal to a younger audience. These furry creatures, who were never mentioned in the Skywalker saga, became the stars of their own animated TV show produced by Nelvana, the renowned animation house known for their work on Care Bears. Although Ewoks was an unusual show that did not heavily market itself as part of the Star Wars brand, it always seemed to exist uncomfortably within the established lore. As the show progressed, the quality of character designs and animation noticeably declined. Despite this, the second season of Ewoks showed signs of improvement in terms of storytelling and writing compared to the initial season. The final episode took a sudden turn and veered back into the familiar Star Wars territory, with the Empire arriving on Endor to steal the Ewoks' MacGuffin, the mystical Sunstar. It almost felt as if Ewoks had suddenly remembered the vast galaxy it was meant to be a part of.

While Ewoks may have overlooked their connection to the Star Wars galaxy, the companion series Star Wars: Droids held much greater significance within the canon. The initial story arc places a major emphasis on podracing, introducing a four-armed alien that seems to serve as a precursor to Dexter Jettster in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Additionally, several planets mentioned in Lucas' prequel trilogy are referenced. Notably, modern audiences will be intrigued by the character Kea Moll, who strikingly resembles Rey and makes an appearance in the first episode. Furthermore, a space pirate named "Kybo Ren" adds an extra layer of interest. Star Wars enthusiasts can now access Star Wars: Droids on Disney+, as the House of Mouse has made this previously elusive series available to watch. It offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of the Star Wars franchise and potentially had a more profound impact on its development than initially perceived.

12 Star Wars: Resistance

A TV series set in the distant future of the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Resistance delves into the conflict against the First Order during the time of the sequels. Geared towards a younger audience, there were moments when it managed to contribute meaningfully to the overarching storyline - shedding light on the rapid rise of the First Order, for instance, or aiming to foster emotional investment in Hosnian Prime, the planet decimated in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, an inconsistent narrative undermined its potential, and regrettably, it seemed that Lucasfilm didn't truly prioritize this spinoff within the Skywalker saga - likely due to the ever-changing plans for the sequels, making it impossible to seamlessly integrate Star Wars Resistance into the larger narrative. As a result, this particular transmedia experiment, unfortunately, fell short.

11 The Book of Boba Fett

After miraculously surviving the Sarlacc, Boba Fett emerges as the star of his own Disney+ TV show, taking place after the events of Return of the Jedi. However, The Book of Boba Fett falls short in captivating its audience. The initial episodes attempt to depict Boba Fett's transformation into a crime boss in Tatooine, along with providing glimpses into his past that shaped his evolution. However, the execution fails to generate a compelling narrative, leaving viewers questioning Boba Fett's actual role as a crime boss by the end of the show. Furthermore, the narrative takes an unexpected turn, diverting attention from Boba Fett and morphing into a continuation of The Mandalorian, almost like a separate season. Despite the potential it holds, The Book of Boba Fett ultimately misses the mark.

10 Star Wars: The Bad Batch

9 Genndy Tartakovsky's Star Wars: Clone Wars

Despite the difficulties in ranking Star Wars: The Bad Batch, there is an undeniable sense of unfairness. The series follows Clone Force 99, a group of mutant clones engineered by the Kaminoans, immediately after the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. This renegade band of clones resisted the sinister Order 66 and is now fugitives of the Empire. Although the first season struggled to establish its characters and the second season faced pacing issues, the exciting cliffhanger ending paves the way for a much-improved third season. In Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3, Clone Force 99 embarks on a daring mission to rescue one of their own from the clutches of the Empire.

Genndy Tartakovsky's Star Wars: Clone Wars is a challenging series to rank because of its exceptional quality. However, its cultural significance has diminished over time due to its non-canon status, predating Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012. Taking inspiration from Japanese animation, Star Wars: Clone Wars immerses viewers in a thrilling adventure where the Jedi bravely confront Count Dooku and his Separatist forces. The antagonists, particularly General Grievous, present a genuine threat to the Jedi, while the protagonists' unwavering struggle for balance during times of conflict conveys a profound impact. Numerous enthusiasts argue that the series should be perceived as an in-universe, pro-Republic propaganda, effectively ensuring its ongoing relevance.

8 Obi-Wan Kenobi

7 The Mandalorian

Featuring the return of Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor, the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show was poised to be a monumental event in the Star Wars saga. Its captivating writing and intriguing concepts, along with the standout portrayal of a young Leia Organa, added to its appeal. Moreover, it occupies a unique position that allows it to seamlessly exist in both the old Expanded Universe timeline and the modern Disney canon. However, the glaring issue with Obi-Wan Kenobi is its unfulfilled potential, ultimately leading to disappointment. The CGI, scenery, and costumes surprisingly lack polish, diminishing the overall visual experience. Furthermore, the final showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader is shrouded in confusion, making it hard to follow. Speculations suggest that Disney is currently working on Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2, which is expected to address and rectify these concerns.

The Mandalorian has played a crucial role in the evolution of Star Wars, and its significance cannot be overstated. Disney+ scored a major win with the premiere of The Mandalorian, coinciding with the launch of their streaming platform. Lucasfilm's ability to keep Baby Yoda (now known as Grogu) a secret turned the first live-action Star Wars TV show into an instant viral sensation. The first season of The Mandalorian was undeniably successful, thanks to its compelling character arcs. However, there were notable flaws that prevented it from ranking higher on this list. Season 2 leaned heavily into fan-service, causing a loss of momentum, while season 3 struggled to find a new direction. The inconsistent story arcs diminished the emotional impact of the retaking of Mandalore. Nevertheless, we hope that The Mandalorian season 4 will learn from these missteps.

6 Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi

5 Ahsoka

The Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi series presents a promising glimpse into the future of the franchise's animations. These shorts primarily focus on pivotal moments in the lives of two characters, shedding light on Dooku's descent to the dark side and providing a deeper understanding of Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. While there are some instances where certain details don't align with established canon, which emphasizes Lucasfilm Television's autonomy as opposed to its role within a transmedia narrative, the final episode regrettably omits an important LGBTQI+ character from E.K. Johnston's novel Ahsoka. Nevertheless, these shorts deliver a powerful impact and boast stunning animation, complemented by concise and compelling storytelling.

Directed by Dave Filoni, Ahsoka poses a significant challenge when it comes to its placement on this Star Wars ranking. It boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring the talented performances of Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Eman Esfandi, and the late Ray Stevenson, all deserving of notable acclaim. Additionally, Rosario Dawson delivers a commendable portrayal of the titular character. Under Dave Filoni's direction, this series serves as a continuation of the narrative he initiated with Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. However, it incorporates a time-jump to ensure both new and existing viewers are on an equal footing, requiring minimal adjustment. Ahsoka gains recognition for taking daring risks within the Star Wars universe, introducing an entirely new galaxy that amplifies its boldness and charm. Nevertheless, the primary drawback lies in the slightly unfinished nature of Ahsoka's first season, as intentional as it may be. This creative choice results in a story that falls short of standing firmly on its own, leaving audiences craving more.

4 Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni, Star Wars: The Clone Wars resides in the period between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. This renowned Star Wars television series has gained immense popularity and is cherished by fans, owing to its captivating character development and enthralling storylines. While the animation may exhibit inconsistencies and initially jumps around in the timeline, this can make it challenging to comprehend certain narratives. Unfortunately, Disney terminated Star Wars: The Clone Wars following their acquisition of Lucasfilm, a decision they later regretted. However, the show found redemption when its seventh season was released on Disney+, showcasing the final episodes during the same period as Anakin Skywalker's tragic descent into the dark side. Season 7 is widely regarded as some of the finest Star Wars content produced to date.

3 Star Wars Rebels

The Star Wars animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars Rebels have sparked a passionate debate among fans to determine which is the superior show. Set in the Dark Times of the Empire, these series follow a group of characters, including a former Jedi and the later addition of Ahsoka Tano, as they strive to uphold the forces of good. The threat level intensifies as Inquisitors hunt down the Jedi, and even Darth Vader himself makes an appearance to confront his former apprentice. This ranking places Star Wars Rebels above Star Wars: The Clone Wars due to showrunner Dave Filoni's ability to learn from the previous series, resulting in more confident storytelling. Notably, Star Wars Rebels features the extraordinary "Twin Suns" episode, showcasing the epic final duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul on the desert planet of Tatooine.

2 Andor

1 Star Wars Visions

The most exceptional Star Wars TV show in the realm of live-action so far is undeniably Andor. This Disney+ series, set before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, uncovers the journey of Diego Luna's character, Cassian Andor, as he becomes involved with the emerging Rebel Alliance. Surprisingly, Andor delves into mature themes and displays political awareness by exploring the insidious nature of fascism. It prioritizes profound themes and character development over gratuitous fan-service and nods to the Star Wars universe. Learning from the mistakes of Lucas' prequel trilogy, Andor presents the political landscape of the Star Wars galaxy in a gripping and thought-provoking manner, showcasing some of the most remarkable dialogue and monologues in the franchise's history. Lucasfilm has already confirmed a second season of Andor, which will expedite the portrayal of Cassian Andor's experiences within the Rebel Alliance as the Empire prepares to unleash the destructive power of the Death Star. Hopefully, Andor sets a new precedent for future Star Wars projects by offering a blend of mature content and all-ages family entertainment.

Star Wars: Visions, the first non-canon show released after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, presents breathtaking reinterpretations of the Skywalker saga. The animation styles showcased are incredible, the scripts leave a lasting impact, and surprisingly, Star Wars: Visions captures the essence of the Force better than most canonical works. Astonishingly, the second season of Star Wars: Visions surpasses the first, as it weaves an extraordinary narrative throughout all the animated episodes. Canonicity should not be mistaken for quality; too often, Star Wars enthusiasts prioritize lore over storytelling. Hence, it is truly a pleasure to witness such a unique Star Wars story unfold before our eyes.