Since George Lucas unleashed Star Wars on the world in 1977, the franchise has become a pop culture behemoth, expanding across films, books, comics, and of course, television. The first small-screen adventures arrived back in 1985, and over the decades, we've seen everything from animated kids' shows to live-action epics. Some have soared to the heights of the best sci-fi storytelling; others have crashed harder than a TIE fighter. Here's our definitive ranking of every Star Wars TV series, from the bottom of the Sarlacc pit to the top of the Jedi Council.
20. The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
Boba Fett debuted in The Empire Strikes Back as one of the most enigmatic and beloved characters in the galaxy. When Temuera Morrison returned to the role in The Mandalorian, fans were thrilled—and a solo spin-off seemed like a dream come true. But The Book of Boba Fett turned out to be one of the franchise's biggest disappointments. The titular bounty hunter has almost no personality, the tone is all over the place, and by the end, Din Djarin feels more like the protagonist. Even bringing back the fan-favorite Cad Bane couldn't save this mess. For a character who deserved a gritty crime saga, this was a letdown.
19. Star Wars: Ewoks (1985–1986)
One of the first Star Wars TV shows, Ewoks was a Saturday-morning cartoon that hasn't aged well. The animation is clunky, the stories are painfully childish, and the whole thing feels like a 26-episode commercial for toys. While it has a few charming moments, it's hard to recommend to anyone over the age of five.
18. Star Wars: Droids (1985–1986)
R2-D2 and C-3PO are iconic, but even they couldn't save Droids. This prequel to A New Hope suffers from the same overly commercial, juvenile tone as Ewoks. Anthony Daniels reprises his role as C-3PO, which is a treat, but the show is no longer canon and offers little for adult fans. It's watchable, but barely.
17. The Acolyte (2024)
After the culture-war backlash died down, it's clear The Acolyte isn't the worst Star Wars ever—but it's far from great. The action sequences are thrilling, and characters like The Stranger and Master Sol stand out, but the dialogue is wooden, the pacing is erratic, and character motivations feel inconsistent. It's a mixed bag that deserved more viewers but also more polish.
16. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Fans begged for years for a story about Obi-Wan's exile on Tatooine. What we got was a miniseries full of plot holes, stiff drama, and missed potential. Hayden Christensen's return as Darth Vader is a highlight, but the show feels like a stretched-out movie. A tighter script and direction could have made this a classic, but instead it's a frustrating near-miss. For a better take on a legendary character, check out the best miniseries of the last decade.
15. Star Wars: Resistance (2018–2020)
Set before the sequel trilogy, Resistance aimed at a younger audience with its bright, anime-inspired art style. The show has its fans, but the stakes feel low, and the characters never quite capture the magic of other Star Wars animated series. It's not bad, just forgettable.
14. Star Wars: Visions (2021–2023)
An anthology of anime shorts from different studios, Visions is a creative experiment that yields mixed results. Some episodes are stunning works of art, while others feel like fan fiction. It's worth watching for the animation alone, but as a cohesive series, it's uneven.
13. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–2024)
Following a squad of clone commandos after Order 66, The Bad Batch has strong animation and emotional moments, especially for fans of The Clone Wars. But the pacing can drag, and the episodic structure sometimes feels aimless. Still, it's a solid addition to the canon.
12. Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023–present)
This preschool-targeted series is exactly what it sets out to be: a gentle, colorful introduction to the Star Wars universe for the youngest fans. It's not for adults, but it's well-made and age-appropriate.
11. Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005)
Genndy Tartakovsky's micro-series is a visual feast of stylized action and minimal dialogue. It bridges Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith with breathtaking set pieces. Though short, it's a cult classic that influenced everything that came after.
10. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024–present)
A fresh take that follows a group of kids lost in the galaxy, Skeleton Crew captures the wonder of the original trilogy. It's fun, adventurous, and has a great cast. Early signs are promising, and it could climb higher as it continues.
9. Star Wars: Rebels (2014–2018)
Set before A New Hope, Rebels took a while to find its footing but grew into a beloved series with memorable characters like Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus. The finale is one of the most emotional moments in all of Star Wars. It's a must-watch for fans of the animated side of the galaxy.
8. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022–present)
This anthology series explores the backstories of characters like Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. The animation is gorgeous, and the storytelling is tight and emotional. It's a perfect companion piece to The Clone Wars.
7. Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024–present)
Following up on Tales of the Jedi, this series focuses on Imperial characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. It's darker and more complex, offering a nuanced look at the Empire's side. A strong entry in the animated lineup.
6. Andor (2022–present)
The most mature and politically sophisticated Star Wars show, Andor is a slow-burn spy thriller that explores the birth of the Rebellion. With incredible writing, acting, and direction, it's a masterpiece of television—even if it's not the action-packed adventure some fans expect. It's easily one of the best soft sci-fi stories in the franchise.
5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020)
The series that redefined Star Wars animation, The Clone Wars started rough but evolved into an epic saga that deepened the prequel era. It introduced fan-favorites like Ahsoka Tano and gave us some of the best storytelling in the entire franchise. The final season is a triumph.
4. Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2019–present)
The show that launched Disney+'s Star Wars era, The Mandalorian blends Western and samurai influences with a heartwarming father-son dynamic. Grogu (Baby Yoda) became a cultural phenomenon, and the series has delivered consistently thrilling adventures. It's a modern classic.
3. Star Wars: Ahsoka (2023–present)
Rosario Dawson brings Ahsoka Tano to live-action in this continuation of Rebels and The Clone Wars. The show is a love letter to fans of the animated series, with stunning visuals, lightsaber duels, and a compelling story about legacy and redemption. It's a worthy spotlight for one of Star Wars' best characters.
2. Star Wars: Visions (Volume 2)
The second volume of Visions expanded beyond Japanese studios to include animators from around the world. The result is a more consistent and breathtaking collection of shorts that push the boundaries of what Star Wars can be. It's a celebration of creativity and diversity.
1. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020) — The Definitive Version
Yes, we're listing it again, but the full seven-season arc of The Clone Wars is the pinnacle of Star Wars television. It took the prequel trilogy and gave it depth, emotion, and stakes. From the Siege of Mandalore to Ahsoka's departure, this series is essential viewing. It's the gold standard that every other show aspires to reach.
From the bottom of the list to the top, Star Wars TV has given us moments of brilliance and head-scratching failures. As the franchise continues to expand, we can only hope the next series—like the upcoming Maul — Shadow Lord—lands closer to the top than the bottom. May the Force be with them.
