What to Watch Before Clone Wars

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a beloved animated series that expands on the Star Wars universe, diving into the events between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. To fully appreciate The Clone Wars, it's beneficial to watch several key pieces of Star Wars media to get context on the characters, settings, and storylines. Here's a detailed guide on what to watch before diving into The Clone Wars.

1. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Released in 1999, The Phantom Menace introduces the young Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Order, and the political landscape of the galaxy. It sets the stage for the rise of the Sith and the eventual Clone Wars. Watching this film is essential to understand the background of key characters and the brewing conflict that leads to the Clone Wars.

2. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Attack of the Clones (2002) is crucial as it directly leads into The Clone Wars. The film shows the beginning of the Clone Wars, the creation of the clone army, and the deepening relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. The film's final battle on Geonosis is particularly significant as it marks the start of the galactic conflict that the series explores.

3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film)
Before the animated series, there was a theatrical film that served as a precursor to the series. Released in 2008, The Clone Wars film introduces the main characters of the series, such as Ahsoka Tano, and sets up the initial storylines. Watching this film is a great way to get introduced to the tone and style of the series.

4. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith (2005) is the concluding chapter of the prequel trilogy and provides significant context for The Clone Wars. It shows the downfall of Anakin Skywalker, the rise of Darth Sidious, and the dramatic changes in the galaxy. Understanding the events of this film will help in comprehending the impact of the Clone Wars on the broader Star Wars narrative.

5. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (TV Series)
Although The Bad Batch is a post-Clone Wars series, it provides important context about the aftermath of the Clone Wars and the transition from the Republic to the Empire. Watching this series can give insight into the impact of the Clone Wars on the galaxy and characters introduced in The Clone Wars.

6. Star Wars: Rebels (TV Series)
Star Wars: Rebels is set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It continues the story of characters from The Clone Wars and introduces new ones. While not mandatory, Rebels enriches the overall Star Wars saga and offers additional context for characters and storylines that originated in The Clone Wars.

7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Essential Episodes
For those short on time, consider watching some essential episodes from The Clone Wars series to get a grasp of the main story arcs. Key episodes include:

• "The Siege of Mandalore" arc: This final arc of the series ties directly into the events of Revenge of the Sith and provides closure to Ahsoka Tano’s story.
• "The Clovis Arc": Provides background on the Republic's politics and the economic aspects of the Clone Wars.
• "The Mortis Arc": Explores the mystical elements of the Force and introduces important lore.

Conclusion
Watching these films and series before diving into The Clone Wars will give you a solid foundation and enhance your viewing experience. Understanding the origins of the conflict, the characters involved, and the overarching narrative will make the series more engaging and meaningful. The prequel trilogy films, the theatrical release of The Clone Wars, and the subsequent series like Rebels and The Bad Batch provide a comprehensive view of the Star Wars universe leading into and beyond the Clone Wars.