Should I Watch Star Wars Rebels or Clone Wars First?

When deciding whether to watch Star Wars Rebels or Star Wars: The Clone Wars first, it's essential to understand how each series fits into the Star Wars universe and their impact on the overall storyline. Both series are beloved by fans, but they serve different purposes within the expansive Star Wars narrative. This article will explore the factors to consider when making your decision, including chronological order, story connections, character development, and viewing experience.

1. Chronological Order:

The first factor to consider is the chronological order of the series within the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is set between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It delves into the events of the Clone Wars, providing background and depth to the conflict that plays a significant role in the rise of the Galactic Empire.

In contrast, Star Wars Rebels takes place between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It explores the rise of the Rebel Alliance and the early days of the resistance against the Empire. This series is set after the events of The Clone Wars, so if you watch Rebels first, you'll be jumping ahead in the timeline.

2. Story Connections and Continuity:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars introduces a wealth of characters and storylines that are crucial to understanding the Star Wars universe. Characters like Ahsoka Tano, who was introduced in The Clone Wars, make significant appearances in Rebels. Watching The Clone Wars first will give you a richer context for these characters and their motivations, enhancing your viewing experience of Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels, on the other hand, picks up many threads left by The Clone Wars and explores the aftermath of the Clone Wars. The series references and builds upon the events of its predecessor, so having knowledge of The Clone Wars can help in understanding some of the background and nuances in Rebels.

3. Character Development:

The Clone Wars is known for its deep character development, especially for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. It provides a nuanced look at the Jedi Order, the Republic, and the complex relationships between characters. This development is pivotal as it sets up the broader narrative for the Star Wars saga.

In Rebels, character development continues, particularly with the introduction of new characters like Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus. Watching The Clone Wars first will provide a better foundation for understanding the significance of these new characters and their connections to the broader Star Wars narrative.

4. Viewing Experience:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars has a more episodic format, with multiple story arcs that vary in tone and focus. It covers a broad range of themes and storylines, from epic battles to personal conflicts. This series can be seen as a deeper dive into the Star Wars lore, which can be highly engaging if you're invested in the broader context.

Star Wars Rebels offers a more focused narrative with a consistent team of characters and a clearer overall plot. It has a more traditional serialized structure, which can be more accessible for viewers new to the Star Wars animated series.

5. Fan Recommendations and Viewing Order:

Many fans recommend starting with The Clone Wars for a few reasons. Firstly, it provides essential background and context that enriches the viewing experience of Rebels. Secondly, it allows you to appreciate the development of characters who appear in Rebels, giving you a deeper understanding of their motivations and roles.

However, if you prefer to start with a series that has a more straightforward narrative and immediate action, you might opt to begin with Rebels. This can be a good way to get into the Star Wars animated universe and then circle back to The Clone Wars to fill in the backstory and understand the connections better.

6. Conclusion:

In summary, if you want to experience the Star Wars animated series in chronological order and appreciate the depth of character development and background, starting with Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the recommended approach. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Star Wars universe and enhance your viewing of Star Wars Rebels. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a focused narrative and direct connection to the original trilogy, starting with Star Wars Rebels could be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both series are valuable in their own right, and your decision may come down to whether you prefer to start at the beginning of the timeline or dive straight into the rebellion against the Empire.