Star Wars: Should You Watch Clone Wars or Rebels First?

When diving into the expansive universe of Star Wars, fans often face the dilemma of choosing which series to watch first: The Clone Wars or Rebels. Both series are animated and offer deep insights into the Star Wars galaxy, with connections to the broader lore that spans the films, books, and comics. Deciding which one to watch first can shape your understanding and appreciation of the stories that unfold. This article will guide you through the key differences, overlaps, and recommended viewing orders, ensuring that you maximize your Star Wars experience.

Understanding the Context

The Clone Wars is set between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It explores the three-year conflict known as the Clone Wars, focusing on the battles between the Galactic Republic, led by the Jedi, and the Separatists, led by Sith Lords like Count Dooku. The series dives deep into the personal journeys of key characters such as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano. It also sheds light on the lives of the clone troopers, adding layers to their otherwise uniform portrayal in the films.

On the other hand, Rebels is set between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. The series follows a group of rebels who form the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Rebels introduces us to new characters, such as Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and Hera Syndulla, while also incorporating familiar faces like Darth Vader and Ahsoka Tano. The show emphasizes the rise of the Rebel Alliance and the struggle against Imperial domination, offering a bridge between the prequel and original trilogies.

Key Differences and Overlaps

1. Tone and Audience:

• The Clone Wars starts with a more lighthearted tone but gradually matures as the series progresses, reflecting the darkening mood of the galaxy as it edges closer to the events of Revenge of the Sith. This tonal shift makes it suitable for both younger audiences and older fans looking for a deeper exploration of the Star Wars universe.
• Rebels maintains a lighter, more hopeful tone throughout, despite its darker moments. The series is more accessible to younger viewers but still offers significant depth for older fans, especially in its later seasons.

2. Animation Style:

• The Clone Wars features a more stylized, almost wooden animation, especially in its early seasons. However, the quality improves dramatically over time, culminating in stunning visuals in its final season.
• Rebels adopts a smoother, more streamlined animation style that might feel more contemporary and polished from the outset. The character designs are slightly less detailed compared to The Clone Wars, but the series consistently delivers high-quality animation.

3. Character Focus:

• The Clone Wars centers on characters we already know from the films, like Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Yoda, while introducing new ones like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. It provides deeper insights into these characters' motivations, relationships, and eventual fates.
• Rebels primarily focuses on a new group of characters, offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe. However, it also ties in characters from The Clone Wars, providing satisfying continuity for fans of both series.

4. Narrative Structure:

• The Clone Wars is more episodic, with some arcs spanning multiple episodes. The show explores various facets of the war, from large-scale battles to political intrigue, offering a comprehensive look at the Clone Wars era.
• Rebels follows a more linear narrative, with each season building towards a specific goal. This structure creates a more cohesive storyline, making it easier to follow the character development and plot progression.

Recommended Viewing Order

If you're new to Star Wars animation, the order in which you watch these series can significantly impact your experience. Here are a few suggested viewing strategies:

1. Chronological Order:

• Start with The Clone Wars as it is set earlier in the timeline. Watching it first will provide a solid foundation of knowledge about the state of the galaxy, the key characters, and the events leading up to the rise of the Empire. After finishing The Clone Wars, transition to Rebels to see how the galaxy evolves under Imperial rule and how the seeds of rebellion are sown.

2. Release Order:

• You could also watch the series in the order they were released. Begin with The Clone Wars (2008-2020) and then move on to Rebels (2014-2018). This approach allows you to experience the evolution of Star Wars animation and storytelling, as well as the growing complexity of the narratives.

3. Hybrid Order:

• Another approach is to watch The Clone Wars up to Season 5, then switch to Rebels until the end of Season 2. Afterward, return to The Clone Wars Season 6 and 7, which will align with the events in Rebels. Finish by watching the final two seasons of Rebels. This order allows you to follow Ahsoka Tano's journey more closely and see how the events of The Clone Wars directly influence the storylines in Rebels.

Conclusion

Both The Clone Wars and Rebels are essential viewing for any Star Wars fan, offering rich storytelling, memorable characters, and crucial connections to the broader Star Wars saga. If you're looking for a more mature, war-focused narrative with deep character exploration, start with The Clone Wars. If you prefer a more straightforward, rebellion-centric story with a blend of old and new characters, Rebels might be the way to go first.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what aspect of the Star Wars universe you want to explore first. Regardless of the order, both series are packed with moments that will resonate with fans old and new, making them must-watch entries in the Star Wars canon.