Watch Clone Wars or Rebels First?

When deciding between watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, many fans of the franchise wonder which series to prioritize. Both shows are highly regarded and offer unique perspectives on the Star Wars universe, but they cater to slightly different aspects of the storyline and character development. This guide will help you choose the best starting point based on your preferences and interests.

1. Overview of Each Series

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020) and Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018) are two animated series set in the Star Wars universe, but they focus on different periods and elements of the storyline.

The Clone Wars is set between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, exploring the conflicts and characters during the Clone Wars. It dives deep into the galactic struggle, showcasing the roles of Jedi Knights, clone troopers, and various factions involved in the war.

Rebels, on the other hand, is set between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It follows a group of rebels fighting against the Galactic Empire, providing insights into the early days of the Rebellion and bridging the gap between the prequel and original trilogies.

2. Story Arcs and Character Development

The Clone Wars:

• Rich Storytelling: The series features complex story arcs, including the political intrigue of the Galactic Senate, the moral dilemmas faced by Jedi, and the personal stories of soldiers and leaders.
• Character Focus: It gives significant attention to established characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano, as well as introducing new ones such as Captain Rex and Asajj Ventress.
• Themes: The show explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the cost of war, making it a more mature and nuanced narrative.

Rebels:

• Fresh Perspective: Rebels introduces new characters such as Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and the crew of the Ghost, while also featuring familiar faces like Darth Vader and Princess Leia.
• Rebellion Focus: It centers on the early stages of the Rebellion against the Empire, focusing on the formation of the Rebel Alliance and their struggles.
• Themes: Themes of hope, resistance, and the fight for freedom are prominent, offering a more optimistic view of the Star Wars universe.

3. Continuity and Connections

The Clone Wars:

• Impact on the Prequels: It provides context and background that enrich the understanding of the prequel trilogy, revealing the complexities behind the Clone Wars and the characters involved.
• Expanded Universe: It introduces significant lore and elements that influence other Star Wars media, including the development of characters who later appear in other series and films.

Rebels:

• Bridging the Gap: It connects directly to the original trilogy, providing background on the formation of the Rebel Alliance and setting up key events leading to Episode IV: A New Hope.
• Legacy and Influence: The show introduces elements and characters that have become integral to the broader Star Wars narrative, influencing later films and series.

4. Viewing Order and Recommendations

If You’re New to Star Wars:

• Start with Rebels: For newcomers, Rebels might be a more accessible entry point. It has a clearer starting point and a more straightforward storyline, which can make it easier to follow if you’re not familiar with the Star Wars universe.

If You’re a Star Wars Enthusiast:

• Begin with The Clone Wars: If you’re already familiar with the prequel films or are a fan of intricate storytelling and character development, starting with The Clone Wars provides a deeper understanding of the Star Wars lore and enriches the viewing experience for Rebels.

5. Comparative Analysis

To help you decide, here’s a comparative analysis of both series:

Aspect	The Clone Wars	Rebels
Setting	Between Episodes II and III	Between Episodes III and IV
Main Focus	Clone Wars, Jedi, and Clones	Formation of the Rebel Alliance
Main Characters	Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano	Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus
Themes	Duty, loyalty, cost of war	Hope, resistance, freedom
Connections	Deepens understanding of prequels	Bridges gap to original trilogy

6. Final Thoughts

Choosing whether to watch The Clone Wars or Rebels first ultimately depends on your interests. If you’re drawn to complex narratives and the intricacies of the Clone Wars, starting with The Clone Wars will provide a rich experience. If you prefer a more straightforward story that ties directly to the original trilogy, Rebels is the way to go.

Both series are highly enjoyable and contribute significantly to the Star Wars saga, so regardless of where you start, you’re in for an exciting journey through a galaxy far, far away.