The Skywalker Saga may have concluded with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but the galaxy far, far away continues to expand, offering a wealth of content for devoted fans. Choosing what to watch next depends entirely on your individual tastes within the Star Wars universe, whether you crave more Jedi action, gritty space operas, or deeper dives into the lore and history of the franchise.
A Galaxy of Options: Charting Your Post-Episode IX Course
The end of Episode IX left many fans wondering, “What now?” The answer isn’t singular. It’s a multifaceted exploration into various corners of the Star Wars galaxy. If you’re primarily driven by the core narrative, you might consider jumping back in time to appreciate the prequels and the Clone Wars era. For those who enjoyed the nuanced character work of The Mandalorian, diving into other live-action series like Andor and Ahsoka would be a natural progression. And for fans who enjoy world-building and lore, the animated series offer invaluable insights. The beauty of Star Wars is its diversity, meaning there’s truly something for everyone in the expansive catalog.
Live-Action Adventures: Continuing the Saga’s Legacy
The Mandalorian: A Lone Gunfighter’s Journey
The Mandalorian is arguably the cornerstone of the new Star Wars television landscape. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, it follows Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, as he traverses the outer reaches of the galaxy. His encounter with Grogu, affectionately known as “Baby Yoda,” sets him on a path that intertwines with the remnants of the Imperial forces and the nascent New Republic. The show’s blend of Western tropes, Japanese cinema influences, and classic Star Wars elements creates a unique and compelling viewing experience.
Andor: A Spy Thriller in the Rebellion’s Shadow
Andor is a stark departure from the traditional Star Wars formula. It’s a gritty, grounded spy thriller that delves into the early days of the Rebellion against the Empire. The series follows Cassian Andor, a character first introduced in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, as he becomes increasingly involved in the burgeoning resistance. Andor distinguishes itself with its mature themes, complex characters, and intricate political maneuvering, offering a refreshing perspective on the Star Wars universe.
Ahsoka: A Jedi’s Path After the Fall
Ahsoka picks up the story of Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan, following her appearances in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. The series explores her journey as she continues to grapple with the legacy of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire, while also searching for Grand Admiral Thrawn, a cunning Imperial strategist. Ahsoka directly connects to the animated series Rebels, making it essential viewing for those invested in Ahsoka’s character arc.
The Book of Boba Fett: A Crime Lord’s Ambitions
The Book of Boba Fett chronicles the return of Boba Fett, the legendary bounty hunter, after his apparent demise in Return of the Jedi. The series follows Boba as he attempts to establish himself as a crime lord on Tatooine, navigating the complex power dynamics of the underworld. While it faced mixed reception, it features notable crossovers with The Mandalorian, expanding the interconnected narrative of the post-Return of the Jedi era.
Animated Explorations: Expanding the Canon
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Heart of the Prequels
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is essential viewing for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the prequel era. The series fills in the gaps between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, providing crucial character development for Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano. It also introduces compelling new characters like Captain Rex and Asajj Ventress, adding depth and complexity to the galactic conflict.
Star Wars: Rebels: The Spark of Rebellion
Star Wars: Rebels takes place in the years leading up to A New Hope, focusing on a small band of rebels fighting against the Galactic Empire on the planet Lothal. The series introduces a new cast of characters, including Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and Hera Syndulla, while also featuring appearances from iconic figures like Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader. Rebels provides valuable context for the events of the original trilogy and explores the themes of hope, sacrifice, and the importance of family.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Clones After the War
Star Wars: The Bad Batch follows a squad of elite clone troopers with genetic mutations as they navigate the tumultuous transition from the Republic to the Empire. The series explores the ethical dilemmas faced by the clones as they grapple with their loyalty and purpose in a rapidly changing galaxy. The Bad Batch offers a unique perspective on the Clone Wars and its aftermath, highlighting the impact of the conflict on the clones themselves.
Star Wars: Visions: A Fresh Perspective
Star Wars: Visions is an anthology series of animated shorts created by various Japanese animation studios. These shorts offer a fresh and diverse perspective on the Star Wars universe, exploring new stories, characters, and themes through different animation styles. Visions is a testament to the global appeal of Star Wars and its ability to inspire creative interpretations.
Exploring the Lore: Novels, Comics, and Games
Beyond the visual mediums, the Star Wars universe is rich with novels, comics, and video games that expand upon the lore and explore untold stories. These mediums offer a deeper dive into the characters, events, and settings of the galaxy far, far away.
- High Republic Era Novels and Comics: Set centuries before the Skywalker Saga, these explore the golden age of the Jedi Order.
- Video Games like Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor: These games offer immersive gameplay experiences that tell original stories within the Star Wars universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the vast landscape of Star Wars content:
1. Should I watch the Star Wars movies in release order or chronological order?
It’s a matter of personal preference. Release order preserves the intended plot twists and surprises of the original trilogy, while chronological order provides a more linear narrative experience. For first-time viewers, release order is generally recommended.
2. What’s the best way to watch The Clone Wars?
The most complete viewing experience involves following a recommended episode order that blends the chronological sequence with the intended storytelling flow. Several online guides provide detailed lists.
3. Is Star Wars: Rebels canon?
Yes, Star Wars: Rebels is officially part of the Star Wars canon and its characters and events are referenced in other Star Wars media, including Ahsoka.
4. Do I need to watch The Clone Wars before watching Ahsoka?
While not strictly necessary, watching The Clone Wars will significantly enhance your understanding of Ahsoka Tano’s character and her relationships with other characters in the Star Wars universe.
5. Is The Book of Boba Fett worth watching?
The Book of Boba Fett has received mixed reviews, but it does contain important plot developments and character interactions that tie into The Mandalorian universe. It’s worth watching for fans invested in the wider narrative.
6. Are there any Star Wars projects focusing on the post-sequel era?
Currently, no live-action series are set directly after The Rise of Skywalker. However, future projects could explore this period.
7. What Star Wars content is suitable for children?
The Clone Wars, Rebels, and certain episodes of The Mandalorian are generally suitable for older children. Visions varies depending on the episode, and some may be too intense.
8. Where can I watch all of these Star Wars series and movies?
Most Star Wars movies and series are available on Disney+.
9. Are there any upcoming Star Wars movies or series that have been announced?
Several new Star Wars projects are in development, including movies and series with various release dates. Announcements are frequently made, so stay updated through official Star Wars channels.
10. What is considered Star Wars Legends?
Star Wars Legends refers to the expanded universe stories (novels, comics, games) that were created before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. These stories are no longer considered part of the official canon, but they remain popular with many fans.
11. How does Andor connect to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story?
Andor serves as a prequel to Rogue One, providing the backstory of Cassian Andor and explaining how he became involved in the Rebel Alliance.
12. What is the High Republic era and why is it important?
The High Republic era is a period set centuries before the Skywalker Saga, during a time of peace and prosperity for the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic. Exploring this era provides insights into the history and values of the Jedi and sheds light on the events that led to the rise of the Sith.
Choosing what to watch after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a journey of discovery. The galaxy far, far away is vast and diverse, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Enjoy the ride!