Let’s be real: Star Wars’ live shows and big screen tales always steal the show. But what about the cartoons? They’ve been low-key crafting some of the most fun tales, cool folks, and jaw-dropping parts. Too often, they’re tossed aside as “kid stuff” or seen as less important. These shows should get some love, too. Here’s my list of the top 7 Star Wars cartoons, from not-so-great to the best ones.
7. Rollout
This innovative experiment included a silent narrative through BB-unit-inspired animation. Although innovative, the visual solution was clunky, and the limited narrative appeal prevented it from having broad acceptance. A couple of episodes are worth viewing for innovation alone.
6. Blips
Breezy, brief, and oddly effective, Blips provides brief Star Wars moments in less than five minutes per episode. At only eight episodes, it’s a tiny endeavor that packs an incredible amount of punch, demonstrating that even microseries can do justice to the galaxy’s essence.
5. Forces of Destiny
Forces of Destiny shines a spotlight on Star Wars’ female heroes, from Rey and Hera to Ahsoka Tano.
The episodes are brief, leaving fans wanting more, but the series succeeds in giving depth to characters who might otherwise be sidelined. It’s a strong example of focused, empowering storytelling.
4. Galaxy of Adventures
This series takes iconic scenes from the films and reimagines them in beautifully stylized animation.
The movement, colors, and character designs are top-notch, making each episode a mini-masterclass in Star Wars storytelling. It’s the kind of show that makes fans wish the entire saga could be animated in this style.
3. Rebels
Disney’s initial big Star Wars animated venture after The Clone Wars, Rebels, had a lot riding on it. Although animation quality varied, it presented engaging characters and narratives, concluding with a season 2 finale that is still one of the greatest Star Wars tales.
2. Clone Wars (2003)
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars was a visual shock. The 2D animation was quick, crisp, and beautiful, and the battles of the prequels were finally given life in a way that few thought possible. Traditional animation could be more energetic and creative than CGI, and the short-form series demonstrated it.
1. The Clone Wars (2008)
The Clone Wars is not only the greatest Star Wars cartoon—it’s perhaps one of the finest Star Wars endeavors outside of the films.
It expanded the universe, developed characters such as Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, and explored mature themes, setting the bar for Star Wars storytelling. Its emotional resonance, character development, and creative plots make it the standard bearer of the franchise’s animated endeavors.
Even with critical success, Star Wars animation tends to go under the radar. Series such as The Clone Wars and Rebels have delved into the Force and the galaxy in ways live-action does not. But with new series like Visions, The Bad Batch, and upcoming shows from Lucasfilm, the future looks promising. Some of the most memorable Star Wars tales aren’t filmed—drawn frame by frame, they demonstrate that animation is an integral component of the galaxy far, far away.