All 13 Star Wars shows ranked from worst to best

4. Star Wars Rebels

That brings us to beloved animated series Star Wars Rebels. Airing on Disney XD between 2014 and 2018, the show bridges the gap between The Clone Wars and the iconic original trilogy (taking place about a decade after the final installment of the prequel trilogy Revenge of the Sith).

This one thrusts us into an era of galactic turmoil and introduces us to a motley crew who would quickly carve their place into our hearts. Picture this: A spunky pilot named Hera leading a team made up of former Jedi Kanan, Mandalorian Sabine, the ever-so-hilarious droid Chopper, Zeb as the muscle of the group, and the now-iconic Ezra Bridger as an adventurous young lad with untapped potential. The Ghost Crew, as they’re fondly referred to as, is our new band of heroes challenging the might of the Empire (hence the show’s title). Each episode, we look deeper into their lives, their dreams, and the bonds they form, creating stories as intricate and thrilling as any space saga can be.

What’s so delightful about Rebels is its seamless blend of light-hearted escapades and overarching darker stories. There is a wonderful blend of tone and styles, as we enjoy the thrill of each adventure while also witnessing events that serve as the foundations of the Rebel Alliance as we knew it. The Empire’s cruel grip on the galaxy paints a grim backdrop in which hope seems to fade, but the spirit of rebellion keeps burning bright.

Furthermore, the show’s ability to expertly meld old and new, light and dark, fun and profound makes Star Wars Rebels an instrumental piece in the Star Wars universe. And it’s so easy to see why it’s held in such high regard among the Star Wars fandom. Its importance will continue to grow as more people discover it and future titles refer back to the events that went down here. All you have to do it look at Ahsoka.