Although the Star Wars franchise is most known for the films, series like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rebels, and The Bad Batch, make it clear that the adventure doesn't stop at the movie theaters. This is exceptionally true of the franchise's animated series, which have been well-received.
Although it might be unfair to compare animated episodes typically about 30 minutes long to full-length features well over two hours, several animated outings have a very cinematic quality that just can't be ignored. From epic duels to tails of heartbreaking romance, the films aren't the only source of wonder in a galaxy far far away.
Rookies (Clone Wars)
The Jedi, the Sith, droids, and starfighters are all crucial elements of the Star Wars saga, but there wouldn't even be a Clone Wars era if it wasn't for the clones themselves. The adventurous exploits of Obi-Wan, Anakin, Mace Windu, and Master Yoda are all well worth watching, but there are plenty of interesting stories to tell from a soldier's perspective.
Although their faces and armored appearances might make them all blend in with the rest of the troops, it's fascinating to see characters like Captain Rex and Commander Cody in their natural element leading their squad to victory. "Rookies" not only displays the commanding officers' gifts for leadership but a human element to characters otherwise considered blaster fodder. As the clones defend against an invasion of battle droids, it allows them to steal a little bit of the spotlight from their Jedi generals.
Revenge (Clone Wars)
One of the greatest assets to The Clone Wars series was the return of one of the most infamous fan favorites, Darth Maul. Not only was the character given a new life and a new set of legs, but a chance to take revenge against his nemesis, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Aptly titled "Revenge," the episode brought the two warriors of the Force face-to-face for the first time since the defeat of Qui-Gon Jinn. Not only did this bring forth a new threat to the galaxy, but it opened old wounds for Obi-Wan. Throw in the addition of Savage Opress and a forced team-up with Ventress and it makes for one of the most memorable chapters in the series.
Spark Of Rebellion (Star Wars: Rebels)
While it might seem strange to consider a pilot episode of an overarching series cinematic or movie-worthy, the pilot for Star Wars: Rebels opened a new chapter in the iconic franchise. Although series like Clone Wars that took place in between the major films had been done before, this one brought things back to a more classic age by bridging the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
The episode introduced fans to characters like Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and the crew of the Ghost, as well as the insidious forces of the Imperial Inquisition. Right from the starting point of the series, viewers were given a glimpse of life under the Empire's regime and the titular spark of rebellion that gave the galaxy its new hope.
Twin Suns (Star Wars: Rebels)
The deadly feud between Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't end with the Clone Wars. The pair got an entire episode dedicated to them and their final confrontation in Star Wars: Rebels. While Kenobi has been hiding out in exile on Tatooine, Maul has been searching for him with a thirst for blood.
Although the episode gives Ezra an encounter with one of the most powerful Jedi Masters in all of the galaxy, the primary focus of the episode is the inevitable battle between two old arch enemies. Although it's highly unlikely fans will be treated to a live-action representation in the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series, this chapter of Rebels certainly scratches a certain itch.
Twilight Of The Apprentice (Star Wars: Rebels)
Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn't the only veteran of the Clone Wars to make a triumphant return or to receive an epic confrontation for that matter. Ahsoka Tano steps into the role of a fugitive Jedi Master in the era of the rebellion, but not even she can escape the hands of destiny as she, Ezra, and the rest are pulled into a Sith trap. But an evil temple isn't the only danger waiting for them.
The episode marked one of the most memorable fights in all of the franchise as Ahsoka crossed sabers with her former master, now under the armor of the infamous Darth Vader. A nail-biting conclusion to season 2, the episode pulled out all the stops and didn't skip on the darker materials of the saga.
The Mortis Trilogy (Clone Wars)
Star Wars might be a pillar of the science fiction genre, but it is never been ashamed to show its fantasy aspects, and there are a few better examples of this than the Mortis arc in the Clone Wars. A trilogy of episodes featuring an alternative dimension, godlike Force-sensitive beings, and devastating prophecies that would shape the universe forever, it's certainly more complex than the average animated TV show.
After being drawn into their dimension, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are pulled into a conflict between three beings of the Force. Secrets are revealed and prophecies are foretold as layers of characters like Anakin and Obi-Wan are stripped away to reveal the cosmic roles they play in the grand scheme of the galaxy.
The Twins (Star Wars: Visions)
2021's Star Wars: Visions is truly a cinematic series in almost every sense of the term, and it can be hard to pick just one definitive episode. That being said, "The Twins" manages to incorporate all the best action-packed features of a typical Star Wars movie into just a few minutes with surprising ease.
A pair of Force-sensitive siblings born and bred to be weapons of the Sith engage in an epic space duel when the brother feels the call to the light. From a planet-destroying weapon to a lightsaber duel in Vader-inspired power armor, the short has all the elements of the original trilogy wrapped up in one chapter with a beautiful anime aesthetic.
Tatooine Rhapsody (Star Wars: Visions)
On the other end of the Visions spectrum lies "Tatooine Rhapsody," and it certainly offers a different flavor of the galaxy far, far away. What it lacks in lightsaber duels and complex moralities of its characters, it more than makes up for in its entertainment department.
The episode tells the story of Star Waver, a literal band of misfits seeking out the ultimate gig across the galaxy. When their drummer, a Hutt in Jabba's line, is pursued and captured by Boba Fett, it's up to the rest of the band to stand up to the infamous crime boss and play for their biggest audience yet. It's no space opera, but it's a delightful intermission of rock and humor that fans can definitely appreciate.
The Duel (Star Wars: Visions)
It's no secret that George Lucas pulled heavy inspiration from the famous samurai epics of Akira Kurosawa when creating Star Wars, but "The Duel" demonstrates what might have happened if the director had gone all the way with the Japanese influences. The result is a near-perfect blend of Jedi and Samurai worthy of its own feature-film adaptation.
The plot itself has its own Kurosawa flavor as a former Dark Lord, now a wandering Ronin, defends a village under attack by bandits and their vicious Sith leader. The anime art style was truly the best way to tell this story as its blending of visuals offered up a new perspective on the established universe.
The Clone Wars (The Micro Series)
Many viewers were left unsatisfied at the end of Attack of the Clones, as it essentially set up a galactic-level conflict and left the audience hanging. However, Gendy Tartakovsky's contribution to the saga offered up a more satisfying and action-packed than delegations with the senate and political matters with bouts of combat between them.
Although the original episodes were only around five minutes long, Disney+ has meshed them all together into a two-volume animated epic that better bridges the gap between Episode II and Episode III in the prequel trilogy and features the exciting exploits of multiple Jedi Masters. Simply put, it demonstrates the heroes at their best and highlights the epic battles of the war that so greatly affected the galaxy.