Best of the Best From the Star Wars Spinoffs Universe

Since “Star Wars” first graced screens in 1977, the galaxy far, far away has expanded beyond its iconic Skywalker Saga into a thriving universe of spinoffs. These films and series have explored untold stories, introduced complex new characters and enriched the lore that fans hold so dear. Here’s a closer look at some standout spinoffs, their directors and stars and why they shone — or stumbled.

What Is a Star Wars Spinoff?

Epic movies result in spinoff movies or series that share the same backdrop with alternative plots or “before” and “after” storylines. Star Wars spinoffs also include games like Star Wars: Knights of the Republic, but for this article, the movies, series and animations take precedence. 

The Best Star Wars Spinoffs

Some spinoffs were as good, if not better than, the original episodes, and they’re absolute fan favorites. Whether or not you’re into lightsaber fighting and Live Action Roleplay, these are the best to watch. 

1. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)

Director: Gareth Edwards
Main Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn

What it’s about: Set just before the events of “A New Hope,” this film showcases the rebel mission to steal the Death Star plans. It’s a high-stakes story with grit, loss, and the perfect segue into the original trilogy. Chronologically, the story precedes the first Star Wars movie and explains how Princess Leya gets the Death Star’s blueprints. 

Why it’s great:

• The film bridges gaps between the prequel and original trilogies, offering rich context for the rebellion’s origins.
• Stunning visuals, from the tropical battle on Scarif to Darth Vader’s terrifying hallway scene.
• Characters like Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor felt grounded, complex and compelling.

What disappointed:

• Some fans found the pacing uneven, and the film drags its heels getting to the real plot.
• The ensemble cast didn’t allow all characters equal development.

2. “The Mandalorian” (2019–present)

Creator: Jon Favreau
Main Cast: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito

What it’s about: This Disney+ series follows Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, and his adventures with a mysterious child, Grogu (fondly nicknamed Baby Yoda).

Why it’s great:

• Grogu’s charm and the father-child dynamic captivated audiences instantly.
• The episodic storytelling brought back the adventurous spirit of the original trilogy.
• A mix of old — Boba Fett — and new — Cara Dune — characters keep it fresh.

What disappointed:

• Some episodes feel like filler rather than essential to the overarching plot.
• Fans of faster-paced action might sometimes find the show’s deliberate storytelling slow.

3. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018)

Directors: Ron Howard (after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller departed)
Main Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke

What it’s about: A prequel exploring the origins of Han Solo, his first encounters with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian, and the infamous Kessel Run.

Why it’s great:

• Donald Glover’s portrayal of Lando is nothing short of iconic.
• Fans loved the expansion of the galaxy’s underworld, from the Crimson Dawn syndicate to new planets.
• A nuanced look at Han’s development into the scrappy smuggler we meet in “A New Hope.”

What disappointed:

• Many felt Alden Ehrenreich’s Han lacked the charisma of Harrison Ford, but then Ford set the bar impossibly high. What actor could have reached that?
• The movie’s production issues (director changes, reshoots) left a disjointed narrative.

4. “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022)

Director: Deborah Chow
Main Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Moses Ingram

What it’s about: Picking up a decade after “Revenge of the Sith,” this series follows Obi-Wan Kenobi as he watches over a young Luke Skywalker and faces an old ghost in the form of Darth Vader.

Why it’s great:

• McGregor and Christensen reprised their roles beautifully, adding emotional depth.
• The exploration of Obi-Wan’s trauma post-Order 66 was nuanced and powerful.
• Iconic battles, particularly the Obi-Wan vs. Vader duel, delivered the fan service many craved.

What disappointed:

• Some viewers criticized inconsistent pacing, especially in the middle episodes.
• While the Reva storyline had potential, its execution felt underwhelming to some.

5. “The Book of Boba Fett” (2021–2022)

Creators: Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Temuera Morrison, Ming-Na Wen

What it’s about: Following Boba Fett’s escape from the Sarlacc pit, this series charts his rise as Tatooine’s new crime lord and his partnership with mercenary Fennec Shand.

Why it’s great:

• Morrison’s portrayal gives Boba Fett much-needed depth and humanity.
• Flashbacks added layers to Boba’s backstory, especially his time with the Tusken Raiders.
• Crossovers with “The Mandalorian” kept fans engaged.

What disappointed:

• The tonal shifts between Boba Fett’s story and “The Mandalorian” episodes felt jarring.
• Many fans expected more action and less political maneuvering.

6. “Andor” (2022–present)

Creator: Tony Gilroy
Main Cast: Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Fiona Shaw

What it’s about: A prequel to “Rogue One,” this series explores Cassian Andor’s journey from reluctant fighter to committed rebel operative.

Why it’s great:

• A darker, more mature tone distinguishes “Andor” from other Star Wars spinoffs.
• Skarsgård’s performance as Luthen Rael stands out, adding intrigue and gravitas.
• The show explores the political and social undercurrents of the rebellion.

What disappointed:

• The slower pacing and heavier themes may not appeal to fans looking for lighter fare.
• Some viewers noted a lack of memorable action sequences compared to other spinoffs.

7. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008–2020)

Creator: George Lucas, Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor

What it’s about: This animated series bridges the gap between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith,” exploring the galactic conflict through the eyes of Jedi, clones, and more.

Why it’s great:

• Fan-favorite characters like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex were introduced here.
• It gives greater context to Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side.
• The final season was a cinematic triumph, especially the Siege of Mandalore Arc.

What disappointed:

• The earlier seasons suffered from inconsistent storytelling and haphazard animation quality.
• The episodic nature sometimes detracted from the larger narrative.

8. “Star Wars: Rebels” (2014–2018)

Creator: Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Taylor Gray, Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall

What it’s about: This animated series follows the Ghost Crew, a group of rebels working to undermine the Empire in the years leading up to A New Hope.

Why it’s great:

• Ezra Bridger’s coming-of-age story added emotional weight.
• Introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite villain from Star Wars Legends.
• It balanced lighter, family-friendly moments with darker, more mature themes.

What disappointed:

• Some episodes leaned heavily into filler territory.
• The series initially struggled to carve out its identity apart from “The Clone Wars.”

9. “Star Wars: Visions” (2021)

Creators: Various Japanese animation studios
Main Cast: Multiple voice actors

What it’s about: This anthology series features stand-alone Star Wars tales told through the lens of different anime styles and Japanese pop culture storytelling traditions.

Why it’s great:

• The unique visual styles brought refreshing creativity to the Star Wars universe.
• Stories ranged from whimsical to profound, offering something for everyone.
• A celebration of the global influence of Star Wars.

What disappointed:

• As with any anthology, not all episodes resonated equally with viewers.
• Some fans wished for more ties to the established canon.

10. “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” (2021–present)

Creator: Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Dee Bradley Baker, Michelle Ang

What it’s about: This animated series follows Clone Force 99, a squad of genetically unique clones, as they navigate a post-Clone Wars galaxy.

Why it’s great:

• A deep dive into the aftermath of Order 66 and the rise of the Empire.
• The dynamic relationships within the Bad Batch make for compelling storytelling.
• Stunning animation and strong ties to “The Clone Wars” for longtime fans.

What disappointed:

• Some viewers found the pacing uneven, with filler episodes disrupting the main plot.
• The show occasionally struggles to differentiate itself from its predecessor.

11. “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” (2022)

Creator: Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Corey Burton, Ashley Eckstein, Liam Neeson

What it’s about: This animated anthology series explores pivotal moments in the lives of iconic Jedi like Ahsoka Tano, Count Dooku and Qui-Gon Jinn.

Why it’s great:

• It offers rich backstory and character development for fan favorites.
• The Dooku-centric episodes provide a fascinating look at his fall to the dark side.
• Beautiful animation and tight storytelling pack an emotional punch.

What disappointed:

• Limited episodes left viewers wanting more.
• Some fans hoped for a deeper exploration of lesser-known Jedi.

12. “Ahsoka” (2023)

Director: Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo

What it’s about: This highly anticipated series follows Ahsoka Tano as she continues her journey post-“Rebels” and “The Mandalorian.” Fans are eagerly awaiting her search for Ezra Bridger and confrontation with Thrawn.

Why it’s great:

• Dawson’s Ahsoka has already won fans with her appearances in “The Mandalorian.”
• The potential return of beloved characters from “Rebels” adds layers of nostalgia.
• Filoni’s involvement ensures continuity and respect for Star Wars lore.

What disappointed:

• High fan expectations can be a double-edged sword, and the slow start didn’t win over fans of Ahsoka’s action-based role in previous spinoffs.
• Because the show runs parallel with other spinoffs, it can become challenging to stay hooked.

Star Wars Spinoffs to Miss

Star Wars is such an iconic franchise that every desperate director and many not-so-great actors have also tried to make their mark in a galaxy far, far away. A few of the spinoffs are not worth rushing on your own Kessel Run to see — these are a few to consider giving a miss.

1. “Star Wars: The Holiday Special” (1978)

Director: Steve Binder
Main Cast: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill

What it’s about: This infamous television special focuses on Chewbacca’s family celebrating “Life Day.”

Why it’s… memorable:

• Introduced Boba Fett in an animated segment.
• Unintentionally hilarious moments make it a cult classic.
• A rare glimpse into Wookie culture — if you can endure it.

Why it’s forgettable:

• Widely criticized for its awkward humor, bizarre musical numbers and overall low quality.
• Even George Lucas disowned it, allegedly saying he’d like to destroy every copy with a sledgehammer.

2. “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (2024)

Creator: Jon Watts
Main Cast: Jude Law

What it’s about: This live-action series follows a group of kids lost in the galaxy as they navigate their way back home with the aid of Jod Na Nawood, played by Jude Law.

Why it was supposed to be great:

• Promises a unique coming-of-age story in the Star Wars universe.
• Jude Law’s involvement adds star power and intrigue.
• Set during the timeline of “The Mandalorian,” offering the potential for crossovers.

Why it wasn’t:

• It didn’t prove a fan-favorite, and it’s the least-watched spinoff to date.
• It’s somewhat disappointing at $17 million per episode, as it doesn’t feature any of the core Star Wars characters. 

3. “Star Wars: Droids” (1985–1986)

Creator: George Lucas (executive producer)
Main Cast: Anthony Daniels (voice of C-3PO)

What it’s about: This animated series follows R2-D2 and C-3PO in their adventures before meeting Luke Skywalker.

What it offers:

• A lighthearted, Saturday-morning cartoon vibe for younger audiences.
• Expanded the lore with fun new characters and worlds.
• Nostalgic animation style reminiscent of its era.

Why it’s forgettable:

• The episodic format lacks an overarching narrative.
• It hasn’t aged as well as other Star Wars content.

4. “Star Wars: Ewoks” (1985–1986)

Creator: George Lucas (executive producer)
Main Cast: Jim Henshaw, Cree Summer

What it’s about: This animated series explores the lives of the Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor, focusing on their adventures and struggles. While the Ewok concept also saw spinoffs into toys like the discontinued Ewok village Lego set, it’s only palatable for so long.

What it offered:

• It appeals to children with its whimsical tone and lovable characters.
• Provides a charming, family-friendly look at the Ewoks’ culture.

Why it’s forgettable:

• It lacks the depth or complexity of other Star Wars projects.
• The humor and tone don’t resonate with older audiences, and the Ewok charm only goes so far, as it’s basically teddy bears in ghillie suits running around in a forest.

5. “Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure” (1984)

Director: John Korty
Main Cast: Warwick Davis, Eric Walker, Fionnula Flanagan

What it’s about: A live-action TV movie about a family stranded on Endor who teams up with the Ewoks to rescue their kidnapped parents.

What it offered:

• Warwick Davis shines as Wicket, cementing the Ewoks’ place in Star Wars history.
• A nostalgic, fairytale-like vibe.

Why it’s forgettable:

• Some fans found it overly simplistic and too geared toward children.
• The visual effects and storytelling haven’t aged well.

6. “Ewoks: The Battle for Endor” (1985)

Director: Jim Wheat, Ken Wheat
Main Cast: Warwick Davis, Wilford Brimley

What it’s about: A sequel to “Caravan of Courage,” this TV movie focuses on Cindel, a young girl who teams up with Wicket to protect Endor from marauders.

What it offered:

• It explores darker themes than its predecessor, adding some emotional weight.
• Warwick Davis remains the heart of the story.

Why it’s forgettable:

• It still feels like a kids’ movie, alienating older Star Wars fans.
• The villains are forgettable and lack depth.

7. “Star Wars Resistance” (2018–2020)

Creator: Dave Filoni
Main Cast: Christopher Sean, Suzie McGrath, Oscar Isaac

What it’s about: Set just before “The Force Awakens,” this animated series tells the story of Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the resistance to spy on the First Order.

What it offered:

• Bright, colorful animation and lighthearted storytelling that appeal to younger audiences.
• It ties directly into the sequel trilogy, with appearances by Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma.
• Focuses on the everyday people caught in the galaxy’s conflicts.

Why it’s forgettable:

• The tone and humor are too juvenile for older fans.
• It struggles to find its footing in balancing lighthearted moments with serious stakes.

8. “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” (2023)

Creators: Lucasfilm Animation
Main Cast: Jamaal Avery Jr., Juliet Donenfeld

What it’s about: This animated series, aimed at preschoolers, follows a group of younglings training to become Jedi during the High Republic era.

What it offered:

• It introduces Star Wars to the youngest fans with age-appropriate themes and visuals.
• It highlights teamwork, empathy and courage in ways that are relatable to kids.

Why it’s forgettable:

• It focuses exclusively on a preschool audience.
• While ideal for small kids, the simplistic storytelling lacks the depth seen in other animated Star Wars series.

9. “The Acolyte” (2024)

Creator: Leslye Headland
Main Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae

What it’s about: Set during the High Republic era, this live-action series follows a criminal investigation format and showcases the dark side’s rise in the waning days of the Republic.

Why it was supposed to be great:

• A unique focus on the Sith provides a darker tone.
• Amandla Stenberg’s lead role adds representation and star power.
• Offers fans a glimpse of the Star Wars galaxy at its peak.

Why it tanked:

• It earned a 14% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, indicating its failure.
• Too many flashback episodes, a poor plot and lazy writing are further burdened with shallow characters, poor audience attendance and budgeting issues, which led to the show’s cancellation.

May the Force Be With You

Star Wars and the related spinoffs remain enjoyable, and if you’re bored to tears and have found a copy of the infamous Holiday Special, you might even have a few giggles at the very dated antics of the original cast. However, for serious entertainment, hit up the top Star Wars spinoffs on this list and become part of the Force and that galaxy far, far away.