Star Wars has been a cultural phenomenon since the release of the original movie in 1977. The franchise has expanded over the years, with numerous movies, TV shows and books. With so many options available on streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Here’s our guide to some of the best Star Wars content you can stream right now:
1. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
The Clone Wars is an animated series set between Episodes II and III of the Star Wars saga. It follows Anakin Skywalker, his apprentice Ahsoka Tano, and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they fight against the Separatist droid army during the titular conflict.
The show provides insight into characters’ backstories and fills in gaps left by the prequel trilogy. The final season premiered on Disney+ in 2020 after being canceled by Cartoon Network in 2013.
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rogue One is a standalone film that tells a self-contained story within the larger Star Wars universe. The movie follows Jyn Erso, daughter of Galen Erso – a scientist forced to work on building the Death Star – as she teams up with rebels to steal plans for said weapon.
The movie has an all-star cast that includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk and Ben Mendelsohn.
3. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
Set five years after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens, this live-action series features Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin (“the Mandalorian”), who travels across space while taking care of “the Child,” better known as Baby Yoda among fans.
Created by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), The Mandalorian blends elements from classic westerns with science fiction tropes while exploring new corners of George Lucas’ universe.
4. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The one that started it all. A New Hope introduced audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo as they fought against the evil Empire and its Darth Vader-led legions.
The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for composer John Williams’ iconic music.
5. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Considered by many to be the best installment in the series, The Empire Strikes Back saw Luke train with Jedi Master Yoda while Han Solo was frozen in carbonite by bounty hunter Boba Fett. Meanwhile, Darth Vader revealed his true identity to Luke before severing his hand in a lightsaber duel.
Directed by Irvin Kershner, The Empire Strikes Back is notable for its darker tone compared to its predecessor.
6. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, J.J. Abrams’ movie introduced new characters like scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), ex-Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) and Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac).
The Force Awakens also marked the return of original trilogy stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill as Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker respectively.
7. Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018)
Another animated series set between Episodes III and IV of the saga follows Ezra Bridger as he joins a group of rebels led by Hera Syndulla aboard their ship Ghost during their fight against Imperial forces.
Created by Dave Filoni who previously worked on Clone Wars, Rebels features appearances from classic characters like Darth Vader plus newer ones like Kanan Jarrus voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr..
8. Star Wars: Episode V – Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi concludes George Lucas’ original trilogy as Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor while the rest of the Rebel Alliance battles against Imperial forces on Endor.
The movie features memorable scenes like Luke’s confrontation with Jabba the Hutt before his final battle against his father. Additionally, it marked Fisher’s last appearance as Leia Organa before her passing in 2016.
9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Directed by Abrams, The Rise of Skywalker concludes Disney’s sequel trilogy as Rey, Finn and Poe face off against Kylo Ren and the First Order, who have been resurrected by a greater evil: Palpatine himself.
The film has received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike for its pacing and handling of characters’ arcs but still provides an epic conclusion to this part of the saga.
10. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi concludes George Lucas’ original trilogy as Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor while the rest of the Rebel Alliance battles against Imperial forces on Endor.
The movie features memorable scenes like Luke’s confrontation with Jabba the Hutt before his final battle against his father. Additionally, it marked Fisher’s last appearance as Leia Organa before her passing in 2016.
In conclusion, these are some fantastic options for watching Star Wars content on streaming services right now. Whether you’re new to this universe or a long-time fan looking to revisit your favorite moments, there is something here for everyone!