The Phantom Menace marked an important development in the Star Wars universe. The film celebrated 26 years last week and set the stage for adaptations that strayed away from the familiar story of Anakin Skywalker and his mentor, Obi-wan Kenobi.
This was a new feat for George Lucas at that time, creating stories that preceded the cultural staple that was the Original Trilogy. This included a new foray into utilising advanced special effects, which contributed to the expansion of the Star Wars universe.
ALSO READ | Ryan Gosling-led 'Star Wars' film directed by Shawn Levy to be set after Episode 9
On its release, it garnered dislike amongst fans, many directed towards Lucas’ writing. Only later did it flourish to be a cult classic. This is because of the numerous media that were produced by Disney after it acquired LucasFilm in 2012. Dubbed “The Prequels”, here are some of the few that fans have considered the best, including movies, animated series, and shows. Most of the events that are shown are set after the Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of The Clones and before the Original Trilogy.
Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)
Developed by animator Genndy Tartakovsky, it was lauded for its animation style, which Tartakovsky is famous for (see Samurai Jack and Primal). In addition, it brought to the universe new characters that would later reprise their roles in other series and introduced the concept of showing the exploits of the brave and valorous Clone Troopers. Although set in the Star Wars Universe, the series is considered non-canon to the entire timeline due to its later reboot into a 3D animated format with The Clone Wars series.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020 TV Series)
With the debut of a theatrical animated film on August 2008, it spawned The Clone Wars series, where the narrative shifted focus from our heroes, Anakin and Obi-wan, to others like the padawan Ahsoka, the Clone trooper Captain Rex, and bounty hunters like Cad Bane. It expanded on the events before Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith. Critics considered this one of the best because it showed the path of Anakin’s journey to the dark side, an element which fans felt lacked in Episode 3.
Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018 TV Series)
Set before the events of the Original Trilogy, it follows a rag-tag group of adventurers, known as the Ghost Crew, comprised of the young padawan Ezra Bridger, Jedi master Kanan Jarrus, Twi ’lek pilot of the Ghost starship, heavyweight Garazeb Orrelios, astro-mech C1-10P and the Mandalorian, Sabine Wren. Centred mostly on their exploits on the planet of Lothal, it also featured the return of characters from The Clone Wars animated series.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-2024 TV Series)
The series chronicles the Clone Trooper unit, Clone force 99, also known as The Bad Batch, because of their enhanced abilities and distinction from the regular Clone Troopers. It follows the aftermath of the events of Episode 3, where the Jedi are systematically eliminated, with the rest of the clones, including the Bad Batch, ultimately leading to their own elimination from the Empire’s path to glory and tyranny.
Star Wars: Tales series (2022-present TV series)
After the Clone Wars animated series concluded in 2020, Lucasfilm produced a series of anthologies with the same animators, further developing characters from the previous series and acting as a spiritual successor.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
The film follows the origins of the smuggler Han Solo, a rebel General and cocky space cowboy, and his partner, the Wookiee Chewbacca, chronicling their early days as robbers for the crime syndicate, Crimson Dawn.
ALSO READ | Solo: Birth of a hero
Rogue One (2016)
Set immediately before the events of Episode 4: A New Hope, it follows Jyn Erso, who on a mission to locate her father, the scientist, Galen Erso, and find the plans to the Death Star, a deadly weapon of the Empire. She is helped by the rebel pilot, Cassian Andor and his droid, K-2SO, as they face off against Director of the Death Star project, Krennic. This movie introduced the grittier side of Star Wars, which was further explored in Andor.
ALSO READ | Rogue One: A satisfactory auxiliary
Andor (2022-2025 TV Series)
Set before Rogue One, it shows the beginnings of Cassian Andor, the pilot who later transmits the Death Star plans that trigger Episode 4. The show was lauded by fans for its realistic depiction of the Star Wars Universe, grounded dialogues and emotional storytelling, which was more philosophical and showcased extensive world-building.
ALSO READ | 'Andor' season 2 review: A fantastic conclusion to the unsung heroes of the Star Wars universe
Star Wars: Visions (2021-present TV Series)
An ambitious project where animators from around the world create stories using their own animation styles to create a wide anthology of stories set in the Star Wars Universe.
