Star Wars has had a lot of recent success with its live-action television shows, but there are certainly some real stand-out episodes that have premiered in the last few years. Titles like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan Kenobi have helped bring new and interesting character studies to a galaxy far, far away. These Star Wars shows have been able to introduce a new generation of characters, but have also allowed audiences to get to know certain characters on a deeper level than ever before.
Though the majority of Star Wars live-action television shows have been successful, there are still some episodes that are better than others. Like much of Star Wars, these amazing episodes are incredibly moving and can be examples of why so many people still love this franchise after nearly 50 years. As more content comes out, it seems inevitable that there will be continuous great episodes and storylines, but for now, here are the 10 best live-action Star Wars episodes.
Back in 2019, Disney+ launched, and it needed a show that would make the new streaming platform a rousing success. In comes The Mandalorian, which instantly sets a tone for its gritty but heartfelt nature. The show takes place inside the Star Wars universe, but its first episode was able to draw audiences in by the million. The final moments of The Mandalorian season 1, episode 1 also gave viewers their first look at Grogu, who back then was referred to as “Baby Yoda.”
The little green creature would go on to capture the hearts of viewers, and he instantly became a fan-favorite. Grogu’s innocence paired with Din Djarin’s gritty nature as a Mandalorian bounty hunter was a match made in Star Wars heaven. The Mandalorian would pave the way for any and all live-action Star Wars television shows, and for that reason, The Mandalorian season 1, episode 1 is vitally important. Lucasfilm will truly be hard-pressed to ever recreate the hype, love, and sensation that surrounded The Mandalorian’s first-ever outing.
After The Mandalorian season 3 was met with mixed reviews, many were skeptical if Ahsoka would live up to expectations. However, the show surrounding the former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker was a rousing success, with its season finale connecting many different elements from Star Wars canon. Not only did Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn return to the main Star Wars galaxy, but there was also the reveal of the Mortis god statues in the final moments of Ahsoka episode 8.
This, paired with Sabine Wren finally being able to access the Force, and some amazing Nightsister magick that featured reanimated Imperial Night Troopers, made the season finale a must-watch episode. Despite Ahsoka Tano and Sabine getting stranded on Peridea, their fate didn’t feel sad, but instead hopeful. It definitely left audiences wanting more and asking many questions. While it’s unclear when Ahsoka season 2 will come out, the show’s season 1 finale can give audiences hope that there is a bright future for the series.
Andor was a revolutionary show in Star Wars because it was pitched with the intent of only having two seasons showing the origins of Cassian Andor in the Rebel Alliance. Andor season 1 featured four three-episode arcs, and the most visually stunning came in “The Eye.” After agreeing to help rob an Imperial payroll shipment, Cassian joins other rebels in taking over the Imperial base on the planet Aldhani.
During this heist, a celestial event called the Eye takes place. The crystals created a beautiful view for the escaping rebels. Star Wars is so often focused on the gritty nature of war and rebellion, but sometimes ignores the beauty of the galaxy. Andor season 1, episode 6 highlights that rebellion and beauty can go hand in hand. “The Eye” is one of the most beautiful episodes to come out of Star Wars and really makes the experience of watching a television show feel cinematic.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi limited Disney+ series brought back fan-favorite characters, like Ewan McGregor’s titular character and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader. All six episodes of the show seemed to be building to a duel between the former friends, and when it finally happened in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 6, it did not disappoint. The lightsaber duel was vicious, with amazing choreography that had audiences feeling all kinds of emotions.
Obi-Wan’s apology to Vader was truly heartbreaking and showed just how hard he had taken the loss of his former apprentice. The sound mixing of Hayden Christensen’s and James Earl Jones’ voices after Vader’s mask was cracked was equally as brilliant, showing a rare glimpse of the man under the mask. This, paired with the blue lightsaber light shifting to red across Vader’s face, shows just how lost Anakin Skywalker was, and that only Darth Vader remained. While Obi-Wan Kenobi likely won’t have a season 2, it was an amazing experience that helped bring more context to two beloved characters.
The Mandalorian season 2, episode 7 was only one of three times Pedro Pascal’s face has been seen onscreen. The moment Din Djarin removed his helmet in the Imperial refinery was beyond shocking and highlighted just how far he was willing to go to get Grogu back from Moff Gideon. Pascal’s acting is fantastic, even though he barely speaks.
Din Djarin and Migs Mayfeld were the perfect pair for this episode, and the fact that Mayfeld doesn’t tell anyone else about Din Djarin breaking his oath is commendable. The Mandalorian season 2, episode 7 also features other great characters, like Boba Fett and Fennec Shand. This highlights the community of people Din Djarin created over his time with Grogu, and their willingness to help shows just how important they both are to their friends.
Ahsoka season 1, episode 6 was an amazing episode that followed up a fantastic fifth episode. The episode mainly follows Sabine Wren after arriving on Peridea. The Mandalorian Jedi comes face to face with Grand Admiral Thrawn, and his presence is as threatening as ever. Lars Mikkelsen does an amazing job transitioning the character from animation to live-action, and it made audiences excited to see what evil things Thrawn was cooking.
Ahsoka season 1, episode 6 also saw the return of fan-favorite Ezra Bridger. Eman Esfandi took over the role from Taylor Gray and was able to embody the character’s charisma and mannerisms in a way that made Star Wars Rebels enthusiasts beyond excited about his return. Ezra Bridger had gone missing alongside Grand Admiral Thrawn in the Rebels finale and for years it was unclear where they had gone. Finally getting an answer to this mystery was extremely satisfying and provided audiences with an amazing episode.
All of Andor’s storylines culminated in the show’s season 1 finale. The show returns to Ferrix for the funeral of Maarva Andor amongst an Imperial takeover. One of the best aspects of this episode was the band marching down Rix Road. The different factions joining together and being stopped by the Imperials was such a strong image. Maarva’s posthumous call to action was amazing, and only made better when the people of Ferrix joined together to rise against the Empire.
Andor’s season 1 conclusion was moving, but also hinted at where the show will be taking these characters for Andor season 2, which recently finished filming. Having all the main characters from different storylines come together by accident on Ferrix was amazing to see and felt powerful. If this was a hint of what the coming together of the Rebel Alliance was, audiences will truly be in for a treat in Andor season 2.
Andor season 1, episode 10 is largely regarded as one of the best Star Wars TV episodes of all time, and rightly so. The story is beyond moving and shows just how strong regular people are when they work together towards a common goal. Andy Serkis’ speech as Kino Loy is one of the best in all of Star Wars and is easily the best moment in Andor season 1.
The episode ends with the prisoners of Narkina 5 making it to the exit, only for Cassian to learn that Kino cannot swim and will likely drown after getting in the water. The moment is devastating, especially knowing that Cassian likely would’ve done whatever he could have to save Kino. The writing in the episode is beyond superb and has helped make this truly one of the best episodes in all of Star Wars.
Hayden Christensen’s triumphant return to the role of Anakin Skywalker was on full display in Ahsoka season 1, episode 5. This episode saw Ahsoka Tano visit the World Between Worlds to be taught one final lesson by her former master. While there, Anakin challenges Ahsoka on many different levels and even sends her on a journey through her past.
Ahsoka season 1, episode 5 did a lot of fan service by finally showing a live-action Anakin Skywalker in his Clone Wars-era armor. Additionally, it was the first time other battles from the Clone Wars were shown in live-action. That, paired with Dave Filoni’s imagery of Anakin shifting between his two personalities, Anakin and Darth Vader, was amazing. This episode was everything a long-time Star Wars enthusiast wanted and more.