Do you remember how people used to hate the Star Wars “prequels” when they first came out? Jump to the present day, 15 years later, and people regard “Star Wars Prequel” as a great trilogy. How times have changed, and so have opinions.
Since the news broke out that Ewan and Hayden would be returning to their iconic roles, the Jedi community throughout the world went berserk and cannot wait to see their favorites on screen together in the highly anticipated Star Wars Disney Plus series, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now that the bells are ringing, and the show is right around the corner. Here’s what you need to watch before Obi-Wan Kenobi to follow the story.
Must-Watch Movies to Watch Before Obi-Wan Kenobi :
There’s no denying that the Starwars Prequel trilogy is what laid the foundation for the Star Wars franchise, and what has led to many sequels, many spinoffs, many tv-shows, and now Obi-Wan Kenobi. Therefore, wouldn’t it be unwise to ignore these movies?
All the three Star Wars Prequels, beginning with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and ending with Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, are so important in a way that you would not be able to keep up with the characters, story threads, chronological events, and basically every StarWars film besides Originals. As a matter of fact, Obi-Wan Kenobi is the continuation of the Prequel trilogy, and it’s not like the show would stand on its own.
So given how imperative this trilogy is, watching all these three movies is a must to understand the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney Plus series, which premieres on 27th May 2022.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….
1. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
The story takes place 32 years before the original trilogy, when the Trade Federation wrecks the peaceful planet of Naboo, Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn and his young apprentice Obi Wan Kenobi are sent to protect the young Queen Amidala, who can restore peace to her home (Naboo) by convincing the Senate. As the Jedi escape the planet Tatooine, they meet a sharp slave young boy named Anakin who has unusually strong natural force abilities and dreams of becoming a Jedi. But they must also cope with the return of the dark side.
My take: In spite of the Phantom Menace not being as gripping as the original Star Wars movie, it is still entertaining, and enjoyable enough that you can shove up your popcorn while watching it. There may not be anything great about The Phantom Menace, but keeping up with the events is essential.
2. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Ten years later, Queen Padmé Amidala, now Senator Padmé Amidala, manages to escape from an attempted assassination. As a result, The Jedi Council orders The Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to figure out who’s trying to kill Amidala and his apprentice Anakin to protect her in Naboo. However, Anakin and Amidala madly fall in love, as Obi-wan continues to investigate the assassination attempt. In the near future, the trio must soon face a new threat: the Clone Wars.
My take: The Attack of the Clones managed to achieve a somewhat better storyline than The Phantom Menace, so much so that it makes the film worth watching based on how the narrative has evolved over the course of the film. And as I mentioned, what occurs in this film has a great deal of significance for further installments. Stay stick to them.
3. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
In the midst of the Clone Wars, three years later, Anakin is now a skilled Jedi Knight, and his wife Padmé is pregnant. As a new threat jeopardizes the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are sent to stop the Separatist army leader, General Grievous. In the meantime, following the visions of his wife Padmé Amidala dying in childbirth, Anakin Skywalker is tasked by the Council with spying on Palpatine, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic.
My take: In my opinion, Revenge of the Sith is not only the best of the trilogy but one of the best star war movies ever made. I don’t know about people who say this film is trash, but I think it’s a terrific film with engrossing characters. Generally, a film is considered “great” when it has an impact on you, when it makes you feel for the characters, and when you become immersed in the story. Well, Revenge of the Sith did that for me. It would only make you more tensed, and nervous as you watch the film, and how things turn out in the end is rather bitter. Nonetheless, to say the least, Revenge of the Sith is by far the most “important and central” event in the Star Wars saga, and its impact shaped the course of Star Wars history.
Optional Shows to Watch Before Obi-Wan Kenobi :
As the title suggests, these shows are optional, and totally up to your choice whether you want to watch them or not. It totally depends on your interest. If you’re someone who wants to know all the details and events hinted at in the prequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels are for you.
1. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
As you can probably guess from the title, The Clone Wars takes place during the three years between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The show follows the adventures of the Jedi Knights, and the struggle they go through to defeat the Separatist droid army.
If you’re someone who wants to know all the details and events hinted at in the prequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the show for you.
2. Star Wars: Rebels
Star Wars: Rebels is entirely dependent on your interests. You don’t necessarily have to watch it before Obiwan Kenobi, as the series takes place presumably after Obiwan Kenobi events.
All these movies and shows are available on Disney Plus.
The Epilogue:
The Jedi community is going berserk with excitement over the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney Plus series. For those of you who are limited in time, I recommend only watching the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and from there, you can watch Obi-Wan Kenobi directly.
