Obi-Wan Kenobi is a beloved character in the Star Wars community for his undying faith in the force, integrity, and enduring sense of humor. He is one of the characters with the most screen time throughout the franchise (from Alec Guinness' performance in the originals to Ewan McGregor's in the prequels), and with one of the most compelling character arcs.
Even though the character has had his own Star Wars books and comic series, fans have been eagerly awaiting Kenobi's own spinoff movie or TV show. If you are among the crowd that can hardly stand the wait for the new Obi-Wan Kenobi show premiering May 27, or if you're looking for a little background before starting the show, here are the most important things to watch (and their chronological order in the Star Wars canon) before streaming Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Even though most fans wouldn't put The Phantom Menace at the top of their list, it plays an essential part in Obi-Wan's character arc and in the larger franchise. On a mission to resolve disputes in the outer rim, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi find a youngling with the potential to change the galaxy's fate.
This film shows one of the youngest Obi-Wan Kenobi appearances we've ever seen. Obi-Wan is not in The Phantom Menace as much as Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn, but the film still teaches volumes about the young Obi-Wan's character. In contrast to the wise sensei we were originally introduced to, this Obi-Wan has a much smaller vision and a weaker ability to strategize. He even doesn’t support Qui-Gon's interest in Anakin. Seeing the struggles and tragedies that Obi-Wan faces at such an early age makes audiences route for him even more (although he was already a fan-favorite to begin with).
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
This film is famous for the gladiatorial arena that pits some of our favorite characters against monsters with similar personalities. Attack of the Clones centers around Master and apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, as the Jedi Council assigns them to protect the senator from Naboo. This film shows Obi-Wan's developing stratagem as he works to investigate the senator's hunter. Although in this film, Obi-Wan has yet to reach his full potential, it's fun to watch him puzzle through a seemingly impossible mystery.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Even though Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series, it is not your average "kids show." This show is filled with fast-paced lightsaber duels, political intrigue, and a galaxy full of malicious villains. Audiences get to explore timeless characters and watch their personalities change in the heat of war.
Most importantly, the show balances out Anakin Skywalker's character, who in the films can be criticized for his irrational anger. The Clone Wars highlights Anakin's strengths and unorthodox (and reckless) fighting style. With that, the show also strengthens Anakin's bond with Obi-Wan. In the films, we mostly see their relationship at its most strained moments, but Star Wars: The Clone Wars highlights how the duo worked well together. While not every episode is essential viewing in preparation for the new Obi-Wan Kenobi, a lot of it is, especially the following two arcs.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Mandalorian Arc
Even though every episode builds on the existing plot and setting, there are a few story arcs that focus on Obi-Wan more than others. The Mandalorian plot in season two shows the romantic side of Obi-Wan, a side that we hardly ever see, and also provides important information for anyone who loves other Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian. According to Slash Film, the most important episodes to watch for this arc are season two, episodes 12-14, and season five, episode 16.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Series Finale
Another important story arc within Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes place in the show's last season. The last season focuses on Ahsoka Tano as she navigates the events leading up to and in the underrated movie Revenge of the Sith. Even though these episodes are not as focused on Obi-Wan, there is still a lot that we learn about him. We learn how clued in he is to Anakin's secret love affair, and we see his relationship with Anakin begin to fracture. According to the same Screen Rant article, the most important episodes to see in this arc are season seven, episodes 9-10.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
This may be one of the most important titles to watch before Obi-Wan Kenobi starts streaming. We know that the new series will take place shortly after Revenge of the Sith. This film showcases the fall of the Republic, along with Obi-Wan and Anakin's last battle together. The tragic end to Obi-Wan and Anakin's brotherhood creates and emotional climax unlike anything in the other films, and should serve as the perfect backdrop for the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Seeing as how Darth Vader will return in the Obi-Wan series, flashbacks or at least references to this film are almost guaranteed.
Star Wars Rebels
Star Wars: Rebels takes place in between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. The story focuses on Jedi master Kanan Jarrus, his padawan Ezra Bridger, and their crew's adventures. The series as a whole helps introduce the Inquisitors in Star Wars as the powerful Jedi-hunting antagonists that will appear in Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, Obi-Wan himself only appears in one episode (season three, episode 20). Darth Maul once again hatches a plan to enact revenge on the old master. In an effort to warn Obi-Wan, young Jedi Ezra Bridger leads Darth Maul right to his prey.
Star Wars: A New Hope
Even though this is the last film on our list, it's technically the one that started at all. A New Hope does not have the most impressive special effects or lightsaber duels, but its stories and characters have entertained audiences of all ages for nearly half a century. When princess Leia is captured by Darth Vader, the young Luke Skywalker and old Obi-Wan Kenobi team up to thwart Vader's plan. Sir Alec Guinness plays Obi-Wan as a wise and thoughtful mentor. Despite years of heartache and a lifetime of tragedy, Obi-Wan maintains a good-hearted although serious disposition. The film stands as a semi-finale to Obi-Wan's character arc as he passes the torch to Luke.