Considering how hit or miss Disney’s recent Star Wars content has been,Andorhas become all the more important to the reputation of a galaxy far, far away. Some see the show as the only hope for reviving the franchise that seems as faulty as the hyperdrive of the Millennium Falcon, but there’s just one problem:Andoris over, and we’re not getting another season.
Cassian’s story may be done, but you’re able to keep this prequel party rolling if you know what to watch. Pour yourself a tall glass of blue milk and keep reading to discover the Star Wars shows and movies you need to stream onDisney+after finishingAndor.
10Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The second season ofAndorused frequent time jumps to show the most important moments of Cassian Andor’s rebel career. Accordingly, the last few episodes led directly to the events ofRogue One, a movie which provides multiple payoffs to all ofAndor’s hard work. That’s whyRogue Oneneeds to be the first thing you watch after finishing Season 2.
That does mean enduring some heartbreak, of course, asRogue Onehas arguably the bleakest ending in all of Star Wars. However, the pain is worth it because binge-watchingAndorwill only help you appreciate director Tony Gilroy’s standout franchise film that much better. Upon rewatching, you might just join the growing legion of fans who insist thatAndorSeason 1,AndorSeason 2, andRogue Oneare now the definitive Star Wars prequel trilogy.
9A New Hope
The heart-pumping climax ofRogue Oneled directly into the beginning ofA New Hope. Because of this, you should make this first Star Wars film your next cinematic stop after witnessing the final fate of Cassian Andor. And while it’s cool to see Luke Skywalker beginning his Jedi journey, the ending ofAndorhelps draw our attention more to the politics of Palpatine’s Empire.
For example, after watching bothAndorand the Prequel Trilogy, you can better appreciate what a big deal it was that the Emperor suddenly dissolved the entire Senate. It’s also fascinating to note how Darth Vader isn’t the top dog here, instead serving as Grand Moff Tarkin’s particularly vicious attack dog. Finally, it’s hard not to shed a few tears when the Death Star blows up when you remember the number of brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to remove this soulless superweapon from the face of the galaxy.
8The Empire Strikes Back
After finishingA New Hope, it only makes sense to continue the adventures of your favorite heroes and villains by watchingThe Empire Strikes Back. While most fans enjoy this sober sequel for its focus on both mysticism and romance,Andorhelps fans to understand and appreciate how much the Rebellion has grown in such a short time. It also helps underscore that the brutality of Darth Vader is merely a symptom of the evil Empire he serves.
In the last couple of films, it was clear that the Rebels were a ragtag group, one who only survived the Death Star due to Luke Skywalker’s command of the Force.Empireshowcases how Mon Mothma has organized everyone into a fighting force that can survive a sustained attack from a Sith Lord. And Vader’s method of simply murdering subordinates who fail echoesAndor, where Dedra learns that everyone (loyal or not) is a disposable cog in Palpatine’s infernal machinery.
7Return of the Jedi
With the epic cliffhanger ofThe Empire Strikes Back, watchingReturn of the Jediis mandatory. While the lightsaber battles and whiz-bang dogfights are cool and all,Andorhelps fans to enjoy the subtler aspects of the film. Chief among them is the first onscreen appearance of Mon Motha, the Rebel leader whose character was absolutely crucial to the plot ofAndor.
Arguably, the film’s prolonged climax also offers a final payoff for Mon Mothma and Luthen Rael’s efforts to establish an armed resistance against the Empire. Gone is the scattered Rebellion kept alive only by a farmboy and the whims of the Force. Now, we have a Rebel space force able to survive Palpatine’s ultimate trap and a ground force able to defeat his very best troops. Checkmate, Sheev!
6Star Wars Rebels
Considering that it is much more lighthearted thanThe Clone Wars, you might not thinkStar Wars Rebelshas much in common with a show as deadly serious asAndor. However,Rebelsactually takes place in the same timeframe asAndor, and its episodes highlight the difficulties Cassian Andor faced when trying to strike back against the bureaucratic fascism of the Empire.
If nothing else, you should watch the episode “Secret Cargo,” which features an important cameo by Mon Mothma herself. She’s actually in the midst of making her escape from Coruscant, and the Rebels crew (including fan-favorite Ezra Bridger) play a huge role in keeping her safe. This tale also prominently features Grand Admiral Thrawn, effectively helping connect this episode toAhsokaas well asAndor.
For added fun, be sure to check out the episodes “Ghosts of Geonosis” and “In the Name of the Rebellion,” both of which feature Forest Whitaker reprising his role (in voice only) from thelive-action Star Wars showsand films.
5Revenge of the Sith
One of the least-utilized features on Disney+ is the Extras section. If you venture into the extra features forRevenge of the Sith, you’ll discover far more than a trailer for this final film in the Prequel Trilogy. You’ll also discover a wealth of deleted scenes that help to make arguably the best of the prequels even better.
ForAndorfans, the real joy of these deleted scenes is the introduction of Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma. When her scenes were cut, it seemed like the actor’s killer performance of this iconic character might go unnoticed by most fans. But O’Reilly reprised the role in bothRogue OneandAndor, and now that she’s won over all but the most jaded fans, it’s great to see the beginning of her Star Wars journey.
4The Clone Wars
One of the more interesting characters inRogue Onewas Saw Gerrera, an extremist Rebel played by Forrest Whitaker. It felt like stunt casting at the time, but Whitaker went on to memorably reprise his role inAndor, including making an appearance in the show’s final episode. And those who love Gerrera now have the chance to revisit his original incarnation, which debuted inThe Clone Warsanimated series years before Whitaker took the role.
InThe Clone Wars, the character debuts in Season 5, playing a pivotal role in the Onderon Arc. Voiced by Andrew Kishino, this character is introduced as a Che Guevara figure who receives military training from Anakin Skywalker, setting up his later arcs inRogue One,Rebels, andAndor. Considering that Star Wars has always been political (sorry, YouTube talking heads), it’s also fascinating to ponder how this fictional character’s history mirrors certain real-world rebellions against authority.
Star Wars: The Bad Batchis a captivating series in its own right, whose antiheroes’ misadventures feel like aStar Wars modof the usual narrative formula.Andorfans should tune into the premiere episode “Aftermath,” which prominently features a cameo by Saw Gerrera (voiced by his original actor, Andrew Kishino). He finds himself in stark opposition to the titular Bad Batch, who were dispatched by Grand Moff Tarkin to snuff out some refugees from Onderon.
He pops up again in the Season 2 episode “The Summit,” this time gunning for Tarkin. Both appearances emphasize the rough edges of the character portrayed inAndor, all while establishing why Mon Mothma might shy away from his extremist methods. As for me, I’m still holding out for Disney to sell a “Saw Gerrera Was Right” t-shirt.
2Visions
BecauseStar Wars: Visionsis an anthology show, many of its episodes have nothing to do with the events ofAndor. However, I’d make the case that you should definitely watch the episode “Lop & Ochō” after finishingAndor’s second season. This episode features a planet that is joining the Empire, but that causes some serious strife within the family of a planetary leader who opposes Imperial control and one of his daughters who welcomes the Empire as liberators.
Unlike some of the movies and episodes on this list, this non-canonical tale doesn’t feature any high-profile cameos fromAndorcharacters, nor does its storyline directly intersect with Cassian’s story. But I recommend it for its portrayal of how fascism inAndoraffects those throughout the galaxy, sowing the seeds for the inevitable Rebellion.
1Tales of the Empire
Tales of the Empireis another show that doesn’t connect directly to the events ofAndor. However, I’d argue that it’s required viewing for Imperial fans, and the episode “The Path of Anger” features the Empire at its height. Despite this, cracks in Imperial control first glimpsed inAndorare on full display, showcasing how constant betrayals and infighting always keep the Empire from its full potential.
And the episodes “Devoted” and “Realization” continue in this vein, illustrating how (as Leia once warned) the Empire manages to lose support the more it tightens its gloved fist. Clearly, this is an Empire built on fear. Is it any wonder it was toppled by a Rebellion built on hope?
Andorthe show, like Andor the man, isn’t coming back. But with these Disney+ movies and episodes, you can keep his spirit alive!
Disney+
If you’re looking to keep things going afterAndoris over and done, Disney+ is the home of all things Star Wars.
