What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedStar Wars Rebels
Simon Kinberg · Series · 2014
If you loved Star Wars Rebels, start with Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Dave Filoni, 2008) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Star Wars Rebels across media.
What hooked you in Star Wars Rebels was the intimate dynamic of a small, ragtag group fighting against overwhelming Imperial oppression.
Books on the same thread
The Thrawn trilogy
Timothy Zahn · Book · 1991
Shares a thread with Star Wars Rebels: Space Opera.
If the underdog struggles of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels resonated with you, this trilogy offers a deeper look at the tactical brilliance required to dismantle the Empire.
Razor's Edge
Martha Wells · Book · 2013
Shares a thread with Star Wars Rebels: Space Opera.
This story mirrors the resource-strapped tactical espionage found in Star Wars Rebels, focusing on how a small band of rebels maneuvers against the vast reach of Imperial tyranny.
Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel
Beth Revis · Book
Shares a thread with Star Wars Rebels: space opera.
Fans of the character-driven insurgency featured in Star Wars Rebels will appreciate this continuation of the struggle to secure a future for the galaxy after the Empire falls.
Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson · Book · 2014
Explores: superpowered tyranny, revenge-driven protagonist, resistance movements.
Much like the resistance movement in Star Wars Rebels, this narrative explores the moral ambiguity and high stakes of a scrappy group fighting back against an all-powerful, oppressive regime.
Films on the same thread
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
J.J. Abrams · Film · 2015
Shares 2 threads with Star Wars Rebels: Rebellion, Space Opera.
The mentorship and destiny-focused journey that defined Ezra’s growth in Star Wars Rebels continue here as a new generation confronts the lingering shadow of the Galactic Empire.
The Empire Strikes Back
Irvin Kershner · Film · 1980
Shares 3 threads with Star Wars Rebels: Rebellion, Jedi Training, Space Opera.
If you valued the Jedi training and personal stakes of Star Wars Rebels, you will recognize the same intense focus on character development amidst a desperate, galaxy-wide rebellion.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
George Lucas · Film · 2005
Shares a thread with Star Wars Rebels: Space Opera.
The political intrigue and tragic rise of the Empire that set the stage for Star Wars Rebels are fully realized in this pivotal moment of galaxy-altering history.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Dave Filoni · Film · 2008
Shares 2 threads with Star Wars Rebels: Space Opera, Animated Action.
The military action and Jedi-led struggle seen in Star Wars Rebels are rooted in the conflict depicted here, as the Republic begins to falter under dark side influence.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
This audio drama captures the same spirit of survival in a harsh universe that defined the Ghost crew's journey throughout the seasons of Star Wars Rebels.
Revolutions
Mike Duncan · Podcast · 2025
Explores: societal collapse, power dynamics, cyclical history.
The analytical look at power dynamics and societal collapse provides the historical context for the same patterns of tyranny that the heroes of Star Wars Rebels actively dismantle.
Keep exploring
Common questions
When does Star Wars Rebels take place in the timeline?
Star Wars Rebels is set during the era between the events of Star Wars: Episode III and Star Wars: Episode IV. This period follows the rise of the Galactic Empire as it exerts control over the galaxy and occupies remote planets.
What is the primary conflict in Star Wars Rebels?
The central conflict in Star Wars Rebels involves the crew of the starship Ghost resisting the evil Galactic Empire. The crew works to oppose the Imperial forces that are occupying a remote planet and negatively impacting the lives of the local population.
Who are the main characters featured in Star Wars Rebels?
Star Wars Rebels focuses on the motley crew of the starship Ghost. This group includes Kanan, who is a cowboy Jedi, the ace pilot Hera, a street-smart teenager named Ezra, and the muscle of the group named Zeb.
Is Star Wars Rebels about the Galactic Empire?
Yes, Star Wars Rebels centers on the struggle against the Galactic Empire. The story depicts a dark time when the Empire is tightening its grip of power on the galaxy and ruining the lives of people on a remote planet.