Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)

Original Air Date: 2003-2005

Network: Cartoon Network

Not to be confused with the new CGI series which has a "The" in front of the title,Clone Wars debuted in 2003 on Cartoon Network as a series of three-minute shorts (eventually extended to 12-15 minute segments). The goal of this unique format was to delve into the specifics of those famous titular battles, first mentioned in the original Star Wars, long dreamed about and imagined by fans worldwide, and finally seen on film at the end of Attack of the Clones in 2002. Or at least, the very beginning of the Clone Wars was depicted in that film. It would be up to animator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack) and his team to really show us what was going on during the most famous conflict in Star Wars history.

Generally regarded as actually being better than the live-action prequel films, Tartakovsky's all-too-brief series fleshed out the characters, amped up the action and the visual style, and played homage to the best aspects of George Lucas' creation. For all the perceived faults of the modern Star Wars films, Tartakovsky's Clone Warsproved that the franchise can soar when in the hands of a creative team that truly getsit -- and loves it.