Star Wars Rebels is one of Disney's most successful attempt at Star Wars. As a follow up to the popular Clone Wars series, it manages to expand on characters' stories from that series, introduce a wide array of new interesting characters and connect the prequel and original trilogies.
Rebels follows a brave ragtag crew of characters aboard their ship The Ghost, as they battle against The Empire and its hold on the Galaxy. The Ghost crew consists of Herra, Zeb, Sabine, Chopper, Kanan, and Ezra. The show features a variety of guest characters, some of which aid the team in their battle, some battle against them, and some do both.
12 Hondo Ohnaka
Hondo Ohnaka is a lovable space pirate and smuggler, first seen in The Clone Wars series leading a gang of pirates. He is a thorn in the side of both the separatists and the republic, especially Obi-Wan Kenobi, even when the two are working together. He can be seen as a part of Galaxy's Edge at Disney Parks.
In Rebels, it is clear years of adventures have softened the character. This is evident in his mentor-like relationship with Ezra, the two become close allies. Although they do not trust him, the rest of the Ghost crew reluctantly accepts Hondo as an ally too.
11 Saw Gerrera
Saw Gerrera has appeared across multiple Star Wars media. These appearances track the development of the character, from a young eager warrior defending his home in Clone Wars to the delirious mad-man in Rogue One.
Rebels acts as the perfect midpoint between the Saw in Clone Wars and Rogue One. The initial cracks to his mental well-being from years of war can be seen in his appearance in Rebels. Saw showcases the kinds of actions and thoughts that caused the Rebellion to disassociate themselves with him.
10 Bo-Katan Kryze
Bo-Katan was an influential character in the Clone Wars series, especially when it came to developing Mandalore and its people. With a Mandalorian on the team and the return of the Darksaber, it was only fitting Bo-Katan would appear too.
In these episodes, the Darksaber is explored to new degrees of detail, highlighting its importance to Mandalorians. Bo-Katan and Sabine work together to free the Mandalorian people from the reign of the Empire using the influence of the Darksaber as a symbol of leadership.
9 R2-D2 and C3PO
R2-D2 and C3PO are arguably two of the most important characters in Star Wars history. Lucas's initial idea for the droids was inspired by Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress, which saw big events from the point of view of 2 slaves. They are the only characters to appear in all three trilogies of movies and in each trilogy whoever owns the droids leads the narrative.
This is why their brief inclusion in Rebels is special, similar to their cameo in Rogue One. It is a bonus that they are fun characters who bring humor to every scene they are in. Evident in their interaction with Chopper.
8 Lando Calrissian
Lando Calrissian is a smooth-talking smuggler who could probably charm his way in and out of any situation. The owner of the multiple extravagant capes has proven that his quick wit can be valuable for those he lines himself with.
When the Ghost Crew meets Lando half of them are persuaded by his charm, Ezra and Kanan are not too sure. What first seems like jealousy becomes justified as the crew realizes Lando was attempting to pit them against one another. Things are worked out for them all even if there are some alterations to their original trading deal.
7 Rex
The Clone Wars introduces many clones who would become fan favorites, one of the most popular being Rex. Rex was a Clone Captain and Commander, who led the 501st Legion with Jedi General Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the series, Rex and his closest clone friends experience tragic moments, which cause them to question the meaning of their existence.
When Kanan first meets Rex and fellow clones Gregor and Wolffe he is understandably resistant to trust them, even appearing a bit fearful of them, due to the events of Order 66. It takes a while for Kanan to trust Rex and although they bicker the two become an important part of Ezra's development as a Jedi and a leader.
6 Princess Leia
Princess Leia was a symbol of hope for the Rebellion, a fearless leader, one of the greatest the Rebel Alliance had. Throughout the Star Wars Saga see is seen heroically standing up to the Empire and First Order alike.
Naturally, the Ghost Crew bump into Leia on their missions for the Rebellion. What makes their initial interaction interesting is that the Empire is unaware that Leia and Alderaan are conspiring against the Empire. It is delightful to see the character's journey play out through the show from this to the Rebel leader audiences recognize from the original trilogy.
5 Yoda
Yoda is a legendary Jedi Master to audiences and characters alike. He trained as a Jedi for over 800 years and living for slightly longer. Yoda has experienced and played an integral role in many of the key moments from the saga.
Yoda has taught and guided many Jedi in his time, therefore when Kanan and Ezra reach out to the Force seeking guidance it was only fitting he would respond and offer sound advice to the Master and Apprentice. There is a touching moment between Ahsoka and Yoda which begins to resolve Ahsoka's story and mend their relationship.
4 Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka Tano is an original creation from The Clone Wars TV show. The Padawan and a close friend of Anakin Skywalker. This relationship makes Anakin's fall to the dark side extra tragic. Especially considering Ahsoka was not there to help, she had left the Jedi Order after being falsely accused of treason.
Twilight of the Apprentice, the finale of season 2 sees the reunion of the Padawan and her former Master. This is the first time Ahsoka sees what has become of Anakin Skywalker. While the other characters see the terrifying Darth Vader, Ahsoka can still sense a hint of Anakin. After a strike to Vader's helmet, part of his face is revealed and a glimpse of Anakin appears, as does the character's conflict.
3 Maul
The character of Maul is fleshed out over the two animated series. The immensely popular character's time in the Star Wars universe seemed to be cut abruptly short in the Phantom Menace leaving some fans wanting more. Clone Wars and Rebels provided that, a backstory and new path Maul after being deserted by the Sith.
In Rebels, Maul's first appearance parallels Yoda's in Empire Strikes Back. He first appears fragile hidden away and like Yoda plays mind games with Ezra about the identity of the person he seeks. This is all a front, part of his grand plan. This plan develops throughout the series and revolves around one thing, revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi.
2 Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi is another legendary Jedi Knight. Master and close friend of Anakin Skywalker, mentor to Anakin's son Luke. His significance in the rebellion's and the Empire's fall can not be understated. After the betrayal of someone he looked to as a brother, Obi-Wan goes into hiding.
In Rebels, Kenobi's major appearance comes in Twin Suns, when Maul finally tracks the Jedi Knight down and the two face off in a final confrontation. This results in a short yet meaningful battle that provides a fitting ending for Maul and the rivalry between the two.
1 Darth Vader
Darth Vader is one of the most iconic and complex characters in fiction. His story becomes more tragic and poetic with each installment, in any media. Between episodes 3 and 4 Vader is at his most powerful, beautifully displayed in the hallway scene from Rogue One, but equally at his most unstable, as seen in Rebels.
Vader is deeply feared by many across the universe including the Ghost Crew, especially Kanan and Ezra, who narrowly survive their encounter with the Sith Lord. Yet his former Padawan is able to move past this and see the conflict within. This represents perfectly the duality of Vader and Anakin illustrated through his relationship with Ahsoka.