21 votes

Star Wars recommendations for a six year old

Kid has just started getting into Star Wars, which is great because I could buy a set of light sabres for Christmas and no what do you mean that was for the kid it absolutely wasn't a present for myself as well. Anyway, countless hours of duelling later...

We have watched the "first" two films (ep 4 and 5) and plan to watch the remaining movies at some points. A few grabbing-my-arm scary moments but it's OK because "the good guys always win, right Daddy?"

We're playing Lego Star Wars together on the Playstation, which is brilliant fun. Their face when they blew up the Death Star all by themselves was fantastic. Everyone was excited for the rest of the day.

We are hitting the phonics books, of which there is plenty. Kid loves books and stories but isn't such a fan of reading for themselves as yet - but will ask me to let them read to me if there are Star Wars books on the pile, which is great.

However, that's where my Star Wars knowledge ends. I know there's a whole boatload of EU stuff out there, but I have no idea what it is, or what of it is suitable (or not) for a six year old. Any suggestions? We have a rotating selection of streaming services live at any given time, but I'm ok with the occasional venture into choppier waters if needed.

30 comments

  1. [15]
    first-must-burn
    Link
    The order we did things and was the original trilogy, episodes 1 through 3, episode 6 through 9. I don't think any of the movies were more grown up than any others. From there you have lots of...

    The order we did things and was the original trilogy, episodes 1 through 3, episode 6 through 9. I don't think any of the movies were more grown up than any others.

    From there you have lots of options, maybe depending on what your kid likes. The Clone Wars animated series has a ton of episodes, so you could be watching that for a long time. They're definitely set up for kids.

    We really enjoyed The Mandalorian. If you're watching that series, watch the Book of Boba Fett between season 2 and season 3 of the Mandalorian. BBoF is practically season 2.5 of The Mandalorian.

    Disney Plus is the easiest way to access all the content. It has everything, so it's pretty easy to see the whole catalog and try things out.

    TBH I liked The Mandalorian the best of any of it, including the 9 core movies. The Mandalorians are sort of the philosophical opposite of the Jedi - they are attached to their communities, compassionate, emotional. Plus Grogu/Baby Yoda.

    11 votes
    1. [5]
      DFGdanger
      Link Parent
      I think Episode 3 is. Good guy becoming a bad guy, killing children, getting scary yellow eyes, attacking another good guy, then getting dismembered and left to burn. Palpatine also gets a scary...

      I don't think any of the movies were more grown up than any others.

      I think Episode 3 is. Good guy becoming a bad guy, killing children, getting scary yellow eyes, attacking another good guy, then getting dismembered and left to burn. Palpatine also gets a scary face as he force lightnings Mace/himself, getting disfigured.

      For what it's worth, Eps 4-6 and 1-2 have a PG rating, while ep 3 and 7-9 are PG-13.

      16 votes
      1. [2]
        mat
        Link Parent
        I just checked and I'm glad I did - the original trilogy and the Phantom Menace are rated U (Universal) in the UK, 2 is PG and the rest are 12A. (basically PG13) Which means I have to rewatch most...

        I just checked and I'm glad I did - the original trilogy and the Phantom Menace are rated U (Universal) in the UK, 2 is PG and the rest are 12A. (basically PG13)

        Which means I have to rewatch most of the modern films before watching them with the kid. I didn't really enjoy them when they came out and I'm sure they have not got any better in the intervening time.

        9 votes
        1. DFGdanger
          Link Parent
          On the other hand, if you take the POV of a prequel-memer, they are vastly more enjoyable (some might say, "This is where the fun begins").

          On the other hand, if you take the POV of a prequel-memer, they are vastly more enjoyable (some might say, "This is where the fun begins").

          4 votes
      2. [2]
        Weldawadyathink
        Link Parent
        I think it is worth noting that the entire original trilogy (4-6) were released before PG 13 existed. Return of the Jedi was released in 1983 and PG 13 started in 1984. So those might have been...

        I think it is worth noting that the entire original trilogy (4-6) were released before PG 13 existed. Return of the Jedi was released in 1983 and PG 13 started in 1984. So those might have been rated higher if they were released later.

        3 votes
    2. [8]
      PetitPrince
      Link Parent
      This is the release order. For the sake of the plot, may I suggest the Machete Order (4-5-2-3-6) ?

      The order we did things and was the original trilogy, episodes 1 through 3, episode 6 through 9.

      This is the release order. For the sake of the plot, may I suggest the Machete Order (4-5-2-3-6) ?

      6 votes
      1. [7]
        mat
        Link Parent
        Any order which means I don't have to watch The Phantom Menace is a suggestion I will take seriously..

        Any order which means I don't have to watch The Phantom Menace is a suggestion I will take seriously..

        5 votes
        1. PetitPrince
          Link Parent
          I invite you to read the linked blog post for more info, but the gist of it is: Star Wars is really Luke's story, and doing this sort of extended flashback keep the most important plot twist...

          I invite you to read the linked blog post for more info, but the gist of it is:

          Star Wars is really Luke's story, and doing this sort of extended flashback keep the most important plot twist intact. And for Episode 1, it brings nothing really important to the story and even makes it more coherent (no kid Anakin and all the weirdness that comes with that ; he's a brooding teenager the first time we see him).

          5 votes
        2. Weldawadyathink
          Link Parent
          I know the internet hates Phantom Menace, but I quite like it. I won’t go so far as to say it’s good, but I enjoy it. I really like Qui-gon Jinn, and Darth Maul is the best Sith in the series...

          I know the internet hates Phantom Menace, but I quite like it. I won’t go so far as to say it’s good, but I enjoy it. I really like Qui-gon Jinn, and Darth Maul is the best Sith in the series (although I like Darth Tyranus as well).

          4 votes
        3. [3]
          bitwaba
          Link Parent
          I think you should reconsider. The Machete Order is not actually that great. The quality drop going from episode 5 to 2 is extremely disappointing, and 3 is only a moderate improvement on 2. I...

          I think you should reconsider.

          The Machete Order is not actually that great. The quality drop going from episode 5 to 2 is extremely disappointing, and 3 is only a moderate improvement on 2. I felt legitimate relief when episode 6 started.

          Also, Episode 1 is EXTREMELY FUN, especially if you're not a critical old person. The pod racing scene alone is worth it. Your kid will love it. Additionally, why bother watching any of the prequels if you're not even going to get to see Darth Maul, and hear Duel of the Fates? Episode 1 absolutely knocks it out of the park for youngins

          3 votes
          1. [2]
            mat
            Link Parent
            Good points. Just because E1 is a terrible film doesn't mean the Kid won't enjoy it. They loved Boss Baby and that's absolute junk. Because different things are fun for kids. Kid will tolerate...

            Good points. Just because E1 is a terrible film doesn't mean the Kid won't enjoy it. They loved Boss Baby and that's absolute junk. Because different things are fun for kids.

            Kid will tolerate poor narrative structure and inconsistent lore that I wouldn't if there's fart jokes or big explosions or someone doing backflips with a double-ended light sabre. I seem to recall Phantom Menace having at least two of those.

            2 votes
            1. sparksbet
              Link Parent
              Yeah, Episode 1 was my favorite as a little kid. It's got some genuinely good moments -- the pod race is fun (especially for a kid) and so is the fight with Darth Maul. The stuff that annoys most...

              Yeah, Episode 1 was my favorite as a little kid. It's got some genuinely good moments -- the pod race is fun (especially for a kid) and so is the fight with Darth Maul. The stuff that annoys most people about Episode 1 isn't going to bother a young kid imo, and there are several parts of Episode 2 that will make a lot more sense with that context, especially for a kid. Plus, Darth Maul definitely comes back in several later properties that are worth watching iirc, so having that context is good.

              The Machete order only really works for adult Star Wars fans who just don't want to re-watch Episode 1, I don't think it really works for a child's first exposure to the series.

              3 votes
        4. ACEmat
          Link Parent
          If you ever plan on showing your kid Clone Wars or Rebels, you'll want to show them the Phantom Menace.

          If you ever plan on showing your kid Clone Wars or Rebels, you'll want to show them the Phantom Menace.

          2 votes
    3. CptBluebear
      Link Parent
      I remember Clone Wars being rather intense at times. I'm reminded of the war on Geonosis especially.

      I remember Clone Wars being rather intense at times. I'm reminded of the war on Geonosis especially.

  2. smithsonian
    Link
    There is that animated show, The Clone Wars (there's actually an animated movie titled the same which is the backdoor pilot for the show), but I would probably hold off until after watching...

    There is that animated show, The Clone Wars (there's actually an animated movie titled the same which is the backdoor pilot for the show), but I would probably hold off until after watching Episode II for the show to make the most sense because it takes place between Episodes II and III. The first few seasons are quite light, thematically, but the later seasons get a bit more heavy (not necessarily in a bad way). This is a mostly episodic show, with some serialized multi-episode arcs.

    After TCW and Episode III, I'd recommend The Bad Batch which is another animated show that picks up right after Episode III and wraps up some plot threads from TCW. This show is definitely skippable, but I found it enjoyable.

    After The Bad Batch, there's the animated show Rebels, which takes place prior to Episode IV and helps connect the dots between Episodes III and IV. There are connections back to TCW plot lines in this for, as well.

    This should definitely keep the kiddo busy for a while.

    6 votes
  3. lp4ever55
    Link
    Apart from The Clone Wars and Rebels series, there is also a "new" series "Young Jedi Adventures" which is aimed at younger kids.

    Apart from The Clone Wars and Rebels series, there is also a "new" series "Young Jedi Adventures" which is aimed at younger kids.

    5 votes
  4. [2]
    norb
    Link
    My kid just turned 7 and they've been into Star Wars for awhile. Like you, we've really loved playing Lego Star Wars on PS5. My tip, get the stud multiplier "cheats" as quickly as you can -...

    My kid just turned 7 and they've been into Star Wars for awhile. Like you, we've really loved playing Lego Star Wars on PS5. My tip, get the stud multiplier "cheats" as quickly as you can - unlocking stuff becomes much easier after that. We recently unlocked all of the characters which the kid really loved!

    I will also put in a plug for any or all of the Lego Star Wars shows on Disney+. They are all really well done and enjoyable for grown ups too. The Rebuild the Galaxy ones that came out recently are a fun little multi-verse/flip the script kind of thing. The Freemaker Adventures are good too in that they fit within the original trilogy and flesh out some more Star Wars universe stuff. Of course, none of these are "canon" but I think the more serious-ish ones could be.

    4 votes
    1. moocow1452
      Link Parent
      Lego Star Wars is the canonical Star Wars, everything else is live action spin offs. Change my mind.

      Of course, none of these are "canon" but I think the more serious-ish ones could be.

      Lego Star Wars is the canonical Star Wars, everything else is live action spin offs. Change my mind.

      4 votes
  5. [3]
    Dr_Amazing
    Link
    Anyone watch that new "Skeleton Crew" show? The trailer looked a little more kid focused. I haven't watched the last few shows, so I'm completely out of the loop on them.

    Anyone watch that new "Skeleton Crew" show? The trailer looked a little more kid focused. I haven't watched the last few shows, so I'm completely out of the loop on them.

    4 votes
    1. norb
      Link Parent
      I did and I liked it! It's "kid focused" probably in the same way Goonies is, in that it's not really for young kids but maybe tweens/teens (IMO as a father of a 7 year old it would be too much...

      I did and I liked it! It's "kid focused" probably in the same way Goonies is, in that it's not really for young kids but maybe tweens/teens (IMO as a father of a 7 year old it would be too much for them).

      It's fun, different, explores some new Star Wars territory (to me) and overall was enjoyable.

      5 votes
    2. Inanimate
      Link Parent
      Loved it, I'd say it's the most consistent quality Star Wars show by far. Mandalorian S1 had 'higher highs', but 'lower lows', if that makes sense. One of my favorite Star Wars things ever. I...

      Loved it, I'd say it's the most consistent quality Star Wars show by far. Mandalorian S1 had 'higher highs', but 'lower lows', if that makes sense. One of my favorite Star Wars things ever. I would agree that it's best suited for tweens, as it's pretty intense for little ones at times.

      2 votes
  6. [3]
    RheingoldRiver
    Link
    A couple young reader chapter books: Junior Jedi Knights Jedi Apprentice Jedi Quest

    A couple young reader chapter books:

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      ChingShih
      Link Parent
      Thanks for mentioning these books! The early Star Wars (and Indiana Jones) books for kids bring back a lot of nostalgia for me. As a 90s kid with a library card, I loved getting the [Young Indiana...

      Thanks for mentioning these books! The early Star Wars (and Indiana Jones) books for kids bring back a lot of nostalgia for me.

      As a 90s kid with a library card, I loved getting the [Young Indiana Jones (actually based on the failed show) and the Young Jedi Knights series. The latter is based on the OG EU though, so Han and Leia's kids names are different from what they are now, uncle Luke is doing cool temple exploration (and not drinking strange milk), and the adventures are pretty kid-friendly from what I remember. They might be fun for OP's kid to get into.

      After that, straight to the Timothy Zahn books. :)

      1 vote
      1. RheingoldRiver
        Link Parent
        As it should be :)

        The latter is based on the OG EU though

        As it should be :)

        2 votes
  7. moocow1452
    Link
    I remember that Disney released a bunch of animated shorts for younger kids, detailing the events of the films under the name Galaxy of Adventure on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel....

    I remember that Disney released a bunch of animated shorts for younger kids, detailing the events of the films under the name Galaxy of Adventure on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel.

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXsbMnnbPpLUYMYgMQ703Tlr8R3OZ5vEa&feature=shared

    I really, really like the Lego Star Wars specials on Disney Plus, and the new one “Rebuild The Galaxy” is up in full on the same YouTube Channel. Fair warning that Lego stuff follows sequel characters so you’ll properly want some familiarity with the sequel trilogy and can pull a joke from the deepest of cuts. But if you’re going in cold, Rebuild does a decent enough job getting you up to speed.

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXsbMnnbPpLWorHnO_U-vTG4KvUKjRAVA&feature=shared

    2 votes
  8. [4]
    tomorrow-never-knows
    Link
    It's kind of hard to recommend anything in particular as it is quite a fickle age. My own 6yo bounced off the Young Jedi cartoons on Disney+ which seemed 100% targeted at his age group but then a...

    It's kind of hard to recommend anything in particular as it is quite a fickle age. My own 6yo bounced off the Young Jedi cartoons on Disney+ which seemed 100% targeted at his age group but then a couple months ago we dove into the original trilogy - with theatrical cuts to boot - which he loved. However, the interest waned heavily during EpII and we have yet to finish off EpIII (empirical proof of the prequel quality dip here). We've been dipping into Skeleton Crew a bit recently, for which The Goonies would be a great comparison here tonally, but tbh I think it would be a much better fit in a year or two down the road.

    2 votes
    1. [3]
      Dr_Amazing
      Link Parent
      I've got a 3 year old who loves the concept of spiderman. She watches the extremely kid focused, CGI, Spidey and his Amazing friends. It's OK but super boring for an adult. She enjoys clips of...

      I've got a 3 year old who loves the concept of spiderman. She watches the extremely kid focused, CGI, Spidey and his Amazing friends. It's OK but super boring for an adult. She enjoys clips of other spiderman media, but anything longer than a few minutes doesn't really hold her attention.
      I'm desperately waiting for the time I can put one of the other cartoons or something on for her.

      2 votes
      1. [2]
        mat
        Link Parent
        There's something weirdly pervasive about Spiderman with little kids. My kid's entire pre-school was massively into Spiderman and every other toddler I see seems to be clutching a little Spidey or...

        There's something weirdly pervasive about Spiderman with little kids. My kid's entire pre-school was massively into Spiderman and every other toddler I see seems to be clutching a little Spidey or wearing a t-shirt or something. I thought Spidey and his Amazing Friends was great fun.

        Put Bluey on for her. I miss watching Bluey with mine, but they're "too grown up" for it now. You've got to get those Bluey hours in while you can, it's so so so good.

        2 votes
        1. Dr_Amazing
          Link Parent
          It's funny because we have this marvel book that she loves. I can't tell you how many times I've read the Spiderman part. But it always feels weird reading the Uncle Ben bits to someone so young....

          It's funny because we have this marvel book that she loves. I can't tell you how many times I've read the Spiderman part. But it always feels weird reading the Uncle Ben bits to someone so young.
          https://imgur.com/a/kHDStrO

          Bluey can be weirdly emotional in its own way. I swear there's like 10 different episodes that have me tearing up even if I've seen them 20 times.

          2 votes