The Star Wars Prequels: Hated Then, Loved Now

They were mocked. Ridiculed. Dismissed. But 20 years later, the Star Wars prequels have found redemption—and the love they always deserved. In this documentary-style video featuring Star Wars Theory, we explore the journey of The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith—from being the most criticized entries in the Star Wars saga to becoming beloved cult classics for an entire generation. We take a closer look at the backlash faced by actors Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks) and Jake Lloyd (young Anakin), and how the internet culture of the early 2000s shaped the narrative around these films. We also break down how Revenge of the Sith started to turn the tide, and how today’s fans—many of whom grew up with the prequels—are rewriting their legacy.

Discover why the prequels are now praised for their incredible world-building, fast-paced and emotional lightsaber duels, John Williams’ unforgettable music, and the tragic arc of Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader, dark lord of the Sith.

Whether you loved them from the start or are only now starting to see them in a new light, this is the story of how time, perspective, and a new generation brought balance to the Force.

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