Which Is Better: Andor or Mandalorian? Here's What Star Wars Fans Think

Both Andor and The Mandalorian became extremely popular and fan favorites, but in very different ways: one through grounded political drama, the other through classic space-western adventure.

Comparing them isn't easy, but it's a fascinating conversation that should still be had among fans of the Star Wars universe.

Andor: The Gritty Realism That Won Over Hearts

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Andor has 97% from critics and 87% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Andor has 8.4/10.

This series is unlike anything else in the Star Wars franchise. It’s dark, mature, and deeply grounded in political and social realism. From the very first episode, you know this isn’t going to be a regular Jedi vs Sith situation. Instead, it follows Cassian Andor (played brilliantly by Diego Luna) as he slowly transforms from a disillusioned thief into a rebel hero.

What makes Andor so different though is its refusal to rely on fan service. There are no random cameos or nostalgic nods unless they serve a real purpose in the story. Even the showrunner Tony Gilroy in an old interview with Variety confirmed that characters appear only if they matter to the plot, but “never fan service.”

“The story is compelling and poignant especially with the world we live in today. Unfortunately even with the OT the story has always taken a back seat to spectacle in Star Wars. Andor turns that on its head and forces spectacle to take a back seat so the story could be the main focus for the viewer,” Redditor darkjedi47 said.

The Mandalorian: Pedro Pascal ’s Western

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Mandalorian has 90% from critics and 78% from viewers.
• On IMDb, The Mandalorian has 8.6/10.

Then there's The Mandalorian, which is much more in line with the traditional Star Wars franchise, and that's a good thing.

Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin is the perfect lone gunslinger, and the series blends western and samurai influences with the rich lore of the galaxy. And, of course, there's the beloved Grogu, who became an instant pop culture icon.

Unlike Andor, The Mandalorian embraces fan service. Like the iconic Luke Skywalker’s jaw-dropping appearance in the Season 2 finale, it’s packed with nods to long-time fans. But still, it never feels hollow.

Where to Stream Andor and The Mandolorian?

Andor season 1 is available to stream on Disney, as well as on Hulu. But season 2 will only be streaming on Disney+, where The Mandalorian is available to stream as well.