Navigating the Star Wars universe can be as daunting as piloting a starship through an asteroid field. With multiple trilogies, standalone movies, and more, the question of how to best experience these films is hotly debated among fans. This blog explores the various viewing sequences that promise to enhance your journey through this beloved cinematic saga, offering insights to both newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
Release Order
The release order of the Star Wars films mirrors how audiences around the world first experienced the saga, beginning in 1977. This order starts with the Original Trilogy, featuring "Episode IV: A New Hope," "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back," and "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi." This trilogy introduces the central characters—Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo—and the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. It's followed by the Prequel Trilogy, consisting of "Episode I: The Phantom Menace," "Episode II: Attack of the Clones," and "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," which dives into the backstory of Darth Vader, the fall of the Jedi, and the rise of the Empire. The journey concludes with the Sequel Trilogy, comprising "Episode VII: The Force Awakens," "Episode VIII: The Last Jedi," and "Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker," which explores the new conflicts in the galaxy and the legacy of the Skywalker family.
Watching the films in this order allows viewers to see the evolution of filmmaking techniques and narrative development over the decades.
Including TV Shows
If you also want to catch up on what is happening across the TV shows as well however then this is the final list
Chronological Order
Viewing the Star Wars films in chronological order provides a linear progression of the storyline, beginning with "Episode I: The Phantom Menace." This approach starts with the discovery of young Anakin Skywalker and follows his tragic transformation into Darth Vader, along with the rise of his son, Luke, in the subsequent Original Trilogy. The storyline wraps up with the Sequel Trilogy, focusing on Rey and the new generation's fight against the remnants of the Empire and the struggle within the Force. This order is particularly appealing for first-time viewers as it unfolds the story as it happens within the Star Wars universe, allowing for an uninterrupted narrative flow and a better understanding of the chronological developments and character arcs.
Including TV Shows
For those who want to watch the TV shows to support the films here is the full list in chronological order
Machete Order
The Machete Order, a fan-created viewing sequence, aims to enhance the narrative drama and maintain key plot surprises. This order suggests watching "Episode IV: A New Hope" and "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" first, then pausing the original storyline to watch "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" and "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" as a flashback sequence, thereby skipping "Episode I." This order focuses on maximizing the emotional impact of Luke's story and the revelation of his family background, while providing a deeper understanding of his father’s backstory just before concluding with "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi." This unique sequence keeps the series' major revelations intact and emphasizes the thematic depth of the Skywalker saga.
You will notice that this list doesn't cover all the films or TV shows so is a great suggestion to new Star Wars fans to get them into the world of Star Wars without them feeling that they have to dedicate several hours into the franchise
Selecting the right viewing order is not just about chronological precision or narrative sophistication—it also depends on personal and situational factors. Are you introducing Star Wars to your children? The simpler, chronological order might be best. Are you revisiting the saga with die-hard fans? Perhaps the Machete or a customized order would offer a refreshing experience. Consider the audience and the purpose of your viewing to select the most suitable order.
There is no definitive answer to the best way to watch the Star Wars films. Each viewing order offers its own unique advantages and can be chosen based on personal preference, familiarity with the saga, and the specific experiences you want to share. So grab a bag of popcorn, turn the lights down low and create your own experiment with different orders to find your favorite way to explore the Star Wars galaxy.
