Navigating the vast galaxy of Star Wars films can be a daunting task, particularly with multiple trilogies, standalone stories, and animated series in the mix. The best way to watch all of the Star Wars movies depends on your preference: Chronological order is ideal for experiencing the saga as the characters themselves would, while release order offers a nuanced perspective on the evolution of filmmaking and storytelling techniques.
Why Choose Your Own Star Wars Journey?
The Star Wars saga, from its humble beginnings to its modern iterations, has captivated audiences for decades. Part of its enduring appeal lies in its intricate lore, compelling characters, and timeless themes. However, the non-linear release order of the films has led to a constant debate: Should you watch them in the order they were released or in chronological order according to the in-universe timeline? There’s no single “right” answer, but understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you choose the viewing experience that best suits your needs and interests.
Choosing release order allows you to experience the reveals and twists as intended by George Lucas and the original filmmakers. It also showcases the evolution of special effects and storytelling techniques over time.
Chronological order, on the other hand, offers a more seamless narrative progression, allowing you to follow the Skywalker family saga from its earliest beginnings to its conclusion. It can be particularly beneficial for first-time viewers who want to grasp the overall story arc without the potential confusion of jumping back and forth in time.
Ultimately, the “best” way to watch the Star Wars movies is the way that most enriches your personal viewing experience. Consider what you’re hoping to gain from the saga – are you primarily interested in the historical context and filmmaking evolution, or are you more focused on the narrative itself?
The Two Primary Viewing Orders: Release and Chronological
Let’s break down the two most popular viewing orders, detailing which films are included and why each method has its merits.
Release Order: A Journey Through Film History
This method mirrors the order in which the films were originally released, providing context for the cultural impact and filmmaking techniques of each era. It allows you to experience the twists and reveals as they were initially intended.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Release order allows you to experience the iconic “I am your father” reveal in The Empire Strikes Back before seeing Anakin Skywalker’s fall from grace in the prequels. This adds significant emotional weight to the prequel trilogy, as you already know the tragic outcome of his journey.
Chronological Order: Following the Skywalker Saga
This method presents the films in the order of events as they unfold within the Star Wars universe, providing a more linear narrative experience.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV Series – First 2 episodes at this point)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (Rest of TV Series)
- Andor (TV Series)
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Mandalorian (TV Series – Season 1 & 2)
- The Book of Boba Fett (TV Series)
- The Mandalorian (TV Series – Season 3)
- Ahsoka (TV Series)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
With chronological order, you witness Anakin Skywalker’s entire journey, from his innocent childhood to his transformation into Darth Vader, before encountering him as the menacing villain. This allows for a deeper understanding of his motivations and the tragedy of his fall. Note that the TV series listed above are placed in their relevant time frames to enhance the viewing experience. Specifically, The Mandalorian family of shows lead into the sequel trilogy era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching Star Wars
Here are some common questions about navigating the Star Wars universe and choosing the right viewing order for you:
Is it okay to skip certain Star Wars movies?
While every Star Wars film contributes to the overall lore, some are generally considered less essential than others. Solo: A Star Wars Story, for instance, can be viewed as a standalone story. However, for a complete understanding of the Skywalker saga, it’s best to watch all nine episodes. Skipping films depends entirely on your level of commitment and interest. Completing the saga delivers the full emotional impact and understanding of the relationships between the characters.
Should I include the animated series like The Clone Wars and Rebels?
Absolutely! The Clone Wars and Rebels offer crucial character development and expand upon the lore of the Star Wars universe. They provide valuable context for events in the live-action films and introduce significant characters like Ahsoka Tano. Watching them in chronological order with the films enriches the viewing experience. The Clone Wars takes place between Episodes II and III, while Rebels is set between Episodes III and IV. They can be added into the chronological order easily.
What about the Ewok Adventures movies?
These made-for-TV movies are generally considered non-canon by many fans and are not essential for understanding the main Skywalker saga. They’re more geared towards younger audiences and offer a different tone than the core films.
How does Rogue One fit into the viewing order?
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a direct prequel to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Therefore, it should be watched immediately before A New Hope in either release order or chronological order. It provides vital context for the events of the original trilogy.
Should I watch the theatrical or special edition versions of the original trilogy?
This is a matter of personal preference. The special editions contain added scenes and visual enhancements, but some fans prefer the original theatrical versions. Watching both can be an interesting way to compare and contrast the different iterations of the films. The Disney+ versions offer a solid balance of remastering and honoring the original vision.
Where can I watch all of the Star Wars movies?
Currently, all of the Star Wars movies and TV series are available to stream on Disney+. This makes it the easiest and most convenient way to access the entire saga. Physical media, such as Blu-rays and DVDs, are also available for purchase.
Is there a “Machete Order” for watching Star Wars?
Yes, the Machete Order is an alternative viewing order: IV, V, I, II, III, VI. It aims to preserve the impact of the Empire Strikes Back twist while still providing Anakin’s backstory before the resolution in Return of the Jedi. Rogue One can be slotted in just before Episode IV. However, this order omits Episode I, deeming it less essential to the overall narrative.
Is there a chronological order that includes ALL series and films?
Yes, although the order for the TV series may be more difficult to implement seamlessly while watching. Chronologically, the stories are: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, The Clone Wars (series), Revenge of the Sith, The Bad Batch (series), Solo: A Star Wars Story, Obi-Wan Kenobi (series), Rebels (series), Andor (series), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian (series), The Book of Boba Fett (series), Ahsoka (series), Resistance (series), The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker.
What if I want to show the movies to my children?
For children, the chronological order is generally recommended. It provides a more straightforward narrative and allows them to follow the characters’ journeys from beginning to end. However, be mindful of the darker themes and violence in Revenge of the Sith and adjust accordingly.
Are there any spin-off movies planned for the future?
Disney continues to explore new stories within the Star Wars universe. There are several upcoming Star Wars projects in development, including films and TV series set in various eras of the timeline. Always check official sources for the latest announcements.
Is it worth rewatching the Star Wars movies?
Absolutely! With each viewing, you’re likely to discover new details, appreciate the nuances of the characters, and gain a deeper understanding of the overall narrative. Rewatching also allows you to appreciate the evolution of the franchise and its impact on popular culture. The Star Wars universe offers rich layers of storytelling and visual detail to appreciate across multiple viewings.
What if I hate the sequel trilogy? Should I still watch it?
While the sequel trilogy has been divisive among fans, it is still considered part of the official Star Wars canon. For a complete understanding of the Skywalker family saga, it’s recommended to watch Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. However, if you genuinely dislike them, you can choose to focus on the prequels and original trilogy. Ultimately, the choice is yours. The films do, however, conclude many character arcs, and provide closure that some fans will be interested in.