How To Watch Star Wars Films In Order

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When it comes to the Star Wars saga, there’s no shortage of options for how to watch it. With a rich tapestry of movies and TV shows spanning decades, fans have debated the best way to experience this epic space opera. Whether you’re a seasoned Jedi Master or a padawan just beginning your journey, this guide will help you navigate the Star Wars universe, offering various viewing orders and insights to ensure you enjoy every moment of the saga. So, grab your lightsaber, and let’s explore the galaxy far, far away.

The Magic of Star Wars Movies

Before diving into the various viewing orders, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of Star Wars movies. Created by George Lucas, this franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide since the release of the original “Star Wars” (later renamed “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”) in 1977. With groundbreaking special effects, unforgettable characters, and a timeless battle between the light and dark sides of the Force, Star Wars has left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Over the years, the saga has grown to include three trilogies, standalone films, animated features, and a plethora of TV series, expanding the lore and mythology of this galaxy. Each movie adds a unique piece to the puzzle, contributing to a narrative that spans generations. Now, let’s explore how to watch these films to get the most out of your Star Wars experience.

Watching Star Wars in Release Order

Pros:

  • A straightforward and authentic approach.
  • Preserves iconic plot twists for new viewers.
  • Allows you to witness the evolution of filmmaking over the years.

Cons:

  • The narrative can feel disjointed due to the timeline jumps.
  • Deviates from George Lucas’s original vision for the saga.
  • Recent releases are scattered throughout the order.

One of the most traditional ways to watch Star Wars is in release order, mirroring the way original audiences experienced the saga. This method maintains the surprise of major plot twists and introduces you to the evolution of cinematic technology. Here’s the release order:

  1. Star Wars (1977)
  2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
  4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
  5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
  6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  7. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
  8. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
  9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
  10. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  11. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Mark Hamill, the actor who portrayed Luke Skywalker, recommends this viewing order to preserve the sense of surprise. However, it’s essential to note that this order may feel a bit disjointed as the story jumps back and forth in time.

Exploring the Best Star Wars Viewing Order

Pros:

  • Maintains key surprises while enhancing storytelling depth.
  • Reveals narrative patterns and connections between films.
  • Integrates anthology films for a more comprehensive experience.

Cons:

  • Loses some momentum after “The Empire Strikes Back.”
  • The revelation of Leia and Luke’s relationship is no longer a surprise.
  • Placement of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” may feel arbitrary.

For a more nuanced viewing experience, consider the “Machete Order” with some modifications. This order begins with “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” as a prologue, setting up the Death Star and Darth Vader. It preserves the surprises of the original trilogy before introducing the sequels. Here’s the modified order:

  1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
  2. Star Wars (1977)
  3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
  5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
  6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  7. Return of the Jedi (1983)
  8. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
  10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
  11. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

This viewing order preserves most surprises while revealing the parallel between Anakin and Luke Skywalker. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” serves as a palate cleanser before diving into the sequels.

Watching Star Wars Movies and TV Shows in Release Order

Pros:

  • Allows you to follow the evolution of characters and themes.
  • Provides a comprehensive understanding of the expanding Star Wars universe.

Cons:

  • Can be complex and overwhelming.
  • Blurs the lines between different series and releases.
  • Keeping up with new content releases can be challenging.

For a comprehensive Star Wars experience that includes both movies and TV shows, consider the release order. This approach enables you to witness the growth of characters and themes while embracing the ever-expanding narrative of the Star Wars universe. Here’s the release order, including TV shows:

  1. Star Wars (1977)
  2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
  4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
  5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
  6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
  8. Star Wars: The Clone Wars Seasons 1-7 (2008-2020)
  9. Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
  10. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
  11. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
  12. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
  13. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  14. Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020)
  15. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
  16. The Mandalorian seasons 1 and 2 (2020)
  17. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-)
  18. The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
  19. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
  20. Andor (2022-)
  21. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022-)
  22. The Mandalorian season 3 (2023)
  23. Young Jedi Adventures (2023)
  24. Ahsoka (2023)

This approach allows you to experience the development of characters and themes as they evolve throughout the Star Wars saga. However, it can become increasingly complex as new content continues to be released.

Exploring Star Wars in Chronological Order

Pros:

  • Provides a sense of the passage of time and character growth.
  • Offers a unique perspective on the original trilogy.
  • Highlights the evolution of the Star Wars galaxy.

Cons:

  • Reveals fewer surprises in the original trilogy.
  • Can be complicated when integrating TV shows.
  • “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” anthology structure requires additional guidance.

For those who prefer a chronological approach, watching Star Wars according to the timeline can be an enlightening experience. The timeline primarily revolves around the Battle of Yavin, using “BBY” (Before the Battle of Yavin) and “ABY” (After the Battle of Yavin) dating systems. Here’s the chronological viewing order for the Star Wars movies:

  1. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)
  2. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)
  3. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)
  4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (13 BBY – 10 BBY)
  5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)
  6. A New Hope (0 BBY)
  7. The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
  8. Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
  9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
  10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
  11. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)

This chronological order allows you to grasp the passage of time and the growth of characters and concepts in the Star Wars galaxy. It’s particularly interesting to see how the narrative context affects your perception of the original trilogy.

Watching Star Wars TV Shows in Chronological Order

Pros:

  • Offers insight into character development and interwoven narratives.
  • A cohesive approach for those familiar with Star Wars lore.

Cons:

  • Can be confusing when trying to maintain continuity with movies.
  • The complexity increases with the growing number of TV shows.

If you’re interested in exploring the Star Wars TV shows alongside the movies, watching them in chronological order can provide valuable insights. However, it’s important to note that this approach can be somewhat challenging due to the interwoven nature of the Star Wars universe. Here’s the chronological order for Star Wars TV shows:

  1. Young Jedi Adventures (approx. 200 BBY)
  2. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episodes 1-3 (68 BBY-32 BBY)
  3. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 4 (32 BBY)
  4. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 5 (22 BBY)
  5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (22 BBY-19 BBY)
  6. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 6 (19 BBY)
  7. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (c. 19 BBY)
  8. Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)
  9. Andor (5 BBY)
  10. Star Wars Rebels (5 BBY-0 BBY)
  11. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)
  12. A New Hope (0 BBY)
  13. The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
  14. Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
  15. The Mandalorian seasons 1-2 (c. 9 ABY)
  16. The Book of Boba Fett (c. 9 ABY)
  17. The Mandalorian season 3 (c. 9 ABY – 12 ABY)
  18. Ahsoka (c. 9 ABY – 12 ABY)
  19. Star Wars Resistance season 1 (34 ABY)
  20. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
  21. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
  22. Star Wars Resistance season 2 (34 ABY – 35 ABY)

This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of character development and interwoven narratives in the Star Wars universe. However, maintaining continuity with the movies can be challenging, and the complexity increases as new TV shows are introduced.

The Ultimate Star Wars Experience: Full Timeline Order

Pros:

  • Offers a profound perspective on character and concept evolution.
  • Allows you to appreciate the grand narrative scale.
  • Follows George Lucas’s intended order for the saga.

Cons:

  • The original trilogy loses most of its surprises.
  • Complexity increases when integrating TV shows.
  • “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” anthology structure adds challenges.

For the most dedicated Star Wars fans seeking the ultimate experience, the full timeline order combines both movies and TV shows. This approach allows you to delve deeply into the Star Wars narrative, witnessing the evolution of characters and concepts over time. Here’s the full chronological order:

  1. Young Jedi Adventures (approx. 200 BBY)
  2. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episodes 1-3 (68 BBY-32 BBY)
  3. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)
  4. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 4 (32 BBY)
  5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)
  6. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 5 (22 BBY)
  7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (22 BBY-19 BBY)
  8. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)
  9. Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1, episode 6 (19 BBY)
  10. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (c. 19 BBY)
  11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (13 BBY – 10 BBY)
  12. Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)
  13. Andor (5 BBY)
  14. Star Wars Rebels (5 BBY-0 BBY)
  15. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)
  16. A New Hope (0 BBY)
  17. The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
  18. Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
  19. The Mandalorian seasons 1-2 (c. 9 ABY)
  20. The Book of Boba Fett (c. 9 ABY)
  21. The Mandalorian season 3 (c. 9 ABY – 12 ABY)
  22. Ahsoka (c. 9 ABY – 12 ABY)
  23. Star Wars Resistance season 1 (34 ABY)
  24. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
  25. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
  26. Star Wars Resistance season 2 (34 ABY – 35 ABY)
  27. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)

This comprehensive approach allows you to witness the grand narrative scale of the Star Wars saga. However, it’s important to be aware of the anthology structure of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” which may add complexity to your viewing journey.

Conclusion

Deciding how to watch Star Wars is a highly personal choice, influenced by your preferences and your level of dedication to the saga. Whether you opt for the classic release order, the creative Machete Order, or delve into chronological and full timeline orders, each approach offers a unique perspective on the galaxy far, far away. So, embark on your Star Wars adventure, and may the Force be with you on your cinematic journey through this beloved universe.

Author Profile

Renée Bourke
Interviewer

Renée has carried out many celebrity interviews for us from boybands to hanging backstage at showbiz parties. The Aussie stars acting credits include Home and Away + Across The Pond.

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