Star Wars: Order To Watch

The Star Wars franchise is one of the most beloved and expansive universes in modern cinema. With its rich storytelling, dynamic characters, and captivating lore, fans often find themselves asking a pivotal question: in what order should one watch the Star Wars films and series? This article will guide you through the various viewing orders, including the chronological timeline and the release order, to help you enjoy this epic saga to its fullest.

As the Star Wars universe continues to grow with new films, series, and spin-offs, understanding the best way to experience the narrative can enhance your appreciation for the storylines and character arcs. Depending on whether you're a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away or a longtime fan revisiting the saga, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the different viewing orders available.

In addition to detailing the watching order, we’ll also explore the significance of each film and series, offering insights and trivia that add to the overall experience. Join us as we embark on this journey through the Star Wars universe and discover the best way to watch these iconic stories unfold.

Table of Contents

• 1. Chronological Order
• 2. Release Order
• 3. Machete Order
• 4. Recommended Order for Newcomers
• 5. The Skywalker Saga
• 6. Standalone Films and Series
• 7. Animated Series
• 8. Final Thoughts

1. Chronological Order

Watching the Star Wars saga in chronological order allows viewers to follow the timeline of events as they unfold in the galaxy. Here’s the recommended viewing order:

• 1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
• 2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
• 3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
• 4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• 5. The Bad Batch (2021-present)
• 6. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• 7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• 8. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• 9. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• 10. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
• 11. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
• 12. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
• 13. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

This order provides a linear progression through the story, helping viewers to understand character developments and plot nuances more clearly.

2. Release Order

For those who prefer to experience the saga as audiences originally did, watching the films in release order is a great option. Here’s how it looks:

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

This method allows viewers to experience the evolution of filmmaking and storytelling within the franchise.

3. Machete Order

The Machete Order is a unique viewing method proposed by fans that aims to enhance the emotional impact of the story. It omits Episode I entirely and focuses on character development. The order is as follows:

• 1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• 2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• 3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
• 4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• 5. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

This order allows viewers to experience the major twists while providing backstory through flashbacks without losing the suspense of the original trilogy.

4. Recommended Order for Newcomers

If you're new to the Star Wars franchise, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here’s a recommended order that balances both the chronological and release approaches:

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

This method introduces new viewers to the iconic original trilogy while gradually expanding their understanding of the prequels and sequels.

5. The Skywalker Saga

The Skywalker Saga refers to the main storyline that spans multiple trilogies and films. It revolves around the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker and the subsequent legacy left by his children, Luke and Leia. Here’s a breakdown of the saga:

• 1. The Prequel Trilogy:
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
• 2. The Original Trilogy:
  • Episode IV: A New Hope
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
• 3. The Sequel Trilogy:
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens
  • Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Understanding the Skywalker Saga is essential for grasping the broader themes of legacy, redemption, and the ongoing battle between good and evil.

6. Standalone Films and Series

In addition to the main saga, several standalone films and series explore different facets of the Star Wars universe. These include:

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
• Solo: A Star Wars Story
• The Mandalorian (2019-present)
• The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
• Ahsoka (2023)

These stories offer fresh perspectives and explore characters and events beyond the central narrative of the Skywalker Saga.

7. Animated Series

The Star Wars animated series provide further depth to the lore and characters of the franchise. Key series include: