The Star Wars saga is one of the most iconic and influential franchises in film history, captivating audiences for decades with its epic space battles, deep lore, and unforgettable characters. If you’re new to the galaxy far, far away or simply looking to revisit the series, you might be wondering: how should you watch Star Wars in order? With multiple trilogies, standalone films, and TV series, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. In this guide, we’ll explore the different viewing orders, so you can experience Star Wars in a way that suits your preferences, whether you’re after the nostalgia of the original trilogy, the intrigue of the prequels, or the fresh narratives of the sequels and spin-offs.
The Release Order: Experiencing Star Wars as the World Did
For those who want to experience Star Wars as audiences did when the films were first released, watching them in release order is the way to go. This method captures the evolution of the series’ special effects, storytelling, and character development. The journey begins with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977), where viewers are introduced to the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Galactic Empire. This is followed by “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), often lauded as one of the greatest sequels in film history, and “Return of the Jedi” (1983), which concludes the original trilogy with the defeat of the Empire and the redemption of Darth Vader.
After the original trilogy, move on to the prequel trilogy, starting with “The Phantom Menace” (1999), where you’ll witness the rise of the Sith and the fall of the Jedi Order. “Attack of the Clones” (2002) follows, depicting the beginning of the Clone Wars, and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005) concludes with Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader.
Next, watch the sequel trilogy, which begins with “The Force Awakens” (2015), set 30 years after the original trilogy. This trilogy explores the resurgence of the dark side, introducing a new generation of heroes and villains. “The Last Jedi” (2017) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019) complete the saga, offering a mix of nostalgia and new directions for the franchise.
Chronological Order: Following the Galactic Timeline
If you prefer to experience the Star Wars saga in chronological order, starting from the beginning of the story, this method aligns the films with the in-universe timeline. This viewing order provides a linear progression from the origins of the Galactic Republic to the final battle against the First Order.
Begin with the prequel trilogy, where the journey starts with “The Phantom Menace” and continues through to “Revenge of the Sith”. These films explore the rise of Palpatine, the fall of the Jedi, and the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader, setting the stage for the Galactic Empire’s dominance.
Next, transition to the standalone film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018), which delves into the backstory of Han Solo, and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016), which directly leads into the events of “A New Hope”. This viewing order allows you to understand the broader galactic conflict before diving into the original trilogy.
Following the standalones, watch the original trilogy, beginning with “A New Hope”, continuing through “The Empire Strikes Back”, and concluding with “Return of the Jedi”. This section of the timeline focuses on the struggle between the Rebellion and the Empire, with Luke Skywalker’s journey as a central thread.
Finally, complete your marathon with the sequel trilogy. “The Force Awakens” kicks off this era, introducing new characters while respecting the legacy of the original trilogy. “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker” bring the saga to a close, concluding the epic story of the Skywalker family and the battle between the light and dark sides of the Force.
The Machete Order: A Fresh Perspective on the Story
The Machete Order is a popular fan-created viewing order that offers a unique narrative experience by altering the sequence of films. It aims to enhance the emotional impact of the story, particularly focusing on the character arc of Luke Skywalker.
Start with “A New Hope”, followed by “The Empire Strikes Back”. These two films introduce the characters, set up the main conflict, and end with the dramatic reveal of Darth Vader as Luke’s father. Instead of moving directly to “Return of the Jedi”, the Machete Order then suggests watching “The Phantom Menace” (optional) and “Attack of the Clones”. These prequels provide crucial backstory on Anakin Skywalker and the rise of the Empire, allowing viewers to see the parallels between Anakin’s fall and Luke’s temptation by the dark side.
After watching “Attack of the Clones”, continue with “Revenge of the Sith” to fully understand Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader. Finally, return to “Return of the Jedi”, where Luke’s journey comes full circle as he confronts Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, with the emotional weight of Anakin’s backstory fresh in the viewer’s mind.
The Machete Order omits “The Phantom Menace” entirely, arguing that the film doesn’t add much to the overall story, though some viewers might still choose to include it for completeness.
Standalone Films and Spin-Offs: Expanding the Star Wars Universe
Beyond the main episodic films, the Star Wars universe has expanded significantly with standalone films and TV series that dive deeper into its rich lore. These entries can be watched independently, or you can integrate them into your viewing marathon for a more comprehensive experience.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is a prequel to “A New Hope”, detailing the daring mission to steal the Death Star plans. It’s a gritty, war-focused film that adds depth to the original trilogy’s story. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” explores the early life of Han Solo, giving fans insight into one of the saga’s most beloved characters.
On the small screen, “The Mandalorian” (2019-present) is set after “Return of the Jedi” and has become a fan-favorite, introducing new characters while exploring the remnants of the Empire. The series “The Book of Boba Fett” (2021) and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022) also provide additional layers to the story of Star Wars, focusing on iconic characters from the original and prequel trilogies.
For an even deeper dive, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” are animated series that explore the period between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith”, and between “Revenge of the Sith” and “A New Hope”, respectively. These series are rich with character development and introduce critical events that shape the broader Star Wars narrative.
Special Viewing Orders: Catering to Different Audiences
Different viewing orders can cater to specific audiences or objectives. For instance, the “Disney Canon Order” includes only the films and series produced after Disney acquired Lucasfilm. This approach focuses on the current official canon, omitting earlier expanded universe content that has been reclassified as “Legends.”
Another approach is the “Skywalker Saga Order,” which includes the nine episodic films, focusing exclusively on the story of the Skywalker family from Anakin to Rey. This order provides a more streamlined experience, ideal for viewers who want to concentrate on the central narrative without the additional context provided by the spin-offs.
For a lighter, more family-friendly experience, consider the “Kids’ Order,” which might prioritize animated series like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels”, along with the original trilogy, while skipping over some of the darker or more complex entries in the franchise.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Star Wars
Understanding how Star Wars was made can enhance your appreciation of the films. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, envisioned a grand space opera that combined elements of mythology, Westerns, and samurai films with groundbreaking special effects. The original trilogy revolutionized the film industry, with “A New Hope” pioneering new techniques in visual effects, sound design, and merchandising.
The prequel trilogy, despite its mixed reception, pushed the boundaries of digital filmmaking, with “The Phantom Menace” being one of the first major films to rely heavily on CGI. “Revenge of the Sith” showcased Lucas’s ambition to create a darker, more complex narrative, detailing the tragic fall of the Republic and the Jedi.
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, they launched a new era of Star Wars, starting with “The Force Awakens”. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this film aimed to recapture the magic of the original trilogy while introducing a new generation of characters. The sequel trilogy and subsequent spin-offs continued to blend nostalgia with modern filmmaking techniques, keeping the franchise relevant for new and old fans alike.
Cultural Impact of Star Wars
Star Wars is more than just a film series; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The franchise has had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring countless other films, TV shows, books, and video games. Phrases like “May the Force be with you” have entered the global lexicon, and characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Yoda have become iconic figures recognized around the world.
Star Wars also played a significant role in the development of the modern blockbuster, pioneering the concept of the summer tentpole film. The franchise’s success paved the way for other large-scale film franchises, influencing how movies are marketed, produced, and consumed.
The Future of Star Wars: What’s Next in the Galaxy?
As of 2024, the Star Wars universe continues to expand with new films and series in development. Disney has announced several upcoming projects, including new films from directors like Taika Waititi and Patty Jenkins, as well as a slew of TV series for Disney+. These include “Ahsoka”, which follows the character introduced in “The Clone Wars”, and “The Acolyte”, set in the High Republic era, hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga.
Fans can also look forward to more seasons of “The Mandalorian” and potential spin-offs that will further explore the galaxy’s lore. With such a rich universe, the possibilities for new stories in the Star Wars franchise are endless.
Watching Star Wars: Legal Streaming Options
For those looking to watch Star Wars legally, Disney+ is the most convenient option. The streaming service offers all nine episodic films, along with the standalone movies and most of the TV series, including “The Mandalorian” and “The Clone Wars”. Disney+ is available in many countries, making it easy to stream Star Wars content in high quality.
Alternatively, you can purchase or rent the films on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes. Physical media collectors might prefer to buy Blu-ray or 4K UHD editions, which often include bonus features like director’s commentaries, making-of documentaries, and deleted scenes.
For the Tech-Savvy: Stremio and Torrentio
For those who prefer to explore alternative methods of watching Star Wars, Stremio and Torrentio offer intriguing options. Stremio is a media center application that allows users to stream content from various sources, while Torrentio is an add-on that enables streaming via torrents. While these methods can provide access to a wide range of content, including Star Wars, it’s essential to note that they often operate in a legal gray area, depending on the content and the laws in your region. Always ensure that you’re complying with local regulations when using these platforms.
Note: Accessing content through Torrentio and similar methods may violate copyright laws in some countries. Consider the legal implications and potential risks before proceeding.