In what order should you watch all the Star Wars movies?

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There are a few traditional ways to rewatch the saga. You can watch it theatrically, or chronologically. There’s also the lesser-known “Order of the Machete,” which brings the machete to The Phantom Menace by cutting it out of its runtime.

There are pros and cons to all the different orders. While the chronological order may be the obvious choice, some argue that it’s less enjoyable, simply because you start with The Phantom Menace, which is probably our least favorite movie. The chronological follow-through also spoils the biggest twist in the series by prematurely revealing the identity of Luke’s father, an iconic Star Wars moment.

Watching the films on their theatrical release also has its unsatisfactory moments. Sure, the “I am your father” surprise remains intact, but the storyline is shuffled. You’ll jump between Episodes IV-VI (the original trilogy, released between 1977 and 1983), then Episodes I-III (the prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005), and finally Episodes VII-IX (the sequel trilogy, released between 2015 and 2019).

Best Star Wars Watching Order

A short, spoiler-free version of this guide is at the bottom, along with short lists of the other orders – chronological, theatrical, as well as Machete, Rinster, and the full saga – in case you want to explore those, too. 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS BELOW.

1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

The Phantom Menace (1999)

And so, we go from one of the most beloved installments of all time to the most hated. This film follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn as they try to protect the Queen of Naboo and stumble upon a young slave named Anakin Skywalker. You’re also forced to sit through two hours of Jar-Jar Binks and sleep-inducing negotiations in the Galactic Senate. So if you’ve seen this movie before, just skip it next time. Although it does provide some important details for another prequel film, and it does have a great lightsaber duel.

2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Attack of the Clones (2002)

While the films up to this point have shown Darth Vader as an evil villain, Attack of the Clones begins to show us the path that led him to the Dark Side, with the death of his mother at the hands of the Tuskan Raiders. We also see his growing love affair with Queen Padmé Amidala. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi stumbles upon a clone army being built for the Republic, which will become the backbone of the Empire’s stormtroopers.

3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Revenge of the Sith (2005)

The final film of the prequel trilogy shows Anakin’s heart turning black. Initially disturbed by the news of his wife Padmé’s pregnancy, visions of her death begin to plague Anakin’s mind, allowing Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to lure him to the Dark Side of the Force. This then leads to the destruction of the Republic and the murder of many Jedi, including all the young Padawans, at the hands of the newly named Darth Vader.

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4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Solo (2018)

The origin story of the coolest guy in the Star Wars universe gives a lot of unnecessary backstory. Apparently, Han Solo just wanted to act like Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and date Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) in his prime, which is understandable, but it’s a little overwhelming. Still, it’s a fun heist movie that gives us more information about the most important ship in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, including the fact that Han forces Kessel Run with her in less than 12 parsecs.

5. Rogue One (2016)

The first of the new Anthology films, Rogue One, is packed with backstory from A New Hope. It follows the daughter of the Death Star’s creator, Jyn Erso, as she is freed by the Rebel Alliance and tasked with finding the plans that will lead to the destruction of the ultimate weapon. Yes, it ends where A New Hope begins, but since you’re so reliant on knowing A New Hope already, we think it’s better to watch them the other way around. You’ll learn who created the Death Star, why it’s so easy to destroy, and get to know

6. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

New Hope (1977)

Although technically the sixth film, chronologically, A New Hope is worth watching first, primarily because it’s the beginning of everything. It’s also the only Star Wars film that treats viewers as if they’ve never seen the saga before. So start with Luke meeting Obi-Wan, getting his lightsaber, and learning about the Force and Darth Vader before he goes to rescue Princess Leia and destroy the Death Star.

7. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered one of the greatest sequels of all time. After the initial battle on the frozen planet Hoth, Luke goes to Jedi training with Yoda, while Han Solo and Princess Leia travel to Cloud City to meet Han’s old friend Lando Calrissian. But Han and Leia have been betrayed, and Vader has used them as bait to lure Luke. It all ends with a climactic battle between Vader and Luke, and ends with a twist.

8. Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)

Return of the Jedi (1983)

Now that we’ve learned the history of Darth Vader/Anakin, it’s time to see him redeem himself with all that knowledge in hand. Plus, after saving Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, we see Luke attempt to defeat his father and the Emperor while Han and Leia work to destroy the nearly completed second Death Star. There are also teddy bears with Stone Age technology that help bring down the Empire as well.

Optional: The Mandalorian (2019)

The Mandalorian (2019)

The first live-action Star Wars series has been a hit since it debuted on Disney+, and there’s one small, delightful reason for that: The show follows Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian. He’s a bounty hunter and huntsman who makes his way to the farthest reaches of the galaxy five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, putting him well before the events of The Force Awakens and the creation of the First Order.

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Note:  Since The Mandalorian is not an animated show, we’re including it on this list. However, it’s also not a Star Wars movie, so that’s optional.

9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

The Force Awakens (2015)

The first Star Wars film Disney made after acquiring the franchise is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi. We see a new conflict arise between the budding Republic, led by Leia Organa Skywalker, and the First Order, which has emerged from the ashes of the Empire. Caught in the middle of it all is a young girl named Rey, who seems to be really strong with the Force.

10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The Last Jedi (2017)

After tracking down Luke Skywalker, Rey’s next task is to convince him to train her. Luke is reluctant due to his failures with Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, the remaining forces of the Republic are on the brink of total annihilation thanks to the First Order, leaving Rey and Luke as the only hope.

11. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The conclusion to the Skywalker saga is here, and it’s available to buy or rent months earlier than it otherwise would have been due to the coronavirus pandemic. The film sees Emperor Palpatine return as the First Order, with the Rebels, led by Rey, preparing for a final confrontation.


Star Wars Movie Order

So, here’s the spoiler-free, short version of the saga:

  • Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) *optional*
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
  • Rogue One (2016)
  • Episode VIII of the Species: The Last Jedi (2017)
  • Solo (2018) *optional*
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

In chronological order

If you want to watch the films in the order of the events that happen, and thus spoil Luke’s father’s personality for newcomers, here you go:

  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  • Solo (2018)
  • Rogue One (2016)
  • Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
  • Episode VIII of the Species: The Last Jedi (2017)
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Theatrical (release date)

This is the order in which the films were released in theaters. While Luke’s father’s plot remains intact, the storyline is jumbled. You start with the originals, then move on to the sequels, and end with the sequels. It’s confusing, especially for kids who are being introduced to Star Wars.

  • Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
  • Rogue One (2016)
  • Episode VIII of the Species: The Last Jedi (2017)
  • Solo (2018)
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Machete Order

“The Order of Machete” basically cuts out “The Phantom Menace” from your movie because a lot of people don’t like that movie. It keeps the “I am your father” moment. But it was made in 2011, so it doesn’t include sequels and is no longer a full order.

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