There are several traditional ways to revisit the saga. You can watch by theatrical release or chronologically. There is also the lesser known "Order of the Machete", which brings the machete to The Phantom Menace, cutting it out of their timeline.
There are pros and cons for all different orders. While chronological order might be an obvious choice, some argue that it's not as pleasant, simply because you start with The Phantom Menace, which is probably our least favorite movie. The chronological observation also spoils the series' biggest twist by prematurely revealing the identity of Luke's father, an iconic Star Wars moment.
Watching films by their theatrical release also has unsatisfying moments. Of course, the "I'm your father" surprise remains the same, but the storyline is jumbled up. You'll jump between Episodes IV-VI (original trilogy released between 1977 and 1983), then Episodes I-III (prequel trilogy released between 1999 and 2005), and finally Episodes VII-IX (sequel trilogy released between 2015 and 2019).
Best Star Wars Watch Order
A short, spoiler-free version of this guide is at the bottom, along with short lists of other orders - chronological, theatrical, as well as Machete, Rinster and the full saga - in case you want to explore them, too.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS BELOW.
1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Episode I: The Phantom Menace) (1999)
And just like that, we go from one of the most loved contributions of all time to the most hated. This movie 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 are also forced to sit for 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 details important for another prequel movie, and it does have a great lightsaber duel.
2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (Episode II: Attack of the Clones) (2002)
While films up to this point have shown Darth Vader as an evil villain, Attack of the Clones begins to show us the road that led him to the dark side, with the death of his mother at the hands of the Tuscan 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 that will become the backbone of the Empire's stormtroopers.
3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith) (2005)
The final film of the prequel trilogy shows Anakin's heart turning black. Initially agitated upon learning of his wife Padmé's pregnancy, visions of her death begin to poison 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 slaughter of many Jedi, including all of the young Padawans, at the hands of the newly named Darth Vader.
4. Solo: Star Wars. Stories (Solo: A Star Wars Story) (2018)
The origin story of the toughest guy in the Star Wars universe provides a lot of unnecessary backstories. Apparently, Han Solo just wanted to act like Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and date Kira (Emilia Clarke) in his prime, which is understandable but a little overwhelming. However, it's a fascinating heist movie that gives us more information about the most important ship in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, including Han making Kessel run with her in less than 12 parsecs.
5. Rogue One (2016)
The first of the new Anthology films, Rogue One, is filled with A New Hope backstory. 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 New Hope begins, but since you're so dependent on you already knowing New Hope, we think it's best to watch them the other way around. You will find out who created the Death Star, why it is so easy to destroy, and get to know
6. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope) (1977)
Although technically the sixth movie, chronologically, A New Hope is worth watching first and foremost solely because it's the start of everything. It's also the only Star Wars movie that treats viewers like they've never watched the saga before. So, start by meeting Luke with Obi-Wan, getting his lightsaber and learning about the Force and Darth Vader before he sets out to rescue Princess Leia and destroy the Death Star.
7. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as 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 go to Cloud City to meet up with Han's old friend Lando Calrissian. But Han and Leia were betrayed, and Vader used them as bait to lure Luke. It all ends with a climactic fight between Vader and Luke and ends with a twist.
8. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi) (1983)
Now that we've explored the history of Darth Vader/Anakin, it's time to watch him redeem himself with all that knowledge in hand. Also, after rescuing Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, we see Luke trying to defeat his father and the Emperor while Han and Leia work to destroy the near-completed second Death Star. There are also teddy bears with Stone Age technologies that also help to destroy the Empire.
Optional: The Mandalorian (2019)
The first live-action Star Wars series has been a hit since it debuted on Disney+, and for one small, delightful reason: The show follows Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian. He is a bounty hunter and bounty hunter who makes his way to the far reaches of the galaxy five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, placing him long before the events of The Force Awakens and the creation of the First Order.
Note: since The Mandalorian is not an animated show, we include it in this list. However, it's also not a Star Wars movie, so it's optional.
9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) (2015)
The first Star Wars movie made by Disney after it acquired the franchise is set 30 years after the return of the Jedi. We see a new conflict emerging between the budding Republic, led by Leia Organa Skywalker, and the First Order, rising from the ashes of the Empire. Between all of this, there is a young girl named Rei who seems to be really strong with the Force.
10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) (2017)
After tracking down Luke Skywalker, Rey's next task is to convince him to train her. Luke is reluctant because of his failures with Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, the remaining Republic forces are on the brink of total annihilation thanks to the First Order, leaving Rey and Luke as their only hope.
11. Star Wars: Skywalker. Rise (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) (2019)
The conclusion of the Skywalker saga is already out and it can be bought or rented a few months earlier than it could be due to the coronavirus pandemic. The film treats the return of Emperor Palpatine as the First Order, as the rebels, led by Rey, prepare for the final confrontation.
Star Wars movie order
So, here is a short, spoiler-free 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 Kind: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo (2018) *optional*
- Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker (2019)
In chronological order
If you want to watch the movies in the order of events that happen, and thus spoil Luke's dad persona for newbies, here's to you:
- 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 Kind: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: 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 up. You start with the originals, then move on to sequels, and end with sequels. It's confusing, especially for kids who are 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 Kind: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo (2018)
- Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker (2019)
order machete
Machete Order basically cuts The Phantom Menace out of your movie because a lot of people don't like that movie. This saves the "I am your father" moment. But it was created 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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