What Order To Watch Star War Movies?

So, you’re ready to embark on an epic journey through the Star Wars universe, but you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry, my friend, I’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the question that has puzzled many fans: what order should you watch the Star Wars movies in? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, this guide will help you navigate the chronological maze of the Star Wars saga.

Now, before we dive into the different viewing orders, let’s address the elephant in the room – there are multiple ways to experience the Star Wars movies. Some prefer to watch them in release order, starting with the original trilogy, while others opt for a chronological approach, beginning with the prequels. There’s even a machete order that combines elements of both! So, which path should you choose? Fear not, my fellow Jedi-in-training, as we break down the pros and cons of each viewing order, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision. May the Force be with you as we embark on this cinematic adventure!

What Order to Watch Star Wars Movies?

Star Wars is one of the most popular and beloved film franchises of all time. With its epic storytelling, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects, it has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. However, with multiple trilogies, spin-offs, and standalone films, it can be confusing to know where to start or what order to watch the Star Wars movies in. In this article, we will break down the different viewing orders and help you decide which one is right for you.

1. Release Order

The release order is the most straightforward way to watch the Star Wars movies. It is the order in which the films were originally released, starting with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1977 and ending with “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019. This order allows you to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences over the years, giving you a sense of the franchise’s evolution.

Starting with the original trilogy, you will be introduced to iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. Then, you can watch the prequel trilogy, which explores the origins of Darth Vader and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Finally, you can finish with the sequel trilogy, which follows a new generation of heroes and villains.

Benefits of Release Order

Watching the Star Wars movies in release order allows you to experience the story in the same way that audiences did when the films were first released. This can be a nostalgic and exciting journey, as you witness the growth and development of the franchise over time. Additionally, watching the movies in release order ensures that you will not encounter any major spoilers or plot twists before they were intended to be revealed.

However, there are some drawbacks to this viewing order. The prequel trilogy, which consists of “Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” “Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” and “Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” was released after the original trilogy. This means that certain plot twists and character reveals in the original trilogy may lose some of their impact if you watch the prequels first.

2. Chronological Order

If you prefer to experience the Star Wars story in chronological order, you can watch the movies in the order in which they take place within the franchise’s timeline. This means starting with the prequel trilogy, then moving on to the original trilogy, and finally watching the sequel trilogy.

By watching the movies in chronological order, you will be able to follow the story from the rise of Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi Knight to his fall to the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader. You will then see how his actions and legacy impact the events of the original trilogy and the rise of a new generation of heroes and villains in the sequel trilogy.

Benefits of Chronological Order

Watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order allows you to experience the story in a linear and cohesive manner. You can see how the events of each film connect and build upon each other, creating a more complete understanding of the Star Wars universe. This order also allows you to appreciate the storytelling and character development that spans across different trilogies.

However, there are some disadvantages to watching the movies in chronological order. The prequel trilogy, which was released after the original trilogy, contains many references and callbacks to the original films. By watching the prequels first, you may miss out on some of these nuances and references. Additionally, the visual effects and filmmaking techniques of the prequels are more advanced than those of the original trilogy, which may be jarring for some viewers.

3. Machete Order

The Machete Order is a viewing order that gained popularity among Star Wars fans. It involves watching the movies in a specific sequence that aims to enhance the storytelling and provide a unique viewing experience. The order is as follows: “Episode IV – A New Hope,” “Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” “Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” and “Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” It completely omits “Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”

The idea behind the Machete Order is to preserve the surprise of Darth Vader’s true identity revealed in “The Empire Strikes Back” while still providing context and backstory through the prequel films. By watching “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back” first, you are introduced to the original trilogy and experience the iconic plot twist. Then, you go back in time to learn about Anakin Skywalker’s journey and his transformation into Darth Vader before concluding with the resolution of the original trilogy in “Return of the Jedi.”

Benefits of Machete Order

The Machete Order offers a unique and fresh perspective on the Star Wars saga. By omitting “The Phantom Menace,” which is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the franchise, you can focus on the core story and character arcs. This order also allows you to experience the surprise of Darth Vader’s true identity in “The Empire Strikes Back” without any prior knowledge from the prequels.

However, the Machete Order is not without its criticisms. By skipping “The Phantom Menace,” you may miss out on important plot points and character introductions. Additionally, some fans argue that watching the movies out of their release order disrupts the intended narrative structure and thematic progression of the franchise.

4. Other Viewing Orders

In addition to the three main viewing orders mentioned above, there are other variations and personalized viewing orders that fans have come up with. Some prefer to watch only the original trilogy, while others choose to focus on specific characters or storylines within the Star Wars universe. Ultimately, the best viewing order is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to watch the Star Wars movies, each offering a unique viewing experience. Whether you choose to follow the release order, chronological order, Machete Order, or create your own personalized viewing order, the important thing is to enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the rich and captivating world of Star Wars. May the Force be with you!

Key Takeaways: What Order to Watch Star Wars Movies?

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Wars is a beloved franchise with a long list of movies, TV shows, and spin-offs. With so many options available, it can be confusing to figure out the best order to watch the Star Wars movies. Here are some commonly asked questions about the viewing order:

Question 1: What is the chronological order of the Star Wars movies?

The Star Wars movies can be watched in chronological order, starting with “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” and ending with “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” This order follows the timeline of events in the Star Wars universe, allowing viewers to experience the story from beginning to end. However, it’s important to note that this order can be a bit jarring for first-time viewers, as it jumps between different trilogies and introduces characters and events out of order.

If you prefer a more cohesive and traditional viewing experience, you may want to consider the release order instead.

Question 2: What is the release order of the Star Wars movies?

The release order of the Star Wars movies is the order in which they were originally released in theaters. This order starts with “Episode IV: A New Hope” and ends with “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” Watching the movies in release order allows viewers to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences when the films were first released. It also provides a more linear and consistent narrative, as the later movies build upon the events and characters introduced in the earlier ones.

Many fans argue that watching the movies in release order is the best way to fully appreciate the Star Wars saga.

Question 3: What is the machete order for watching Star Wars movies?

The machete order is a unique way to watch the Star Wars movies that aims to provide a fresh and engaging viewing experience. It involves watching the movies in the following order: “Episode IV: A New Hope,” “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back,” “Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” and finally, “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” This order skips “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” entirely.

The reasoning behind the machete order is to preserve the surprise reveal of Darth Vader’s identity in “The Empire Strikes Back” and then delve into his backstory in the prequel movies. It also removes the arguably weaker “Episode I” from the viewing experience. However, this order is not officially endorsed by Lucasfilm and may not be suitable for first-time viewers.

Question 4: Should I watch the standalone movies and TV shows in between the main saga films?

The standalone movies and TV shows, such as “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “The Mandalorian,” can be watched in between the main saga films if desired. These spin-offs provide additional context and expand upon the Star Wars universe. However, they are not necessary to understand the main storyline and can be enjoyed separately.

If you’re watching the movies for the first time, it may be best to focus on the main saga films before diving into the spin-offs. Once you’re familiar with the core story, you can explore the standalone movies and TV shows at your leisure.

Question 5: Is there a recommended viewing order for first-time viewers?

For first-time viewers, the recommended viewing order is often the release order. This allows you to experience the story as it was originally presented and follow the narrative in a linear fashion. Starting with “Episode IV: A New Hope” and continuing through the original trilogy before moving on to the prequels and sequels provides a well-rounded and cohesive viewing experience.

However, every viewer is different, and some may prefer to watch the movies in chronological order or explore the spin-offs alongside the main saga. Ultimately, the best order to watch the Star Wars movies is a matter of personal preference.

The BEST Order To Watch STAR WARS | Mashable Explains

Final Thoughts: The Best Order to Watch Star Wars Movies

As we come to the end of our exploration into the galaxy far, far away, let’s recap the best order to watch the Star Wars movies. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the franchise, finding the right sequence can enhance your viewing experience and immerse you in the epic saga.

In conclusion, there are two main approaches to watching the Star Wars movies: the release order and the chronological order. The release order, starting with the original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) followed by the prequels (Episodes I, II, and III) and ending with the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX), allows you to experience the films in the order they were made and appreciate the evolution of the franchise. On the other hand, the chronological order, starting with the prequels and moving through the original and sequel trilogies, offers a different perspective by unfolding the story in chronological order.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can follow the release order to witness the cultural impact of the original trilogy or opt for the chronological order to delve into the backstory and witness the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker. Whichever path you choose, may the Force be with you as you embark on your Star Wars journey! May you find joy in the iconic characters, thrilling battles, and timeless themes that have captivated audiences for generations.