Which Star Wars Movie Should I Watch First?

So, you’ve finally decided to dive into the epic world of Star Wars. Congratulations! You’re in for a thrilling journey through space and time. But wait, there’s a burning question on your mind: which Star Wars movie should you watch first? Well, fear not, my fellow Jedi-in-training, because I’m here to guide you through this galactic dilemma and help you make the right choice.

When it comes to the Star Wars saga, the chronological release order is a popular starting point for many fans. This means beginning with Episode IV: A New Hope, released back in 1977. This iconic film introduces us to the timeless battle between the forces of good and evil, as Luke Skywalker embarks on his hero’s journey to defeat the tyrannical Darth Vader. By starting with this movie, you’ll experience the magic of Star Wars as it unfolded for audiences around the world, paving the way for the beloved franchise we know today.

Now, if you’re more inclined to follow the story in chronological order, starting with Episode I: The Phantom Menace might be the path for you. This prequel film delves into the origins of Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader, and sets the stage for the events that lead to the original trilogy. By beginning with The Phantom Menace, you’ll witness the rise of the Sith and the political turmoil that sets the stage for the epic conflict to come.

Ultimately, whether you choose to start with the original release order or the chronological order, the most important thing is to embrace the adventure and let the Force guide you. May the Force be with you as you embark on your Star Wars movie marathon!

Which Star Wars Movie Should I Watch First?

Star Wars is a beloved and iconic franchise that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. With multiple movies, TV shows, and spin-offs, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to decide where to start. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, choosing the right Star Wars movie to watch first is crucial in order to fully immerse yourself in the epic saga. In this article, we will explore the different options and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

The Original Trilogy: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi

The Star Wars saga began with the release of “A New Hope” in 1977, followed by “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980 and “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. These films introduced audiences to the iconic characters of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader, and set the stage for the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the evil Galactic Empire.

In “A New Hope,” we are introduced to the young farm boy Luke Skywalker, who discovers his hidden powers as a Jedi and embarks on a journey to save the galaxy from the clutches of the Empire. This film is a perfect starting point for newcomers to the Star Wars universe, as it introduces key characters and sets the tone for the rest of the series.

“The Empire Strikes Back” is widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars films ever made. It delves deeper into the characters and their relationships, reveals shocking revelations, and takes the story to darker and more complex places. This film is a must-watch for any fan of the franchise and is essential in understanding the overarching narrative.

“Return of the Jedi” concludes the original trilogy with an epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. It wraps up the storylines of our beloved characters and provides a satisfying conclusion to the saga. Watching these three films in order will give you a complete understanding of the original Star Wars story and lay the foundation for the rest of the franchise.

Prequel Trilogy: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith

The prequel trilogy, consisting of “The Phantom Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones” (2002), and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005), takes place before the events of the original trilogy and explores the rise of Darth Vader and the fall of Anakin Skywalker. While these films were met with mixed reviews upon their release, they provide valuable context to the overall Star Wars narrative.

“The Phantom Menace” introduces audiences to a young Anakin Skywalker and explores the political landscape of the galaxy. It also introduces new characters such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the iconic Darth Maul. While this film received criticism for its heavy use of CGI and convoluted plot, it is an important piece of the Star Wars puzzle.

“Attack of the Clones” delves deeper into Anakin’s journey, his relationship with Padmé Amidala, and the growing tensions within the galaxy. It also showcases the clone army and the beginnings of the Clone Wars. This film sets the stage for the dark and tragic events that unfold in the final installment of the prequel trilogy.

“Revenge of the Sith” is the darkest and most emotionally charged film in the prequel trilogy. It depicts the fall of Anakin Skywalker to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader. This film bridges the gap between the prequel and original trilogies and provides crucial context for understanding the motivations of key characters in the later films.

Sequel Trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker

The sequel trilogy, which began with “The Force Awakens” in 2015, takes place several decades after the events of the original trilogy. It introduces a new generation of characters while also bringing back familiar faces from the past. While this trilogy sparked debate among fans, it offers a fresh and modern take on the Star Wars universe.

“The Force Awakens” reintroduces audiences to the beloved characters of Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker, while also introducing Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as the new heroes. This film pays homage to the original trilogy while setting the stage for new adventures and conflicts to come.

“The Last Jedi” takes bold risks and challenges the traditional Star Wars formula. It explores the themes of failure, redemption, and the power of hope. This film divided fans, with some praising its subversion of expectations, while others criticized its departure from established lore. Regardless, it is an important chapter in the overall narrative.

“The Rise of Skywalker” concludes the sequel trilogy and wraps up the storylines of the new characters. It also brings the saga to a definitive end, tying together threads from all three trilogies. While this film received mixed reviews, it provides closure to the overarching narrative and offers answers to long-standing questions.

Choosing which Star Wars movie to watch first ultimately depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you prefer a chronological approach, starting with the original trilogy is a great option. If you want to delve deeper into the lore and understand the origins of key characters, watching the prequel trilogy first is recommended. Alternatively, if you want a fresh and modern take on the Star Wars universe, starting with the sequel trilogy may be the way to go.

In the end, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the rich and expansive world of Star Wars. May the Force be with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you new to the Star Wars franchise and wondering where to start? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with the answer to the popular question: which Star Wars movie should I watch first?

1. What is the recommended order to watch the Star Wars movies?

If you’re new to Star Wars, the best way to experience the saga is to watch the films in chronological order. Start with “Episode IV: A New Hope,” followed by “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back,” “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” then continue with the prequel trilogy starting with “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” “Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” and “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Finally, wrap up with the sequel trilogy, beginning with “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,” and “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.”

This order allows you to follow the story as it unfolds, introducing you to the iconic characters, epic battles, and captivating narrative in a logical sequence. You’ll witness the rise and fall of the Empire, the origins of Darth Vader, and the journey of the next generation of heroes.

2. Is there an alternative viewing order for the Star Wars movies?

While watching the movies in chronological order is the most recommended approach, some fans prefer a different viewing order known as the “Machete Order.” This order suggests watching the films in the following sequence: “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.” The prequel trilogy is inserted between “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” to provide a flashback-style narrative.

The Machete Order aims to preserve the surprise reveal in “The Empire Strikes Back” while still incorporating the prequel trilogy to provide context and character development. However, this order is less commonly recommended for first-time viewers as it deviates from the original release order.

3. Why is watching the Star Wars movies in release order not recommended for beginners?

Watching the Star Wars movies in release order, starting with “Episode IV: A New Hope,” may seem like a logical choice. However, this order can diminish the impact of certain plot twists and character reveals. For example, if you watch the prequel trilogy first, you’ll already know the true identity of Darth Vader when watching the original trilogy, which can lessen the impact of the reveal in “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Additionally, the prequel trilogy delves into the backstory of the characters and events in the original trilogy, providing more context and appreciation for the overall saga. By starting with the original trilogy, you’ll experience the story as it was initially presented to audiences and gradually uncover the mysteries and revelations along the way.

4. Should I include the standalone Star Wars movies in my viewing order?

The standalone Star Wars movies, such as “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” can be enjoyed as standalone films or as part of the larger Star Wars universe. If you’re new to the franchise, it’s best to watch the main saga first before diving into the standalone movies. These standalone films often reference events and characters from the main saga, so having prior knowledge enhances the viewing experience.

However, once you’ve completed the main saga, feel free to explore the standalone movies to further immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe and discover new adventures and perspectives.

5. Can I skip any of the Star Wars movies?

While every Star Wars movie contributes to the overall storyline, it is ultimately up to personal preference whether you choose to skip any. However, we recommend watching all the movies at least once to fully appreciate the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe. Each film offers unique elements, memorable characters, and iconic moments that have captivated audiences for decades.

If you find yourself less interested in certain movies, you can focus on the ones that resonate with you the most. However, keep in mind that even if a particular film is not considered a fan favorite, it may still contain important plot points or character developments that contribute to the larger narrative.

The BEST Order To Watch STAR WARS | Mashable Explains

Final Thought: The Perfect Starting Point for Your Star Wars Journey

So, you’re ready to embark on an epic adventure in a galaxy far, far away, but you’re not sure which Star Wars movie to watch first. Fear not, young Padawan, for I have the answer you seek. While there may be many opinions out there, the best place to start your Star Wars journey is with the original trilogy: “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”

These three films lay the foundation for the entire Star Wars saga and introduce you to the iconic characters, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. Not only do they showcase the timeless battle between good and evil, but they also capture the essence of what makes Star Wars so beloved by fans around the world. From the opening crawl to the epic lightsaber duels, the original trilogy sets the stage for the grand space opera that unfolds in the subsequent films.

Once you’ve experienced the original trilogy, you can then dive into the prequel trilogy (“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”) to learn about the events that led to the rise of the Empire and the fall of Anakin Skywalker. After that, you can explore the sequel trilogy (“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,” and “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”) to witness the continuation of the epic saga.

Remember, the Star Wars universe is vast and full of stories, but starting with the original trilogy will give you a solid foundation and allow you to experience the magic and wonder of this beloved franchise. May the Force be with you on your Star Wars journey!