For newcomers to the Star Wars saga, deciding the best viewing order can be a challenge given the complex timeline and many films involved. Whether you’re looking to start from the very beginning or prefer to dive right into the iconic episodes, understanding the right sequence can enhance the experience.
Why the Order You Watch Star Wars Matters
The Star Wars universe is vast, with multiple trilogies, stand-alone movies, and TV shows. Watching the series in the correct order not only helps avoid spoilers but also immerses you into the saga’s intricate character arcs and pivotal moments.
Best Star Wars Viewing Orders for First-Timers
- Release Order: The Classic Experience Watching Star Wars in the order the films were released offers a nostalgic journey that preserves key surprises, especially if you are watching the original trilogy for the first time. Here’s the order:
- 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)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
This order allows you to experience the twist in The Empire Strikes Back before knowing key plot points, such as Anakin’s fall to the dark side.
- Chronological Order: A Linear Path Watching Star Wars in chronological order (by in-universe timeline) is another option, and it’s ideal if you prefer to see the story unfold in the order events occur. Here’s the sequence:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
- 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: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
In this sequence, the films evolve from the rise of the Galactic Republic to the ultimate rise of the New Republic, emphasizing a clearer progression of political shifts.
- Machete Order: A Unique Take For those who want a thrilling, spoiler-free approach, Machete Order is a popular fan choice. It skips Episode I: The Phantom Menace altogether, focusing on the character development of Anakin in the later prequels. Here’s the 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)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
By skipping Episode I, you avoid unnecessary backstory and dive straight into the heart of the saga. Machete Order lets you experience the series’ best moments without detracting from key plot twists and emotional arcs.
- Ultimate Star Wars Marathon: Including Spin-Offs If you’re an avid movie watcher or you’ve already been introduced to the Star Wars universe, you might enjoy a full marathon, including spin-off films and TV shows that expand the saga. Here’s a more inclusive watch order that includes Rogue One and Solo:
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
In this order, you’ll experience the Star Wars universe in its entirety, including new lore, character arcs, and expanded stories that help fill in gaps between major events.
Should You Watch the TV Shows?
For Star Wars fans who want the full experience, TV shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Mandalorian provide deeper character development and expand on the history of the galaxy far, far away. These series are essential for understanding the larger story arcs, such as Anakin’s fall, the formation of the Rebellion, and the rise of new heroes like Ahsoka Tano and Rey.
Which Order is Best for First-Timers?
For first-timers, the choice of order depends on how you like to experience a story. If you want to be surprised by major plot twists, the release order is ideal. If you’re more interested in understanding the full storyline and character arcs from start to finish, chronological order is a good choice. The Machete Order is perfect for those looking to skip the less popular films and focus on the main emotional storylines.
Final Thoughts
The best way to watch Star Wars depends on your preferences, whether you want to avoid spoilers, experience the saga as it was originally intended, or dive straight into the action. Whichever path you choose, the Star Wars universe offers something for every type of viewer, making it an iconic and unforgettable experience for fans around the world.
