Okay, let's be real – figuring out how to watch Star Wars isn't as simple as hitting play anymore. With three trilogies, spin-offs, and TV shows all crisscrossing timelines, it's enough to make your head spin faster than a TIE fighter. I remember trying to introduce my cousin to Star Wars last year and we spent thirty minutes just debating where to start. Should you begin with Luke's story? Or go chronologically from Phantom Menace? Maybe skip some?
That's why I'm breaking down every possible viewing order for these movies. No fluff, just straight talk from someone who's binged them all multiple ways. Whether you're a total newbie or prepping for a re-watch, let's find your perfect Star Wars marathon path.
Why Your Star Wars Viewing Order Actually Matters
Look, you could just watch these movies randomly and still enjoy lightsaber battles. But trust me – the viewing order changes your whole experience. Watching Revenge of the Sith before the original trilogy ruins what might be the greatest plot twist in cinema history (you know the one). Starting with The Force Awakens leaves you clueless about why everyone cares about that rusty droid.
When I first tried the chronological order, Palpatine's political scheming in the prequels suddenly made way more sense. But when my buddy watched release order first, he said Vader's reveal in Empire hit him like a ton of bricks. See what I mean?
Your ideal order to watch Star Wars films depends on three things:
- Are you brand new to the galaxy? (Lucky you!)
- Are you rewatching to catch details?
- Do you want just movies or include TV shows?
The Five Main Ways to Watch Star Wars
After testing all these orders myself across multiple marathons, here's the real deal on each approach. I'll even tell you which ones I think don't work well.
Release Order (The Classic Experience)
This is how everyone watched them until 1999. You start with the original 1977 film and follow release dates. Simple as that.
Why it works: You experience all the big reveals as audiences did. Vader's identity hits harder. You appreciate the groundbreaking practical effects before seeing CGI-heavy prequels.
My take: Still my favorite for first-timers. Those originals haven't aged perfectly, but their charm is undeniable. Just prepare younger viewers for slower pacing between action scenes.
| Order | Film Title | Year | Key Plot Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope | 1977 | Luke discovers Force, rescues Leia, destroys Death Star |
| 2 | Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Rebels flee Hoth, Luke trains with Yoda, Vader reveal |
| 3 | Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Rescue Han from Jabba, final Death Star battle |
| 4 | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Young Anakin discovered, Qui-Gon killed |
| 5 | Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Anakin-Padme romance begins, Clone Wars start |
| 6 | Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Anakin becomes Vader, Jedi purge |
| 7 | Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens | 2015 | New characters introduced, Starkiller Base destroyed |
| 8 | Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi | 2017 | Luke's exile revealed, Rey trains |
| 9 | Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Palpatine returns, final confrontation |
Where to stream: Disney+ (all nine episodes)
Chronological Order (Timeline Sequence)
Exactly what it sounds like – watch everything in story timeline order from Phantom Menace to Rise of Skywalker.
Why it works: You see Anakin's full arc without jumping timelines. Political world-building makes more sense. Better for completionists.
My take: Jar Jar Binks in Episode I is still rough. But watching Order 66 in Episode III then immediately seeing its aftermath in Obi-Wan Kenobi gives chills. Perfect for re-watches.
| Order | Film Title | Time Period | Essential Viewing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Phantom Menace | 32 BBY | Introduces young Anakin, Naboo conflict |
| 2 | Attack of the Clones | 22 BBY | Clones created, Jedi suspicions grow |
| 3 | Revenge of the Sith | 19 BBY | Republic becomes Empire, Vader born |
| 4 | Solo: A Star Wars Story | 10 BBY | Han's origins, optional but fun |
| 5 | Rogue One | 0 BBY | Leads directly into A New Hope |
| 6 | A New Hope | 0 ABY | Original trilogy kickoff |
| 7 | The Empire Strikes Back | 3 ABY | Rebels on the run |
| 8 | Return of the Jedi | 4 ABY | Emperor defeated (temporarily) |
| 9 | The Force Awakens | 34 ABY | Sequel trilogy begins |
| 10 | The Last Jedi | 34 ABY | Immediately follows previous |
| 11 | The Rise of Skywalker | 35 ABY | Saga conclusion |
Pro tip: Between Episodes III and IV, slot in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series for maximum emotional impact
Machete Order (The Fan Favorite)
This clever order cuts Episode I completely and sandwiches prequels between Empire and Jedi. Controversial? Maybe. Brilliant? Absolutely.
Why it works: Preserves Vader reveal while showing Anakin's backstory as a flashback. Episode I adds little to overall plot. Creates perfect thematic flow.
My experience: Tried this last year and wow – seeing Anakin turn to darkness AFTER learning he's Luke's father? Powerful stuff. But skipping Qui-Gon entirely feels weird.
Machete viewing sequence:
- A New Hope (Episode IV)
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II)
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
Where sequels fit: Watch Force Awakens through Rise of Skywalker after Jedi
Just the Skywalker Saga Order
Only want the nine main episodes without spin-offs? Stick to this condensed approach.
Why it works: Focuses purely on the Skywalker family drama. Less commitment than full chronological.
My take: Honestly, Rogue One enhances A New Hope so much I'd still include it. But if you're pressed for time, this works.
Essential Skywalker order to watch Star Wars films:
- The Phantom Menace (I)
- Attack of the Clones (II)
- Revenge of the Sith (III)
- A New Hope (IV)
- The Empire Strikes Back (V)
- Return of the Jedi (VI)
- The Force Awakens (VII)
- The Last Jedi (VIII)
- The Rise of Skywalker (IX)
Sequels-First Order (Modern Entry Point)
Start with Force Awakens and work backwards. Controversial? Totally. But some swear by it.
Why it works: Modern effects hook newcomers easier. Less confusing than starting with 70s films. Rey's journey mirrors audience discovery.
My opinion: Tried this with my niece and regretted it. She kept asking "Who's that old guy?" during Luke's scenes. But your mileage may vary.
Where TV Shows Fit into Your Order to Watch Star Wars Films
Can't ignore the shows anymore – they're essential to modern Star Wars. Here's where they slot in:
| Show Title | Best Viewing Position | Critical Plot Connections |
|---|---|---|
| The Clone Wars (2008) | After Episode II | Develops Anakin's fall, introduces Ahsoka |
| Rebels | After Episode III | Sets up original trilogy events |
| The Mandalorian | After Episode VI | New Republic era world-building |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | After Episode III | Directly addresses Vader's hunt |
| Andor | Before Rogue One | Rebellion origins |
Personal tip: Clone Wars pays off big time but requires commitment – maybe skip filler episodes using online guides
Which Star Wars Watching Order Should You Actually Choose?
Still stuck? Here's my real talk advice:
- First-time viewers: Release order – nothing beats original reveals
- Rewatching for depth: Chronological order – spot connections you missed
- Short on time: Machete order – most story impact fewest hours
- Watching with kids: Start with Episode IV – slower prequels lose their attention
- Superfans: Chronological with all shows – maximum context
That time I tried watching everything chronologically with shows? Took three months but changed how I see Palpatine's scheming. Worth it if you've got the stamina.
Where to Watch Everything
Disney+ has almost everything now except...
| Content | Streaming Availability | Purchase Options |
|---|---|---|
| Main 9 Films | Disney+ | $15-20 each on VOD |
| Solo & Rogue One | Disney+ | Included in box sets |
| The Clone Wars | Disney+ (complete) | Blu-ray seasons $25-$40 |
| Live-Action Shows | Disney+ | Not sold separately |
| Holiday Special | Not streaming (thankfully) | Bootlegs only |
Physical media pro: Original theatrical cuts of OT aren't on Disney+
Common Star Wars Order Questions
Do I really need to watch Episode I?
For chronological orders, yes. But in Machete order? Skip it. Qui-Gon's cool but Jar Jar... ugh. Still, kid Anakin establishes why Obi-Wan cares about Luke later.
How long would a full Star Wars marathon take?
Just the nine films is about 22 hours. Add all major shows? Over 100 hours. My advice? Break it into chunks over weeks.
Should I include the animated shows?
Clone Wars and Rebels add huge depth to prequel/original eras. Resistance? Meh. Bad Batch? Only if you love clones.
What about the Ewok movies?
Unless you're a completionist, avoid. Even as a hardcore fan I find them tough to sit through. Sorry, Wicket!
Does the Holiday Special fit anywhere?
In the trash compactor. Seriously though, it's non-canon. Watch the ten-minute Boba Fett cartoon on YouTube and call it done.
What order should I watch for the best plot twists?
Stick to release order – Vader's reveal in Empire only works if you haven't seen prequels.
Look, at the end of the day, finding your perfect Star Wars viewing order is personal. My brother swears by chronological, my wife thinks release order is sacred. After guiding fourteen friends through various orders, I've learned there's no single right answer.
The galaxy feels different depending on your path. Watching in story sequence makes Palpatine's scheming terrifyingly brilliant. Release order keeps surprises intact. Machete creates perfect emotional flow.
My final piece of advice? Don't stress about getting it "wrong". The first Star Wars film I ever saw was Return of the Jedi on a fuzzy VHS tape. Was it ideal? Probably not. Did I fall in love with this universe anyway? Absolutely. Now get some blue milk, queue up your chosen starting point, and may the Force be with your marathon!
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