Do you want to get started with Star Wars But you don't know where to start? The answer depends on your background. An absolute beginner should definitely not start with Episode I, even if it seems counterintuitive.
Here are the three possible orders, clearly explained.
Why weren't the Star Wars movies released in order?
George Lucas He envisioned a grand saga spanning several episodes, but he chose to start in the middle of the story. Episode IV: A New Hope, is released in 1977 because, in his view, it was this central part that had the greatest potential for film.
The original trilogy continues with The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) in 1980, then Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) in 1983.
More than 20 years later, the prequels go back in time to tell the story of the fall of’Anakin toward the dark side, with The Phantom Threat (Episode I, 1999), Attack of the Clones (Episode II, 2002) And Revenge of the Sith (Episode III, 2005).
After the license was acquired by disney, a third trilogy is born: The Force Awakens (Episode VII, 2015), The Last Jedi (Episode VIII, 2017) And The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX, 2019). That is why the order of appearance does not follow the chronology of the galaxy.
In what order should I watch the Star Wars movies?
It exists Three Ways to Watch the Star Wars Saga, depending on how much you know about movies. Luke Skywalker and Anakin are the two main characters in this story. The best order depends on your background: whether you've never seen a single movie, are already a fan, or want to rewatch everything—including the spin-offs.
The Routine for Beginners: The Machete Cut
If you don't have I've never seen Star Wars, forget Episode I. The best place to start is Episode IV: A New Hope. This order is called the Machete Cut, available in 2011 by Rod Hilton. The idea: to preserve the element of surprise from the original film, then incorporate the prequels as a long flashback to the fall of’Anakin.
In its original version, the Machete Cut deliberately skips Episode I, which was deemed unnecessary to the plot. Here is the complete version, with Episode I restored to its proper place:
- Episode IV : New Hope
- Episode V : The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode I : The Phantom Menace (optional)
- Episode II : Attack of the Clones
- Episode III : Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VI : Return of the Jedi
Then finish with Episodes VII, VIII, and IX in order, regardless of which profile you choose.
Chronological order: for those who are already familiar with the saga
If you've already seen the movies, you can watch them at chronological order of the story. We then follow the life of’Anakin then from Luke Skywalker From start to finish, with no surprises when it comes to the major revelations.
- Episode I : The Phantom Menace
- Episode II : Attack of the Clones
- Episode III : Revenge of the Sith
- Episode IV : New Hope
- Episode V : The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI : Return of the Jedi
Then finish up with Episodes VII, VIII, and IX in order.
The complete chronological order, including the spin-offs
Have you seen the saga? several times And you want to put everything in chronological order? This list includes both movies Star Wars Story. Solo tells the story of the youth of Han Solo and takes place between Episodes III and IV in the galaxy's timeline. Rogue One takes place just before Episode IV and explains how the plans for the’Death Star were stolen from the Empire.
- Episode I : The Phantom Menace
- Episode II : Attack of the Clones
- Episode III : Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (spin-off, optional)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (spin-off, optional)
- Episode IV : New Hope
- Episode V : The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI : Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII : The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII : The Last Jedi
- Episode IX : The Rise of Skywalker
What about TV shows?
The saga is no longer limited to movies. TV series expand the universe across different time periods: The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor Where Ahsoka take place after Episode VI. The series Clone Wars takes place between Episodes II and III and delves deeper into the story of’Anakin and D'Obi-Wan. Watch them after the movies, once you've got the main timeline down.
No matter which order you choose, the Star Wars saga It remains a unique experience that everyone should see at least once.
If you enjoy watching long-running series in the correct order, you can also check out our other guides:
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