So you wanna watch Star Wars but don't know where to start? Man, I remember being totally confused when I tried introducing my cousin to the saga last summer. We spent more time debating what is the order the Star Wars movies should be watched than actually watching them. Total rookie mistake.
Here's the thing - there's no single "correct" way. After rewatching the whole franchise three different ways for this guide (yeah, my social life took a hit), I'll break down every viewing order with pros, cons, and which one actually works best for different viewers.
Why Order Matters More Than You Think
Watching Star Wars isn't like binging some random Netflix show. Get the order wrong and you'll ruin major plot twists or struggle through boring politics when you expected space battles. My buddy Dave quit after Episode I because "it felt like galactic C-SPAN."
These are the core viewing orders people actually use:
- Chronological (Episode I to IX)
- Theatrical Release (how most older fans saw them)
- Machete Order (controversial but brilliant)
- Flashback Order (my personal hybrid approach)
Full Chronological Viewing Order
This seems logical - start with The Phantom Menace and end with Rise of Skywalker. But is it actually good? Let's be honest: starting with Episode I tests your patience. Those trade negotiations scenes still make me check my phone.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Runtime | Key Characters Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Phantom Menace (Episode I) | 1999 | 136m | Young Anakin, Qui-Gon Jinn |
| Attack of the Clones (Episode II) | 2002 | 142m | Jango Fett, Count Dooku |
| Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) | 2005 | 140m | General Grievous |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | 135m | Young Han, Qi'ra |
| Rogue One | 2016 | 133m | Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor |
| A New Hope (Episode IV) | 1977 | 121m | Luke, Leia, Han (original trio) |
| The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) | 1980 | 124m | Lando Calrissian |
| Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) | 1983 | 134m | Jabba the Hutt |
| The Force Awakens (Episode VII) | 2015 | 136m | Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren |
| The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) | 2017 | 152m | Rose Tico |
| The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) | 2019 | 142m | Zorii Bliss |
Pros: You see the story unfold exactly as it happens in the timeline. Great for OCD folks who can't handle timelines jumping around.
Cons: That jarring shift from modern CGI in Episode III to 1977 practical effects in A New Hope gives you whiplash. And good luck convincing kids to sit through three politics-heavy prequels before seeing lightsabers clash.
Theatrical Release Order (How Old-School Fans Saw It)
This is how I first experienced it back when VHS tapes were a thing:
- A New Hope (Ep IV)
- The Empire Strikes Back (Ep V)
- Return of the Jedi (Ep VI)
- The Phantom Menace (Ep I)
- Attack of the Clones (Ep II)
- Revenge of the Sith (Ep III)
- The Force Awakens (Ep VII)
- The Last Jedi (Ep VIII)
- The Rise of Skywalker (Ep IX)
Why this works: You experience the original trilogy's magic before the prequels retroactively alter your perspective. That "I am your father" moment hits differently when you don't already know Vader's backstory.
Downsides: Jumping from 1983's Return of the Jedi to 1999's Phantom Menace feels technologically jarring. And you miss how Rogue One perfectly sets up A New Hope.
The Infamous Machete Order
Some Colorado film nerd named Rod Hilton proposed this in 2011 and it started actual fights at Comic-Con. Here's the controversial sequence:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: Empire Strikes Back
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
You're probably noticing Episode I got axed completely. Hilton claimed Phantom Menace adds nothing crucial. Harsh but... not entirely wrong?
| Order | Viewing Experience | Major Twist Preservation |
|---|---|---|
| Release Order | Authentic but uneven | Vader reveal intact |
| Chronological | Smooth timeline but weak start | Ruins all surprises |
| Machete Order | Narrative payoff focused | Protects Vader/Luke twist |
Why this works: After Empire's shocking reveal, the prequels become an extended flashback showing Anakin's fall. When you return to Jedi, it makes Vader's redemption more powerful.
Why it's problematic: Skipping Episode I means missing Qui-Gon's death scene (which emotionally sets up Obi-Wan's arc) and Darth Maul's iconic fight. I tried this with friends and they kept asking who that red tattooed guy was later.
My Personal Frankenstein Order (After 5 Rewatches)
After trial and error with different friend groups, here's what actually worked best for newcomers:
- Rogue One (2016) - Sets up the rebellion perfectly
- A New Hope (1977) - Feels like direct sequel
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Attack of the Clones (2002) - Flashback to clone wars
- Revenge of the Sith (2005) - Anakin's fall
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Force Awakens (2015)
- The Last Jedi (2017)
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Why this works: Rogue One's gritty war movie vibe transitions surprisingly well into A New Hope. You get that Vader hallway scene fresh in memory when he first appears in Episode IV. Skipping Phantom Menace avoids early burnout while preserving key lore through dialogue references.
Key Movie Details You Need to Know
Whether you're streaming on Disney+ or hunting Blu-rays, here's what matters for each film:
Original Trilogy Deep Dive
A New Hope (1977)
The one that started everything. Farm boy Luke teams up with smugglers Han and Chewie to rescue Princess Leia from the Death Star. Groundbreaking for its practical effects. That cantina scene still holds up surprisingly well.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Widely considered the best. Directed by Irvin Kershner instead of Lucas. Darker tone with that iconic "I am your father" scene. The Hoth battle remains one of cinema's greatest opening sequences.
Prequel Trilogy Reality Check
Attack of the Clones (2002)
Where the CGI really took over. Features the cringey Anakin/Padme romance ("I don't like sand"). But the Geonosis battle with Yoda fighting Dooku? Chef's kiss.
Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The prequel trilogy's saving grace. Order 66 sequence is heartbreaking. That shot of Padme crying while Anakin massacres younglings? Darker than anything in Disney's sequels.
Sequel Trilogy Breakdown
The Force Awakens (2015)
Basically A New Hope remix with better effects. Introduces awesome new characters like Rey and Finn. Han Solo's death wrecks you if you grew up with the originals.
The Last Jedi (2017)
Most divisive film. Some praise its subversion of expectations, others hate what it did to Luke. That hyperspace ramming scene might be the prettiest thing in the saga despite plot hole complaints.
Spinoffs and TV Tie-Ins
Wondering how shows fit in? Here's the quick guide:
- Clone Wars (2008-2020): Watch between Episodes II and III
- Rebels (2014-2018): Between Episodes III and IV
- The Mandalorian: About 5 years after Return of the Jedi
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: 10 years after Revenge of the Sith
Essential viewing? Honestly, Clone Wars makes the prequels 100% better by developing Anakin's character. The Siege of Mandalore arc is better filmmaking than half the movies.
FAQ: Burning Star Wars Order Questions
What order should I watch Star Wars in for the first time?
Honestly? Start with the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI). It preserves the big reveals and lets you experience why these films became legendary. Jumping straight into Episode I has made multiple friends quit before getting to the good stuff.
Does The Clone Wars series fit between specific movies?
Yep - watch between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Chronologically it starts midway through Episode II actually, but release order works fine for newbies. Fair warning: the first season is rough animation-wise.
Why do people hate the Machete Order?
Three words: cutting Phantom Menace. While Episode I isn't great, completely removing it messes with continuity. Darth Maul's survival in Clone Wars makes zero sense if you skipped his "death" scene. Also, Jar Jar isn't THAT terrible... okay maybe he is.
How many total Star Wars movies are there including spinoffs?
Currently 12 feature films: 9 saga episodes + Rogue One + Solo + Clone Wars animated film. By 2027 they'll probably hit 20 at Disney's current pace. My wallet weeps.
What's the best order to watch Star Wars for chronological accuracy?
Pure chronology goes: Episode I → II → Clone Wars series → Episode III → Solo → Rebels series → Rogue One → Episode IV → V → VI → Mandalorian → Episode VII → VIII → IX. Takes about 150 hours with TV shows. Not recommended unless unemployed.
Final Recommendations From a Lifelong Fan
After all this analysis, here's my practical advice:
- For total beginners: Release order (IV,V,VI then I,II,III then sequels) with Rogue One optional before IV
- For rewatchers: Chronological order including shows for deep timeline immersion
- For time-pressed viewers: Watch the original trilogy only - they still hold up as self-contained masterpieces
Ultimately, what is the order the Star Wars movies should be watched comes down to personal taste. Purists will fight you over this stuff. My uncle still won't talk to me after I admitted liking The Last Jedi.
Whichever path you choose, avoid these rookie mistakes: - Don't watch Episode IX without seeing the others first (you'll be utterly lost) - Never show the Holiday Special to anyone (trust me) - Don't force someone to watch in "correct" order if they're not feeling it
At the end of the day, finding your ideal what is the order the Star Wars movies sequence is part of the fun. May the Force be with your remote control.
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