What's the best way to experience the epic saga of Star Wars? The answer isn't as simple as you might think, but the journey through a galaxy far, far away is undoubtedly worth the effort.
Right now, a comprehensive Star Wars viewing experience is more accessible than ever. All the films, including Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, are streaming on Disney+. This represents a unique moment in time, the first since the VHS boxed set era of 1996, where every single Star Wars movie is readily available in one place.
The challenge, then, lies in deciding how to approach this sprawling, interconnected universe. Do you dive in at the beginning, experiencing the story as it was created, or do you embrace the chronological order of events within the Star Wars canon? The "best" way is often a matter of personal preference. Most people tend to recommend release order for first-time viewers, but the critical thing is to select an order and stick with it. It is really depend on you.
This is all you need to know to watch in release or timeline order, and how to include the tv shows. The Star Wars universe has captured all of our hearts for over 45 years, but figuring out the best way to watch the movies and shows in order can get surprisingly overwhelming. The key is to understand the different approaches and the strengths of each.
Before we dive into the viewing orders, let's acknowledge the monumental impact of Star Wars. From its groundbreaking special effects to its epic storytelling, George Lucas's creation has captured the imaginations of fans young and old for over 40 years, forever changing cinema. But with so many movies and TV shows, it can be daunting to figure out where to start.
Release Order
The release order, also known as the order in which the films were originally released in theaters, is a popular starting point. Here's the classic order:
- A New Hope (Episode IV) - 1977
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) - 1980
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) - 1983
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I) - 1999
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II) - 2002
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) - 2005
- Solo: A Star Wars Story - 2018
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 2016
- The Force Awakens (Episode VII) - 2015
- The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) - 2017
- The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) - 2019
The advantages of this approach are numerous. It allows viewers to experience the evolution of the series, from the groundbreaking effects of the original trilogy to the more modern visuals of the sequels. It also preserves the narrative reveals and plot twists as they were originally intended, allowing the audience to be surprised along with everyone else. Most importantly, this order ensures that a Star Wars marathon begins on a high note with the two best films. I know this is subjective, but i think the originals are better films than the.
Chronological Order
If you prefer to witness the saga in the order of events within the Star Wars universe, chronological order is the way to go. This means starting with the earliest events and proceeding through the timeline.
Here's a chronological viewing guide, incorporating the films and some of the TV shows:
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I) - 1999
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II) - 2002
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) - 2005
- Solo: A Star Wars Story - 2018
- Andor (TV Series)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 2016
- A New Hope (Episode IV) - 1977
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) - 1980
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) - 1983
- The Mandalorian (TV Series)
- The Book of Boba Fett (TV Series)
- The Force Awakens (Episode VII) - 2015
- The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) - 2017
- The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) - 2019
This order provides a unique perspective on the narrative, allowing you to see the origins of characters and events. It can be especially rewarding for those who enjoy understanding the intricacies of the Star Wars universe.
Chronologically, The Acolyte is the earliest part of the Star Wars timeline that you can watch.
Including the TV Shows
Star Wars has expanded beyond the big screen, and the television shows offer a wealth of additional storytelling. They flesh out characters, explore new corners of the galaxy, and provide deeper context for the events of the films. Many fans consider the animated series and live-action shows essential viewing.
Here's how the TV shows fit into the viewing orders:
- Andor: Set before Rogue One and A New Hope, offering a compelling political thriller.
- Star Wars Rebels: Takes place during the time of and alongside the events of the original trilogy and some later shows.
- The Mandalorian & The Book of Boba Fett: Occur after Return of the Jedi, expanding the post-Empire era.
As stated above, the animated series and tv movie are hard to find before they were added to Disney+.
Considerations and Recommendations
Both release order and chronological order have their merits. Here are some things to consider when choosing your viewing path:
- First-Time Viewers: For those new to Star Wars, release order is often recommended. It allows for a more organic experience, allowing the story to unfold as originally intended.
- Longtime Fans: For those who have already seen the films, chronological order can offer a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of the saga.
- The Prequels: The prequels (Episodes I-III) are often the sticking point for many adults, with many people having a hard time accepting that they are really the beginning of the saga.
- Flexibility: Don't be afraid to mix and match. You can watch the original trilogy first, then delve into the prequels, and then continue with the sequels.
- Stick to It: The most important thing is to choose an order and stick with it. Switching between orders mid-way can disrupt the viewing experience.
As superfan Rod Hilton suggests on his blog. If you want to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order, witnessing the separate rises of Anakin, Luke, and Rey as they unfolded in their timeline, we've ordered all the movies (and thrown in some bonus Mandalorian) in one complete list.
Trust me, it's easier than making the kessel run in 12 parsecs. So here's a rundown of the order you need to watch ever Star Wars movie and tv show.
Tv guide gives you the best order to watch the films (and tv shows) in pop culture's greatest space epic.
A Note on the Expanded Universe
Beyond the films and television shows, there is a vast amount of content in the Star Wars expanded universe, including books, comics, and video games. While these can add to the enjoyment of the saga, they are not essential to understanding the core story.
With all Star Wars content now available on a single platform and the many ways to approach the viewing order, there's never been a better time to embark on a Star Wars journey. May the Force be with you!
