What is the Correct Order to Watch Star Wars?

Star Wars, the iconic space opera franchise created by George Lucas, has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. With its epic battles, unforgettable characters, and timeless storytelling, it's no wonder that Star Wars remains a cultural phenomenon. However, for those new to the galaxy far, far away, figuring out the best order to watch the movies can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the various viewing orders and help you determine the correct order to watch Star Wars, depending on your preferences and familiarity with the franchise.

• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

• Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

• Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

• Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018)

• Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

• Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

• Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

• The Mandalorian (2019-present)

• Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

• Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

• Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Release Order - The release order is the order in which the Star Wars movies were initially unveiled to the world. This is the order in which many older fans first experienced the saga, and it provides a natural progression in the story's evolution. The release order is as follows:

1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

6. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

7. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

8. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

9. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Watching the movies in release order allows you to experience the evolution of special effects and storytelling, but it also reveals some significant plot twists early on, such as the revelation of Darth Vader's true identity. It's the preferred order for purists who want to see the films as they were initially intended to be seen.

Chronological Order - If you're looking for a more straightforward, chronological approach to the Star Wars saga, you can opt for the chronological order. This order arranges the movies based on the in-universe timeline of events. Here's how you'd watch them:

1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

4. Episode IV: A New Hope

5. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

6. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

7. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

8. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

9. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Watching in chronological order allows you to follow the narrative from Anakin Skywalker's beginnings to the rise of the new generation of heroes and villains, providing a comprehensive view of the Star Wars universe.

Machete Order - The Machete Order is a fan-created viewing order that aims to improve the overall experience of watching the saga by omitting certain episodes. This order has gained popularity for its unique approach to storytelling. Here's how it works:

1. Episode IV: A New Hope

2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

5. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

The Machete Order skips Episode I: The Phantom Menace, deeming it non-essential to the central story. This order emphasizes the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker and Luke's hero's journey while preserving the reveal of Darth Vader's true identity in Episode V.

Ultimate Order - The ultimate order is a comprehensive viewing experience for the die-hard Star Wars fan who wants to include everything in the saga. This order combines both the main saga and the standalone anthology films, slotting them into the story as they best fit. The order is as follows:

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

2. Episode IV: A New Hope

3. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

6. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)

7. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

8. Star Wars Rebels (animated series)

9. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

10. The Mandalorian (series, if desired)

11. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

12. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

13. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

This order offers the most comprehensive experience, including additional lore and stories from the Star Wars universe.

Deciding on the correct order to watch Star Wars ultimately comes down to your preferences and familiarity with the franchise. Whether you choose the release order, chronological order, Machete Order, or the ultimate order, each has its own unique appeal and can provide an enjoyable experience. Feel free to mix and match or explore different orders to discover the Star Wars saga in a way that best resonates with you. May the Force be with you on your journey through the galaxy far, far away.