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With multiple trilogies, spin-offs, and television shows, there are countless ways to experience the Star Wars universe.
For those who are new to the franchise or looking to re-watch the films in a different order, there are several options to consider in what order to watch Star Wars.
Release Order
As it says, watch the Star Wars films in release order. This means starting with "A New Hope," which was released in 1977, followed by "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." Next, watch the prequel trilogy, starting with "The Phantom Menace," "Attack of the Clones," and "Revenge of the Sith." Finally, end with the sequel trilogy, which includes "The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker."
This order allows viewers to experience the films as they were originally released, giving them a sense of how the franchise has evolved over the years.
Chronological Order
Chronological Order
The most straightforward way to watch Star Wars is in chronological order. This means starting with the prequel trilogy, which includes "The Phantom Menace," "Attack of the Clones," and "Revenge of the Sith." Next, watch the original trilogy, consisting of "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi." Finally, end with the sequel trilogy, which includes "The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker."
This order allows viewers to see the complete story arc of the Skywalker family and their place in the galaxy.
Machete Order
Machete Order
The Machete Order is a popular way to watch the Star Wars films that has gained a cult following among fans. This order starts with "A New Hope," followed by "The Empire Strikes Back," then "Attack of the Clones," "Revenge of the Sith," and finally "Return of the Jedi." This order skips "The Phantom Menace" entirely, as it is considered by some fans to be unnecessary to the overall story.
This order also places the big reveal of Darth Vader's identity in "The Empire Strikes Back," giving viewers a sense of the significance of the twist.
While not an official order, the Machete Order has gained popularity among fans who argue that it offers a more cohesive and satisfying viewing experience.
Chronological with Spin-Offs
Chronological with Spin-Offs
For those who want to experience the Star Wars universe beyond the main saga, watching the films in chronological order with the spin-offs included may be the way to go.
This order starts with the prequel trilogy, followed by the animated television series "The Clone Wars." Next, watch the original trilogy, followed by the spin-off "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Then, watch the sequel trilogy, including "The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker."
Finally, end with "The Mandalorian," the popular television series set after the events of "Return of the Jedi." This order offers a more comprehensive viewing experience of the Star Wars universe, giving viewers a sense of the larger narrative at play.
Hatchet Method
Hatchet Method
The Hatchet Method is a unique and controversial way to watch the Star Wars films that involves watching them in a specific order that eliminates some films entirely.
This order starts with "A New Hope," followed by "The Empire Strikes Back," then "Return of the Jedi." After that, viewers are directed to watch "The Force Awakens," followed by "The Last Jedi." This order completely eliminates the prequel trilogy and "The Rise of Skywalker," arguing that they do not contribute enough to the overall narrative and can be skipped without missing anything essential.
This method has faced criticism from fans who argue that it disregards the significance and impact of the prequel trilogy on the franchise's lore and character development.
Thus there are several ways to watch the Star Wars films, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
We would personally watch them in the order they all came out.
