Watch Star Wars for the First Time

Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon that has captivated generations since its first release in 1977. Whether you are a newcomer or revisiting the galaxy far, far away, the question of what order to watch Star Wars for the first time can be a bit tricky. With a vast timeline, several movies, and multiple TV series, choosing the right viewing sequence will help you fully appreciate the plot, characters, and legacy of Star Wars. In this article, we will discuss the best viewing orders to introduce you to the iconic saga and help you decide what order to watch Star Wars for the first time. We will cover everything from chronological order, release order, to the more unconventional viewing sequences that have gained popularity over the years.

Why Does the Watching Order Matter in Star Wars?

The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, has evolved over decades, with films released out of chronological order and stories split across multiple media formats. When watching Star Wars for the first time, the order in which you experience the saga is important because it impacts your understanding and enjoyment of the series. For instance, watching the films in chronological order might spoil significant plot twists, while the release order might provide a more dramatic experience that aligns with how audiences originally encountered the saga. Additionally, newer viewers may be curious about which storyline elements to explore first to avoid spoilers or confusion.

In this article, we will break down the main orders to watch Star Wars, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you make an informed decision.

1. Release Order: A Classic Introduction to Star Wars

The release order is the sequence in which the Star Wars films were originally released in theaters. This is the order most fans of the franchise experienced the story, and it’s a good way for newcomers to watch Star Wars for the first time. Here’s how the release order looks:

1. A New Hope (1977)
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. The Force Awakens (2015)
8. The Last Jedi (2017)
9. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Why Release Order Works

• Surprise Elements: Watching Star Wars in release order preserves the iconic plot twist in The Empire Strikes Back (1979), where we learn the true identity of Darth Vader.
• Character Development: You will see the original trilogy first, experiencing the introduction of characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo before exploring their pasts in the prequels.
• Nostalgia: For fans, the release order provides a nostalgic experience, as it’s how they originally encountered the saga. The build-up of technology and storytelling also feels more seamless when viewed in the release order.

Drawbacks of the Release Order

• Prequels Are Spoiled: By starting with the original trilogy, you already know the fates of the main characters, which might reduce the suspense and impact of the prequels.
• Pacing: The pacing in the prequels may feel slower compared to the faster-paced action of the original trilogy.

2. Chronological Order: A Straightforward Timeline

The chronological order of Star Wars follows the events of the story from the very beginning. This order is perfect for viewers who want to experience the saga from a more linear perspective. Here’s the chronological viewing order:

1. The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Attack of the Clones (2002)
3. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
4. A New Hope (1977)
5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
6. Return of the Jedi (1983)
7. The Force Awakens (2015)
8. The Last Jedi (2017)
9. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Why Chronological Order Works

• Coherent Storytelling: Watching Star Wars in chronological order gives you a clear understanding of the timeline, helping you track the rise and fall of characters like Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader.
• Character Backstories: You get to see how key characters, like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa, evolve throughout the saga, providing context for their decisions and relationships.

Drawbacks of Chronological Order

• Spoilers: Major spoilers, such as the twists in The Empire Strikes Back, are already revealed by the time you reach that movie.
• Slower Start: The prequels, particularly The Phantom Menace, are slower and may feel less exciting than the original trilogy. This could be off-putting to some new viewers.

3. Machete Order: A Fan-Favorite Alternative

The Machete Order is a fan-created viewing sequence designed to improve the pacing and preserve certain surprises. The Machete Order omits The Phantom Menace entirely, as many fans feel it doesn’t add much to the overall narrative. Here’s the Machete Order:

1. A New Hope (1977)
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Attack of the Clones (2002)
4. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
5. Return of the Jedi (1983)
6. The Force Awakens (2015)
7. The Last Jedi (2017)
8. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Why Machete Order Works

• No Spoilers for Vader’s Identity: Watching A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back first preserves the iconic plot twist about Darth Vader’s true identity.
• Enhanced Focus on Core Storylines: Omitting The Phantom Menace allows the narrative to focus on the most important events and characters, streamlining the experience.
• Better Pacing: The Machete Order provides a balanced pace by interspersing the original trilogy with the action-packed prequels, leading to an exciting conclusion with Return of the Jedi.

Drawbacks of Machete Order

• Missing Important Context: The Machete Order skips The Phantom Menace, which means you miss the introduction of key characters like Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul.
• Confusion for Newcomers: The omission of The Phantom Menace could confuse new viewers who are unfamiliar with the series, as they might not fully understand the backstory behind certain characters.

4. Ultimate Order (Including Spin-offs and TV Shows)

If you are a Star Wars completionist, the Ultimate Order is the most comprehensive way to experience the entire saga, including spin-off movies and TV shows. This order is designed for those who want to explore the full Star Wars universe. Here’s the Ultimate Order:

1. The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Attack of the Clones (2002)
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020) – TV Series
4. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
5. Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018) – TV Series
6. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
8. A New Hope (1977)
9. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
10. Return of the Jedi (1983)
11. The Mandalorian (2019–Present) – TV Series
12. The Force Awakens (2015)
13. The Last Jedi (2017)
14. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Why Ultimate Order Works

• Comprehensive Viewing: This order allows you to experience everything from the prequels to spin-off movies like Rogue One and Solo, along with TV series like The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Mandalorian.
• Expanded Universe: By including all the additional content, you get a more thorough understanding of the Star Wars galaxy and its characters, including fan-favorites like Ahsoka Tano and Din Djarin.

Drawbacks of Ultimate Order

• Overwhelming for Newbies: For first-time viewers, the Ultimate Order might feel overwhelming. There is a lot of content to get through, which could be confusing or time-consuming.
• Chronological Confusion: Some of the TV series are set during overlapping timelines, and viewing them all can be tricky to manage, especially for newcomers.

5. The Flashback Order

The Flashback Order is a fun and unconventional way to watch Star Wars that blends surprise and drama. The idea behind this order is to start with the original trilogy, followed by a flashback to the prequels, and then finish with the sequels.

1. A New Hope (1977)
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. The Force Awakens (2015)
8. The Last Jedi (2017)
9. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Why Flashback Order Works

• Dramatic Twist: Starting with the original trilogy preserves the dramatic reveal of Darth Vader’s identity and then allows you to see how he became the villain.
• Character Development: By watching the prequels after the original trilogy, you get to reflect on the backstories of the characters you already know and love, making it feel like a deeper dive into their histories.

Drawbacks of Flashback Order

• Loss of Chronological Flow: The Flashback Order doesn’t follow a traditional timeline, which can be confusing for first-time viewers. The prequels are essentially a series of flashbacks that reveal important backstory information, which might disrupt the natural progression of the story.

Conclusion: What Order Should You Watch Star Wars?

Choosing the right order to watch Star Wars for the first time depends on your preferences as a viewer. If you want to experience the saga in the way it was originally presented to audiences, the release order is a great option. If you’re more interested in a linear narrative, the chronological order will help you follow the timeline seamlessly. For a more balanced experience, the Machete Order is a fan-favorite that removes unnecessary content and keeps the story focused. If you want to see everything, the Ultimate Order is the most comprehensive, while the Flashback Order provides a unique approach that surprises and rewards viewers with an understanding of character arcs.