Star Wars is one of the most popular movie franchises of all time. With so many movies and TV shows in the series, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and how to watch them all. In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide on how to watch the Star Wars movies.
The Chronological Order of the Movies
The Star Wars movies have been released in a non-chronological order, which can make things confusing for new viewers. The best way to watch the movies is in chronological order, starting with the prequel trilogy:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Why Watch in Chronological Order?
Watching the movies in chronological order allows you to follow the story in the order it was intended to be told. You’ll also be able to see how the events in the prequel trilogy set the stage for the original trilogy, and how the events in the original trilogy lead to the sequels.
The Machete Order
Another popular way to watch the movies is called the Machete Order. This order was created by blogger Rod Hilton and is a modified version of the chronological order:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Why Watch in Machete Order?
The Machete Order is designed to preserve the surprise of the big reveal in The Empire Strikes Back. By watching the original trilogy first, you get to experience the twist without any prior knowledge. Then, you go back and watch the prequels to see how the story got to that point. Finally, you watch the sequels to see how the story ends.
The TV Shows
There are also several TV shows in the Star Wars universe that are worth watching:
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Star Wars Rebels
- The Mandalorian
When to Watch the TV Shows
The Clone Wars and Rebels take place between Episodes II and III and between Episodes III and IV, respectively. The Mandalorian takes place after the events of Episode VI. You can watch the TV shows either before or after the movies, depending on your preference.
FAQ
Q: Do I Need to Watch the TV Shows?
A: No, the TV shows are not essential to understanding the movies. However, they do add to the overall story and provide more context for certain characters and events.
Q: Should I Watch the Movies in 3D?
A: That’s up to you. The movies were not originally filmed in 3D, so it’s not necessary to watch them that way. However, some fans enjoy the added depth and immersion of the 3D experience.
Q: What Order Should I Watch the Movies in?
A: We recommend watching the movies in chronological order or the Machete Order.
Q: Are the Movies Available on Streaming Services?
A: Yes, most of the movies are available on streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix.
Conclusion
Watching the Star Wars movies can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you choose to watch them in chronological order, the Machete Order, or a different order entirely, we hope this guide has helped you figure out how to watch the Star Wars movies.