The Ultimate Guide to Watching Star Wars Movies in the Perfect Order

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to watch Star Wars movies and which order to watch them in! With the complex and interconnected nature of the Star Wars universe, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. This guide will help you determine the best sequence to watch the films, ensuring you experience the saga in its intended order without spoilers.

Understanding Episode and Release Orders

There are two primary ways to watch the Star Wars movies: episode order and release order. Episode order follows the story progression, while release order matches the actual chronological timeline of the films' production. For first-time viewers, it's generally recommended to watch the films in episode order to maintain suspense and enjoy all the twists. However, if you prefer not to be spoiled, you can watch them in release order.

Suggested Order for First-Time Viewers

This guide suggests a specific order that is ideal for viewers who have no prior knowledge of the Star Wars universe:

IV. A New Hope (Original Film) - The classic beginning of the Star Wars story, establishing a strong foundation for the characters and their journeys. The Story of the Faithful Wookiee (Animated Short) - 1978 Holiday Special (Optional but Recommended for Context) - A shorter animated film that provides additional context for one of the most iconic films. V. The Empire Strikes Back (First Original Trilogy Sequel) - Continuing the journey, it provides essential setup for the eventual confrontation with Darth Vader. II. The Phantom Menace (First Prequel Trilogy Film) - The first of the prequel movies, setting the stage for Anakin Skywalker's transformation. II. Attack of the Clones - Building on the foundation of The Phantom Menace, this film delves deeper into the prequel saga. OBR - Star Wars: Clone Wars (2D Microseries) - Directed by Gendy Tartakovski, this animated series offers insightful details about the Clone Wars era. OBR - The Clone Wars Movie - A 3D animated movie that stands alone but provides valuable context for the prequel trilogy. OBR - The Clone Wars TV Series - Covers more of the Clone Wars in a series format, including the "Final Season." III. Revenge of the Sith (Final Prequel Film) - The conclusion of the Prequel Trilogy, showing Anakin's fall to the dark side. Solo: A Star Wars Story (Spinoff Movie) - A standalone story that provides background on the adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca. OBR - Star Wars: Droids (1985-1986 2D Animated TV Series) - An animated series that is tied to the live-action show, providing additional context for droid characters. Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Series (NYR - Not Yet Released) - An upcoming series that connects directly to the events of the Prequel Trilogy. Star Wars: Rebels (TV Series) - A series that spans the timeline before and during the events of The Phantom Menace, offering a new perspective on the galaxy. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Spinoff Movie) - A standalone film that explores events leading up to the Battle of Scarif in A New Hope. VI. Return of the Jedi - The conclusion of the Original Trilogy, featuring the final battles against the Empire and the rise of the Rebel Alliance. OBR - Ewoks Animated TV Series and Live Action Movies - Additional content set in the years between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. VII. The Force Awakens - The beginning of the Journey to the Force Awakens with the rise of Kylo Ren and Rey. VIII. The Last Jedi - Continuing the saga, this film explores the characters' journeys and the conflict between good and evil. The Mandalorian (TV Series) - A standalone series set between the events of A New Hope and The Last Jedi, focusing on the adventures of Grogu. Ahsoka TV Series (NYR - Not Yet Released) - Coming soon, this series explores the adventures of Ahsoka Tano and the events she witnesses. VII. Resistance (TV Series) - A series that delves into the history of the resistance, originally planned but not produced as a TV series. IX. The Rise of Skywalker - The conclusion of the Skywalker saga, featuring the Battle of Exegol and the ultimate confrontation between light and dark. The Bad Batch (TV Series) - A standalone series that focuses on the adventures of a group of Clone Troopers with unique abilities.

Conclusion

By following this order, you'll be able to watch the Star Wars films and TV shows in a way that enhances your understanding and enjoyment of the saga. Remember, the best experience might depend on whether you prefer to stay in suspense or not be spoiled. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's something for everyone in the vast and intricate Star Wars universe.