Ways to Watch Star Wars Movies in 2019 with Analysis

As fans of the Star Wars universe, one of the most common questions is: how should you watch all the Star Wars movies? In 2019, there were several popular viewing orders to choose from, each offering a unique experience based on your preference for the story's context, the release sequence, or a streamlined narrative. Let's explore the various options and analyze which one might be the best for you.

1. Release Order

The release order follows the chronological order in which the films were first released in theaters:

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) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

This order provides a clear timeline of the original saga and can be beneficial for those who want to follow the movies as they were originally released to the public. However, it may skip some background stories and character developments that occurred in the original prequels.

2. Chronological Order

The chronological order aligns the films with the in-universe timeline of the story:

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Solo: A Star Wars Story (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) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

This order is beneficial for those who want to follow the story as it unfolds. It provides a clearer understanding of the events, character developments, and the overall plot. However, it means watching the original prequels before the main saga, which may come as a shock to some viewers who prioritize the original trilogy's buildup.

3. Machete Order

The Machete order is a fan-created viewing order that skips the first prequel, Episode I, to focus on the main saga. It provides a more streamlined narrative with stronger storytelling:

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) Optional: Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Optional: Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Optional: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Optional: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Optional: Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

This order is well-suited for fans who want to revisit the main saga with a clearer narrative. It allows for a more cohesive and streamlined storyline, making it easier to follow the characters and plot without the distraction of the prequels. However, it also means skipping the background story provided by the original prequels, which may not be ideal for all viewers.

Conclusion

Each viewing order offers a different experience, and the best choice depends on your personal preference. The release order allows you to follow the films as they were originally released, the chronological order provides a clearer understanding of the in-universe timeline, and the Machete order focuses on a more streamlined narrative. Whichever order you choose, enjoy your journey through the galaxy far, far away!