Introduction
The Star Wars franchise has been a beloved part of pop culture for over 40 years, and its universe is as vast as the galaxies it depicts. With so many movies, shows, books, and other media, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to watching Star Wars. This article will provide a guide to watching the Star Wars films and shows in order, from the original trilogy to the prequels, and the various TV series.
Follow the Machete Order
The “Machete Order” is an alternate way of viewing the Star Wars films that was first proposed by Rod Hilton in 2011. The order goes like this:
- 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 I: The Phantom Menace
Hilton argued that this order provided the most satisfying viewing experience, since it allows viewers to experience the story arcs of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader without any spoilers. According to Hilton, “By starting with Episode IV, the original film, we get introduced to Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the rest of the gang, and then get to see how their relationships develop. When we get to Episode V, we already know the characters, so the focus shifts to the plot.”
Follow the Chronological Order
The chronological order is the order in which the events of the Star Wars universe take place. This order is as follows:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
This order may provide a more detailed understanding of the events leading up to the original trilogy, but some fans argue that it takes away from the emotional impact of the story arcs. As one fan noted, “I think the chronological order takes away from the mystery and suspense of the original trilogy. It’s much more powerful if you don’t know what’s coming next.”
Follow the Release Order
The release order is the order in which the Star Wars films were released in theaters. This order is as follows:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
This order is the most traditional way of watching the Star Wars films, and is the order that most fans experienced them in when they were first released. However, some feel that this order does not do justice to the prequel trilogy, since it does not allow viewers to appreciate the full scope of Anakin Skywalker’s journey.
Watch the Movies First, Then the Shows
Most fans agree that the best way to experience the Star Wars universe is to watch the movies first, and then move on to the various TV shows. The order for the movies is as follows:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Once the movies have been watched, viewers can move on to the various TV shows, such as The Mandalorian, Clone Wars, Rebels and Resistance. These shows provide deeper insight into the characters and events of the Star Wars universe, and are essential for a complete understanding of the story.
Watch the Movies and Shows Simultaneously
For those who want to watch the movies and shows at the same time, there are several options. One option is to choose a theme or character and watch the movies and shows that relate to them. For example, a viewer could watch all the movies and shows about Obi-Wan Kenobi, or all the movies and shows about the Clone Wars. This is a great way to get a comprehensive look at a particular topic.
Another option is to watch the movies and shows as they come out. This allows viewers to experience the Star Wars universe in real time and stay up to date on the latest developments. Finally, viewers can watch the movies and shows in chronological order, which may provide a more cohesive viewing experience.
Make it a Marathon
For a truly immersive experience, viewers can gather their friends and family and make it a marathon. Start with Episode IV: A New Hope and work through all the movies and shows until you reach Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. This is a great way to spend time with your loved ones and share the joy of Star Wars.
Conclusion
No matter how you decide to watch the Star Wars movies and shows, the important thing is that you enjoy yourself. Whether you prefer the Machete Order, the Chronological Order, the Release Order, or any other order, the most important thing is that you dive into the Star Wars universe and explore its wonders.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)