What Order Do Star Wars Go In?

The question of the “correct” order to watch the Star Wars saga is a surprisingly complex one, sparking passionate debates among fans for decades. While there’s no single definitive answer, the primary contenders fall into two distinct viewing orders: Chronological and Theatrical. Each offers a unique experience, shaping how the epic space opera unfolds and how its themes and character arcs are perceived. Understanding the nuances of each approach is key to appreciating the storytelling choices made by Lucasfilm and the lasting impact of this beloved franchise.

The Chronological Order: A Galaxy Unfolding

The chronological order, often referred to as “Story Order” or “Machete Order” (a popular variation that skips Episode I), presents the films as they happen within the Star Wars universe. This approach prioritizes a linear narrative, allowing viewers to follow the rise and fall of the Republic, the Skywalker family saga, and the ongoing conflict between the Jedi and the Sith in the order of their in-universe events.

Setting the Stage: The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III)

Starting with The Phantom Menace, this order immediately immerses the viewer in the political machinations and underlying tensions that will ultimately lead to the Galactic Empire’s formation. We witness the introduction of Anakin Skywalker, his early life, his training as a Jedi, and the burgeoning relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi. This section lays the groundwork for the tragic hero’s journey and the corruption of the Jedi Order.

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999): Introduces Jar Jar Binks, Queen Amidala, Qui-Gon Jinn, and a young Anakin Skywalker. It establishes the Trade Federation’s blockade of Naboo and the reemergence of the Sith.
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002): Continues Anakin’s journey as he grapples with forbidden love for Padmé Amidala and demonstrates his growing power, foreshadowing his eventual turn. The Clone Wars begin, a pivotal event that will redefine the galaxy.
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005): This film represents the dramatic climax of the prequel era. We witness Palpatine’s masterful manipulation of Anakin, the fall of the Jedi Order during Order 66, and the birth of Darth Vader. The transition from the Galactic Republic to the tyrannical Galactic Empire is complete.

The Original Trilogy: The Birth of a Legend (Episodes IV-VI)

Following the prequels, the chronological order then transitions to the films that started it all. This allows the viewer to see the direct consequences of the events in the prequel trilogy unfold. The seeds of rebellion planted in Revenge of the Sith have now blossomed into a full-scale war against the Empire.

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977): Introduces Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. This is the introduction to the classic Star Wars narrative: a farm boy discovering his destiny as a Jedi and joining the Rebel Alliance to fight the Empire.
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Continues Luke’s Jedi training under Yoda and introduces the iconic “I am your father” revelation, a seismic shock to Luke’s understanding of his lineage. The Rebel Alliance suffers a devastating blow.
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983): Concludes the original trilogy with the final confrontation between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor. The Rebel Alliance launches a decisive attack, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

The Sequel Trilogy: A New Generation (Episodes VII-IX)

The chronological order concludes with the most recent installments, focusing on a new generation of heroes battling the remnants of the Empire in the form of the First Order. This allows the thematic threads of legacy, hope, and the ongoing struggle between light and dark to be fully explored across the entire nine-film saga.

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015): Introduces Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and BB-8, who join forces with returning heroes to combat the First Order. It echoes the themes of the original trilogy while setting up new conflicts and mysteries.
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017): Continues Rey’s journey as she seeks training from a disillusioned Luke Skywalker. The film delves deeper into the complexities of the Force and the nature of heroism, challenging established notions.
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019): Provides closure to the Skywalker saga, bringing together the new heroes and beloved original characters for a final stand against the resurgent Emperor Palpatine and the First Order.

Pros of Chronological Order:

• Narrative Cohesion: Follows the “story” of the galaxy as it unfolds.
• Character Development: Tracks Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader seamlessly.
• Thematic Continuity: Allows for a direct appreciation of how past events directly influence future ones.

Cons of Chronological Order:

• Spoilers for the Original Trilogy: The prequels reveal key plot points that are meant to be surprises in the original films (e.g., Anakin’s identity).
• Pacing Issues: The tonal shift between the prequels and the original trilogy can be jarring for some viewers.

The Theatrical Order: The Original Experience

The theatrical order, also known as the release order, presents the Star Wars films as they were originally released in theaters. This is how the vast majority of fans first experienced the saga, and for many, it remains the preferred way to watch. This order prioritizes the original intended viewing experience, preserving the twists and turns as they were revealed to audiences in real-time.

The Dawn of a Phenomenon: The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI)

The journey begins with the groundbreaking films that introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away. This order allows viewers to experience the initial wonder and shock of encountering the Force, the Jedi, the Empire, and the Rebel Alliance without prior knowledge of what was to come.

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977): The film that started it all. The audience is introduced to the core heroes and the central conflict, experiencing the magic of Luke’s discovery and the daring rescue of Princess Leia.
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980): This sequel builds upon the foundation of A New Hope, delivering darker themes and the iconic “I am your father” reveal, which was a genuine shock to audiences at the time.
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983): Concludes the original trilogy, resolving the immediate conflict and providing a satisfying, albeit debated, conclusion to the Luke Skywalker story.

Expanding the Saga: The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III)

Following the original trilogy, the theatrical order then introduces the prequel films. This allows the audience to see the events that led to the Empire’s rise with the benefit of knowing where the story ultimately leads. The tragic elements of Anakin’s fall are amplified by this context.

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999): The first prequel film, introducing the characters and political landscape of the galaxy before the Empire. While sometimes criticized for its pacing, it sets the stage for the eventual downfall.
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002): Continues the story of Anakin Skywalker’s youth and his burgeoning relationship with Padmé, while also revealing the beginnings of the Clone Wars.
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005): The emotional and dramatic culmination of the prequel trilogy, depicting Anakin’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader and the systematic destruction of the Jedi Order.

The Continuation: The Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII-IX)

Finally, the theatrical order concludes with the most recent trilogy, which continues the narrative decades after the events of Return of the Jedi. This allows for the introduction of new characters and conflicts within the established framework of the Star Wars universe.

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015): Reintroduces the galaxy with familiar faces and new heroes, set against the backdrop of the First Order’s rise.
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017): Explores the aftermath of The Force Awakens, delving into the struggles of the Resistance and the complexities of the Force.
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019): Serves as the final chapter of the nine-film Skywalker saga, bringing together past and present for a climactic conclusion.

Pros of Theatrical Order:

• Preserves Original Twists: The iconic reveals, particularly in The Empire Strikes Back, remain impactful.
• Discovering the Lore: Allows viewers to discover the backstory as the filmmakers intended.
• Nostalgia Factor: For many, this is how they first fell in love with Star Wars.

Cons of Theatrical Order:

• Anakin’s Identity: The prequels retroactively explain Darth Vader’s origin, which can diminish the surprise of the original reveal.
• Character Arcs: Some argue that seeing Anakin’s fall before his rise as Vader makes his initial depiction as a child harder to reconcile with his later villainy.

Beyond the Core Nine: The Expanded Universe and Beyond

While the nine main saga films form the core of the Star Wars narrative, the universe extends far beyond these core episodes. The concept of “canon” has evolved significantly, especially with the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for a complete picture of how to approach a Star Wars marathon.

The Original Canon (Legends)

Before Disney’s acquisition, the Expanded Universe (now known as “Legends”) comprised a vast array of novels, comic books, video games, and television series that continued the story of Star Wars after Return of the Jedi. This material offered numerous continuations of the Skywalker saga and introduced a wealth of new characters, planets, and lore. While no longer considered official canon, the Legends material remains a significant part of Star Wars history and is still enjoyed by many fans.

The New Canon

Following the acquisition by Disney in 2012, Lucasfilm declared that only the six original saga films and the animated film The Clone Wars were part of the new canon. Subsequently, all new material released under Disney—including the sequel trilogy, standalone films like Rogue One and Solo, new animated series like Rebels and The Bad Batch, and a multitude of books and comics—is part of this official new canon. This has created a more streamlined and consistent narrative universe.

Standalone Films and Series

The standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story, offer unique perspectives on the galaxy. Rogue One directly precedes A New Hope, detailing how the Rebel Alliance obtained the Death Star plans. Solo explores the early adventures of Han Solo. These films can be watched either chronologically within the broader Star Wars timeline or inserted into the theatrical order based on their story’s placement. Animated series like The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels bridge the gap between the prequel and original trilogies, offering crucial character development and plot points that enrich the overall narrative.

The “Machete Order” and Other Hybrid Approaches

Frustrated by perceived flaws in the chronological order and seeking to preserve some of the original trilogy’s impact, some fans have devised hybrid viewing orders. The most famous of these is the “Machete Order.”

The Machete Order

The Machete Order, pioneered by blogger Rod L. Evans, omits Episode I: The Phantom Menace entirely, arguing that it’s the weakest film and detracts from Anakin’s arc. The order is as follows:

1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
5. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
6. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
7. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
8. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The rationale behind this order is to introduce Luke Skywalker’s story first, then use the prequels as a flashback to reveal the tragic backstory of Darth Vader, culminating in Luke’s redemption in Return of the Jedi. It aims to preserve the “I am your father” reveal while still providing the context of Anakin’s fall.

Other Hybrid Variations

Beyond the Machete Order, numerous other fan-created viewing orders exist. Some might choose to watch The Clone Wars animated series after Episode II and before Episode III to gain a deeper understanding of the Clone Wars and Anakin’s descent. Others might insert Rogue One just before A New Hope to provide a direct lead-in. These variations highlight the flexibility of the Star Wars narrative and the personal connections fans forge with the saga.

Ultimately, the “best” order to watch Star Wars is subjective and depends on individual preferences and what one hopes to gain from the experience. Whether you prioritize narrative progression, the original cinematic magic, or a blend of both, the Star Wars universe offers a compelling journey through a galaxy far, far away, ripe for exploration in any order you choose.