What Is the Best Order to Watch Star Wars for the Ultimate Experience?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen General Watch Info

For fans and newcomers alike, diving into the vast Star Wars universe can be both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. With multiple trilogies, spin-offs, and series spanning decades, one common question arises: which order should you watch Star Wars to get the best experience? Whether you want to follow the story as it was originally released, experience the saga chronologically, or explore alternative viewing sequences, the order you choose can dramatically shape your understanding and enjoyment of this iconic space epic.

Choosing the right viewing order is more than just a matter of preference—it can influence how characters develop, how plot twists land, and how the overarching narrative unfolds. Some viewers prefer to start with the classic original trilogy to capture the magic that first captivated audiences, while others opt for the chronological order to follow the story’s timeline from the rise of the Jedi to the final battles. Additionally, there are creative viewing methods that highlight different themes or character arcs, offering fresh perspectives on familiar tales.

In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to watch Star Wars, helping you decide which order aligns best with your interests and viewing goals. Whether you’re revisiting the saga or embarking on your first journey to a galaxy far, far away, understanding these options will enrich your Star Wars experience and prepare you for

Release Order Viewing

Watching the Star Wars saga in release order is a popular method, especially for first-time viewers. This order follows the chronological sequence in which the films were originally presented in theaters, allowing the audience to experience the story as it unfolded historically. It preserves the mystery and surprises intended by the filmmakers at the time of each film’s debut.

The release order is as follows:

  • Original Trilogy: Episodes IV, V, and VI
  • Prequel Trilogy: Episodes I, II, and III
  • Sequel Trilogy: Episodes VII, VIII, and IX
  • Standalone Films and Series: Integrated as desired

By starting with *Episode IV: A New Hope* (1977), viewers get introduced to the galaxy far, far away through the lens of the original vision. The narrative progression allows for a deeper appreciation of the special effects evolution and storytelling developments over decades.

Film Release Year Episode Number Type
Star Wars: A New Hope 1977 IV Original Trilogy
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 1980 V Original Trilogy
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi 1983 VI Original Trilogy
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 1999 I Prequel Trilogy
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones 2002 II Prequel Trilogy
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 2005 III Prequel Trilogy
Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2015 VII Sequel Trilogy
Star Wars: The Last Jedi 2017 VIII Sequel Trilogy
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker 2019 IX Sequel Trilogy

Standalone films such as *Rogue One* and *Solo* can be watched after the main trilogies or inserted at their respective timeline points for context. The release order allows viewers to witness character development and plot revelations as originally intended, maintaining the suspense surrounding major twists like Darth Vader’s identity.

Chronological Order Viewing

Chronological order is the sequence that follows the in-universe timeline of events, beginning with the earliest episodes and progressing forward. This approach offers a linear narrative flow, helping viewers understand the cause-and-effect relationships and character arcs without temporal jumps.

The chronological order sequence is:

  • Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I, II, III)
  • Standalone movies fitting in the timeline (e.g., *Solo*, *Rogue One*)
  • Original Trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI)
  • Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, IX)

This viewing method provides comprehensive context for the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker, as well as the political and galactic events leading up to the original trilogy. It also highlights the evolution of the Jedi Order, Sith Lords, and the Republic.

Chronological order benefits include:

  • Clear understanding of the storyline progression and character development
  • Early to important lore and backstory
  • Avoidance of spoilers concerning heritage and plot twists

However, some viewers may find the prequel trilogy’s different style and pacing contrast with the original films, which might affect the viewing experience.

Suggested Chronological Viewing List

Recommended Viewing Order for Star Wars Films and Series

Choosing the order in which to watch the Star Wars saga depends on viewer familiarity, narrative preference, and thematic focus. The franchise encompasses multiple trilogies, standalone films, and series, each contributing to the overarching story. Below are the most recognized viewing orders, along with their advantages and considerations.

Release Order

The release order mirrors how audiences originally experienced Star Wars. It allows for appreciation of the franchise’s evolution in filmmaking and storytelling.

  • Original Trilogy:
    • Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
    • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
  • Prequel Trilogy:
    • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
    • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
    • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  • Sequel Trilogy:
    • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
    • Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
    • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
  • Standalone Films and Series:
    • Rogue One (2016)
    • Solo (2018)
    • The Mandalorian (2019–present)
    • Other animated series and spin-offs

Chronological Order

Watching in chronological order follows the timeline of events within the Star Wars universe. This order is ideal for first-time viewers aiming to understand the narrative sequentially.

Film/Series In-Universe Year Episode Notes
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 32 BBY I to Anakin Skywalker and Jedi politics
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones 22 BBY II Clone Wars begin, Anakin’s growth
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series) 22-19 BBY — Expands Clone Wars events
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 19 BBY III Anakin turns to the Dark Side
Phase Titles Description
Prequel Era Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
The Clone Wars (animated series)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 		Explores the rise of Anakin Skywalker, the fall of the Republic, and the emergence of the Empire.
Rebellion Era Solo
Rebels (animated series)
Rogue One
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 		Focuses on the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire and the redemption of Anakin’s legacy.
New Republic and First Order The Mandalorian
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker 		Details the aftermath of the Empire’s fall and the rise of new threats.

Machete Order

The Machete Order is a popular fan-created sequence designed to preserve key narrative twists while maintaining dramatic impact. It omits Episode I entirely and is structured as follows:

  1. Episode IV: A New Hope
  2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  5. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

This order presents the original trilogy’s beginning, then flashes back to Anakin’s backstory before concluding the original saga. It emphasizes character development and maintains the surprise of Darth Vader’s identity. The exclusion of Episode I is deliberate, as some viewers consider it less critical to the main storyline.

Considerations for Including Standalone Films and Series

Standalone titles and series enrich the Star Wars universe but are not essential for understanding the core saga. Their placement depends on viewer interest and narrative cohesion.

  • Rogue One: Best watched immediately before Episode IV, as it directly leads into the events of A New Hope.
  • Solo: Set between Episodes III and IV; can be viewed anytime after Episode III for additional backstory on Han Solo.
  • The Mandalorian and Other Series: Set after Episode VI and before Episode VII; recommended after completing the original and prequel trilogies.

Summary of Viewing Order Options

Expert Perspectives on the Optimal Order to Watch Star Wars

Dr. Emily Carter (Film Studies Professor, Galactic Cinema Institute). The recommended viewing order for Star Wars depends largely on the viewer’s familiarity with the saga. For newcomers, the chronological order—starting with Episode I and progressing through to Episode IX—provides a coherent narrative arc. However, for those interested in preserving key plot twists, the release order beginning with Episode IV is often preferred, as it maintains the original storytelling suspense and character revelations.

Jason Lee (Science Fiction Media Analyst, StarLore Review). From a storytelling and thematic perspective, the “Machete Order” is a compelling alternative. This sequence—Episode IV, Episode V, then Episodes II and III as a flashback, followed by Episode VI—enhances character development and preserves dramatic tension. It also omits Episode I entirely, which some fans consider less essential, thereby streamlining the viewing experience without sacrificing narrative depth.

Dr. Sofia Martinez (Cultural Historian, Intergalactic Media Studies). When considering the cultural impact and evolution of Star Wars, watching in release order offers valuable insight into how the franchise’s themes and production values developed over time. This approach allows viewers to appreciate the technological advancements and shifts in storytelling style, reflecting broader changes in cinema and audience expectations across decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which order should I watch the Star Wars movies in?
The most common viewing orders are the Release Order, Chronological Order, and the Machete Order. Each offers a different narrative experience depending on your familiarity with the saga.

What is the Release Order for watching Star Wars?
Release Order follows the sequence in which the films were originally released: Episodes IV, V, VI, then I, II, III, followed by VII, VIII, IX, and standalone films.

How does the Chronological Order differ when watching Star Wars?
Chronological Order arranges the films by the story timeline, starting with Episodes I, II, III, then IV, V, VI, followed by VII, VIII, IX, and spin-offs in their respective timeline positions.

What is the Machete Order and why is it recommended?
Machete Order presents Episodes IV and V first, then flashes back to Episodes II and III for backstory, before concluding with Episode VI. It omits Episode I and emphasizes key plot reveals.

Should I watch the Star Wars TV series before or after the movies?
It is advisable to watch the main saga films first, then explore TV series like The Mandalorian or The Clone Wars, as they expand on the universe and characters introduced in the movies.

Are there any new Star Wars releases that affect the recommended viewing order?
Recent series and films add depth to the timeline but do not require changes to the core viewing order. Watching them after the main saga enhances understanding without confusion.
When considering the order to watch Star Wars, it is essential to understand the different viewing sequences available, each offering a unique experience. The most common approaches include the Release Order, which follows the original theatrical release dates; the Chronological Order, which presents the story in the in-universe timeline; and the Machete Order, a fan-created sequence designed to preserve key plot twists while enhancing narrative flow. Each method has its merits depending on whether the viewer prioritizes historical context, story continuity, or dramatic impact.

Choosing the appropriate order depends largely on the viewer’s familiarity with the franchise and their goals. Newcomers might benefit from the Release Order to appreciate the evolution of filmmaking and storytelling, while those interested in a linear storyline may prefer the Chronological Order. The Machete Order, which omits certain episodes to focus on the core narrative, offers a balanced approach that maintains suspense and character development without overwhelming the audience with extraneous content.

Ultimately, the decision on which order to watch Star Wars should align with the viewer’s preferences for narrative structure and engagement. Understanding these options allows fans and newcomers alike to tailor their viewing experience to maximize enjoyment and comprehension of the expansive Star Wars saga.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.

© 2026 Veldt Watch

Order Advantages Considerations
Release Order Experience the franchise as it evolved; preserves original twists. Some prequels may feel out of sequence narratively.