This guide explores the best ways to watch Star Wars movies and TV shows in order. Star Wars has always been unique in its storytelling, often presented out of sequence. George Lucas started this trend by naming the first Star Wars movie “Episode IV,” hinting that audiences were entering the story midway. After completing the original trilogy, Lucas returned years later to create the prequels. This out-of-sequence narrative has continued across Star Wars movies and TV shows, making it a fascinating challenge to decide on the ideal viewing order.
Here’s how to watch Star Wars in the best ways possible, whether by release date, chronological order, or a creative combination of both.
How to Watch Star Wars Movies in Release Order
The simplest way to experience Star Wars is by release order. This approach aligns with how fans initially saw the story unfold, starting with the original trilogy, then moving to the prequels, and finally, the sequel trilogy.
Release Order of Star Wars Movies
| Movie Title | Year of Release |
|---|---|
| Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) | 1977 |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 |
| Return of the Jedi | 1983 |
| Episode I: The Phantom Menace | 1999 |
| Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 2002 |
| Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 2005 |
| The Force Awakens | 2015 |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 |
| The Last Jedi | 2017 |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 |
Pros
- Preserves the original trilogy’s surprises, making it great for first-time viewers.
- Simple and easy to follow.
Cons
- The timeline jumps back and forth, disrupting chronological flow.
- The prequels and sequels don’t seamlessly connect.
How to Watch Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to follow the Star Wars timeline, watching in chronological order is another option. This approach begins with the prequels, then moves to the original trilogy, and concludes with the sequels.
Chronological Order of Star Wars Movies
| Movie Title | Timeline (BBY/ABY)* |
|---|---|
| Episode I: The Phantom Menace | 32 BBY |
| Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 22 BBY |
| Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 19 BBY |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 13–10 BBY |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 0 BBY |
| Episode IV: A New Hope | 0 BBY |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 3 ABY |
| Return of the Jedi | 4 ABY |
| The Force Awakens | 34 ABY |
| The Last Jedi | 34 ABY |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 35 ABY |
(*BBY = Before the Battle of Yavin, ABY = After the Battle of Yavin)
Pros
- Offers a clear timeline of events, showcasing character growth and story progression.
- Adds emotional depth by connecting prequels to the original trilogy.
Cons
- Major twists in the original trilogy are spoiled by the prequels.
The Machete Order: A Creative Viewing Experience
For a unique approach, the “Machete Order” rearranges the movies to preserve twists and enhance the story. This order skips The Phantom Menace, begins with The Empire Strikes Back, and uses flashbacks to explain Darth Vader’s backstory.
Our Suggested Machete Order (Including All Movies)
| Movie Title | Year of Release |
|---|---|
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 |
| Episode IV: A New Hope | 1977 |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 |
| Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 2002 |
| Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 2005 |
| Return of the Jedi | 1983 |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 |
| The Force Awakens | 2015 |
| The Last Jedi | 2017 |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 |
Pros
- Maintains most original trilogy surprises while enriching the backstory.
- Aligns well with George Lucas’ poetic storytelling approach.
Cons
- Slows down the momentum after The Empire Strikes Back.
- The placement of Solo can feel out of sync.
How to Include Star Wars TV Shows
Disney’s Star Wars TV shows have expanded the universe, offering new stories and characters. Adding these to your viewing order can deepen your understanding of the galaxy.
Release Order of Star Wars TV Shows
| TV Show | Year of Release |
|---|---|
| The Clone Wars (Movie) | 2008 |
| The Clone Wars (Seasons 1–7) | 2008–2020 |
| Rebels (Seasons 1–4) | 2014–2018 |
| Resistance (Seasons 1–2) | 2018–2020 |
| The Mandalorian (Seasons 1–3) | 2019–2023 |
| The Bad Batch (Seasons 1–3) | 2021–2024 |
| The Book of Boba Fett | 2021 |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | 2022 |
| Andor | 2022–2024 |
| Ahsoka | 2023 |
| Young Jedi Adventures | 2023–2024 |
| The Acolyte | 2024 |
Chronological Order of Star Wars TV Shows
| TV Show | Timeline (BBY/ABY) |
|---|---|
| Young Jedi Adventures | 200 BBY |
| The Acolyte | 132 BBY |
| Tales of the Jedi (Eps 1–3) | 68–32 BBY |
| The Clone Wars | 22–19 BBY |
| Rebels | 6–0 BBY |
| Andor | 5 BBY |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | 9 BBY |
| The Mandalorian/The Book of Boba Fett | 9 ABY |
| Resistance | 34–35 ABY |
Pros
- Deepens the understanding of events and characters.
- Expands the Star Wars universe beyond the movies.
Cons
- Watching everything chronologically can be time-consuming.
- Some TV shows, like The Clone Wars, have episodes out of order.
Final Thoughts
The Star Wars saga offers multiple ways to watch, depending on your preferences. Whether you choose release order for simplicity, chronological order for a seamless timeline, or a creative mix for storytelling impact, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this iconic franchise.
Lucasfilm’s expanding universe ensures the Star Wars story will continue to grow, with new movies and shows adding to its legacy. Whichever order you choose, you’re in for an epic journey through a galaxy far, far away.
