The Correct Watch Order for Star Wars Movies
So, you’ve decided to dive into the Star Wars Universe – lightsabers, epic space battles, and the occasional joke. Good choice! But before you sit down on the couch and start humming the Star Wars theme (you know the one), you consider the age-old question: What’s the right way to watch these iconic movies?
You’ve probably heard all sorts of opinions. “Start with Episode I,” some will say, because apparently, we’re all supposed to forget the biggest plot twist in movie history. Others might nudge you toward the so-called “Machete Order,” which skips The Phantom Menace entirely. Which I think it is a sin to skip over the Duel of Fates, but that is for an entirely different blog post. But if you really want to experience Star Wars the way it was meant to be—filled with suspense, awe, and that sweet nostalgia—there’s only one correct answer: release order.
Why does it matter to watch it in release order?
Watching in release order is about feeling the journey the way world felt it — experiencing the plot twists, the evolving visuals, and the dramatic stakes exactly how they were revealed to the world.
Release Order:
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
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Why Release Order Is the Best Approach
Preserving the Big Twists
Imagine watching The Empire Strikes Back for the first time and hearing Darth Vader say, “No, I am your father.” But guess what? If you’ve already seen the prequels first, the shock factor is completely gone. Of course, if you are reading this then that shock factor is gone too! Watching in release order lets you experience this and other twists the way they were intended.
Understanding the Storytelling Evolution
The Star Wars saga wasn’t born as a pre-planned nine-part epic. George Lucas started with one movie (A New Hope), hoping it would succeed. As the series grew, so did its scope, technology, and storytelling complexity. Watching in release order gives you a front-row seat to this evolution, from the groundbreaking practical effects of the original trilogy to the CGI spectacle of the prequels and the modern polish of the sequels. Star Wars has it all. Just don’t pay attention to the floating pears in Episode II.
The Release Order of the Star Wars Movies
The Original Trilogy (1977-1983)
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
This is where it all began. You’re introduced to Luke, Leia, Han, and Darth Vader in a space adventure that changed everything. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for anyone new to the series. Plus, who doesn’t love the OG Death Star explosion?
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Widely considered the best Star Wars movie (and one of the best movies of all time), this sequel delivers one of cinema’s most iconic plot twists, and leaves you desperate for more.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The epic conclusion of the original trilogy. Ewoks, lightsaber battles, and the redemption of Darth Vader — what’s not to love?
The Prequels (1999-2005)
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Love it or hate it, the prequels kicks off with podracing, a young Anakin Skywalker, and… Jar Jar Binks (my second favorite part of Ep 1). Plus, we get the famous Duel of Fates lightsaber battle with Darth Maul’s iconic dual-bladed lightsaber.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Politics, forbidden (and cringy) love, and the rise of the CGI Clone Army. Oh, and don’t forget that awesome arena battle with the Jedi coming to save the day and waging war on Geonosis.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Watch as Anakin’s descent into darkness unfolds, leading to the rise of Darth Vader and the Empire, in what is easily the best movie of the prequels.
The Sequel Trilogy (2015-2019)
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
A great start to the sequels, in my opinion. We are hit with new lovable characters (and some old ones) in what is the best movie of the sequels
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
I don’t think you will come across a more controversial and divisive film in the Star Wars universe than this one. You’ll have to watch it to decide where you stand on it.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
I think this was a good comeback attempt from the disaster of episode VIII, but they really needed to think of a new main antagonist.
What you might be noticing is the absence of the standalone films from the list. I whole-heartedly believe those films can be watched whenever you want to watch them. They are both great movies and deserved to be watched.
Standalone Films (Optional Add-Ons)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A gritty prequel to A New Hope that’ll have you cheering (and crying) for the unsung heroes of the Rebel Alliance.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Want to know how Han met Chewie and got the Millennium Falcon? This one’s for you!
Tips for Watching in Release Order
Managing Expectations for Visual Effects
Start with the originals and work your way forward. Yes, the effects in A New Hope are dated, and I would love to tell you they are good and charming, but they’re not. For their time, it was great. By the time you reach the sequels, the visuals will blow your mind. This does bring me to a point I haven’t mentioned yet, watching in release order goes ahead and gets the outdated visuals out of the way so that you can enjoy the other films.
Understanding References and Easter Eggs
Pay attention to recurring themes, characters, and callbacks. Watching in release order means you’ll catch all the clever nods and easter eggs sprinkled throughout the saga.
Viewing Recommendation
Take your time. Watch one trilogy at a time, maybe over a couple of weekends. Give yourself a moment to soak in each era before moving on to the next. Or. Go crazy and binge watch the entire series over a weekend!
Watching Star Wars in release order isn’t just about following a timeline—it’s about experiencing the saga the way it was unveiled to the world. The big reveals land with full impact, the storytelling evolution makes sense, and the cultural journey feels real. It’s the way fans first fell in love with Star Wars, and I believe it remains the best way to introduce new viewers to this legendary galaxy.
Of course, every fan has their preferred way to watch. Maybe you have a unique order that works for you. But if you want to see Star Wars the way it was meant to be seen, release order is the way to go. So, what’s your take? Do you swear by release order, or do you have a different favorite? Let me know in the comments!