Everyone knows the story unfolds “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” That’s common knowledge for even the newest of Star Wars fans.
But do you know where, in the galaxy of Star Wars films, to begin watching? Over 40 years after the release of the first film, one of the hottest debates of the franchise is exactly what order is the correct way to watch the movies. As someone who was born well after the original film premiered in 1977, I have both the blessing and curse of fielding the various opinions on how to watch the iconic sci-fi franchise. Years ago I started with Episode IV, because I was told that’s where one should begin. It was incredible and confusing (I have since learned that mostly everyone in the ’70s was confused, too). This time around, I resolve to do right by what is arguably the most important film franchise of modern times. So where to begin: theatrical release or episodic order?
According to George Lucas himself, you should actually not watch the films in the order in which they were released, but rather in episodic order. Lucas told Vulture, “Start with one. That’s the way to do it right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. That’s the way they’re supposed to be done. Just because it took a long time to film it doesn’t mean you don’t do it in order.” For what it’s worth, many fans believe that to get the full cultural and nostalgic experience of Star Wars, you’ve got to watch in the theatrical release order. Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul argued, “You start with the original Star Wars movie. There is no other way.”
Of course, purists say that you should stick to the original trilogy, and not even bother with the newer ones. You can always go full-on chaos and watch them in no specific order at all. Any way you slice it, now is a good time to rewatch or catch up; a new trilogy of Star Wars movies is on the horizon, with the first film reportedly slated for release in 2023. Luckily for everyone, the films are streaming on Disney+ and a selection of other streaming platforms. For any intrepid first-time viewers out there, here’s a brief guide to the cinematic galaxy.
Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
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When Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is held prisoner by the evil Imperial forces, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) must rescue her and restore freedom throughout the galaxy.
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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Set three years after the events of Episode IV, this sequel finds Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca facing attack by the Imperial forces. Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, and Luke begins Jedi training with Yoda, the Jedi master—the only one who can give him the skills to win the duel against Darth Vader and the dark side of the Force.
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
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Luke Skywalker battles Jabba the Hut and Darth Vader to rescue his comrades. Newly reunited in love, Han Solo and Princess Leia team up with Chewbacca and the team to disrupt the Dark Side and beat the evil emperor.
Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
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The first installment in the prequel trilogy finds Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) as a young Jedi knight, training with Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Luke’s father Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) as a young boy with uniquely strong, innate powers of the Force. The Jedis and young Anakin must protect Queen Padmé (Natalie Portman), fight for peace in an inter-planet trade dispute, and reckon with the return of the villainous Sith.
Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
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Set ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt made against Padmé while Anakin has a secret romance with her, and the stage is set for the Clone Wars against the evil clone troopers.
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
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Three years since the beginning of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker rescue Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) from General Grievous; Anakin is lured to the Dark Side.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
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An animated film that got largely bad reviews and led into the animated series, The Clone Wars finds Anakin and a new apprentice as they rescue Jabba the Hutt’s kidnapped son.
Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
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When the fate of the galaxy is threatened yet again, a desert scavenger named Rey teams up with Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, to join Han Solo and Chewbacca as they search for the last hope to restore peace.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
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A standalone film that is both a prequel and a spinoff, Rogue One finds Rebel spies trying to steal the plans to the Death Star.
Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
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Rey trains with Luke Skywalker, while the Resistance readies to battle the evil military dictatorship of the First Order.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
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In this standalone film set ten years before the events of Episode IV, the story follows the early adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca.
Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
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The remaining members of the Resistance face off against the First Order again, and the battle between the Jedi and the Sith comes to a head, ending the saga of Skywalker.
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