The Star Wars movies are unquestionably one of the most adored and legendary film series ever created. With an overwhelming number of movies, accompanying shows, and spin-off productions released over the years, determining the correct viewing order can be a daunting task for both seasoned and new fans. Although there are different viewpoints on the right way to watch Star Wars movies, following the correct order can enrich your viewing experience and provide a more profound comprehension of the story.

In this article, you’ll learn the various methods to watch Star Wars movies in the correct order and gain an understanding of why it matters. However, keep in mind that a fast and dependable internet connection, like the one offered by HughesNet internet, is necessary to fully enjoy streaming Star Wars movies without any interruptions. So, let’s get ready to explore the vast and exciting Star Wars universe by grabbing your lightsaber and jumping right in!

Theatrical Release Order

The simplest approach to watching Star Wars movies is to follow the order of their release. This is the order in which the filmmakers intended the audience to view them. So, if you opt for this order, your movie marathon should follow the sequence listed below:

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Episode VI: 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)
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Watching the Star Wars movies in the order they were released offers a chance for audiences to witness the franchise’s progress over time and appreciate it in its intended form. However, there are fans who argue that this order could cause confusion for newcomers due to its non-linear structure, starting with the middle of the overarching story and then subsequently going back to the beginning.

Chronological Order

Another way to watch the Star Wars movies is the chronological order, which follows the movies in the order of their occurrence in the series’ timeframe. This implies that the prequel trilogy is watched initially, followed by the original trilogy, and eventually, the sequel trilogy. In this order, viewers can observe the evolution of the story and characters across the different eras of the Star Wars universe. So, here’s the proposed order for watching Star Wars chronologically:

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

By following this order, you will be able to witness the events of the Star Wars universe in a linear approach. This will let you gain a deeper understanding of the primary plot, themes, and character development. While it’s true that this order may not offer the same level of surprise and intrigue as the original trilogy’s intended viewing order, it can still be a satisfying way to experience the movies in their chronological order.

Machete Order

The Machete Order is a unique way of watching the Star Wars movies that was popularized by blogger Rod Hilton. This order involves watching the movies in a specific sequence that emphasizes the story’s main themes while also preserving the original trilogy’s major plot twist. So, if you’re following Machete Order, here’s the recommended viewing sequence for the Star Wars movies:

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

The Machete Order suggests skipping The Phantom Menace, the first prequel film, as it is deemed unnecessary to comprehend the overall story. In exchange, the movie sequence begins with the title A New Hope and is followed by The Empire Strikes Back, which concludes with a suspenseful ending. The prequels are then watched as a flashback to provide background information, leading to the thrilling conclusion of the original trilogy with Return of the Jedi. This order prioritizes critical story elements while retaining the original trilogy’s dramatic impact.

The Star Wars franchise provides a rich and immersive storytelling experience that can be viewed in various sequences. Each sequence offers a different perspective on the Star Wars universe, making it important to choose the appropriate viewing order based on your personal preferences and desired outcome. Whether you opt for the release order, chronological order, or the Machete Order, the decision is entirely up to you.