It has been a remarkable 13 years since Disney made a groundbreaking decision to purchase the Star Wars franchise from creator George Lucas for a staggering multi-billion-dollar sum. This monumental deal marked the beginning of an expansive journey into a galaxy far, far away, resulting in the release of five theatrical films and an impressive total of 13 television shows that enhance and explore the Star Wars universe. As a result, the franchise has become one of the most intricate and densely woven narratives in contemporary entertainment.

For even the most dedicated Star Wars enthusiasts, determining the optimal viewing order can be a daunting task. Newcomers to the franchise may find themselves particularly overwhelmed, as they are still grappling with the basic concepts, such as distinguishing between a Jedi Master and a moisture farmer. With the recent announcement of the upcoming Starfighter featuring Ryan Gosling, alongside the highly rated Season 2 of Andor, excitement surrounding Star Wars is once again at an all-time high. Therefore, for those wishing to revisit or explore the Star Wars saga, we present a comprehensive guide to help navigate the best viewing experiences.

Despite some purists expressing discontent with the direction Disney has taken the iconic sci-fi series, the House of Mouse has made binge-watching Star Wars more accessible than ever before. With very few exceptions, virtually every movie and television spin-off is available for viewing through the popular streaming service, Disney Plus. This makes it easier for both long-time fans and new viewers to dive into the expansive lore of the franchise.

So, what is the best way to watch Star Wars? Should you follow the chronological order of events, the order in which the movies and shows were originally released, or perhaps there is another unique way to experience the saga? Lets explore the various options.

Star Wars in Chronological Order

If you prefer to experience the story as it unfolds within the universe, watching the saga in chronological order is the way to go. This method allows viewers to follow Anakin Skywalkers tragic rise and Reys eventual journey, providing a linear perspective on the evolution of characters and the political landscape of the galaxy. This order is also reflective of George Lucass original storytelling intent.

However, its essential to note that this viewing method can inadvertently spoil several key plot twists, including one of the most iconic revelations in cinematic history. Additionally, the inconsistent quality of some of the later entries, particularly the prequel movies, could pose a challenge for new viewers, potentially detracting from their enjoyment of the franchise.

The chronological watch order is as follows:

  • The Acolyte (2024 TV show)
  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 movie)
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 animated TV show)
  • Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022 animated TV show)
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  • Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024 animated TV show)
  • The Bad Batch (2021 animated TV show)
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 TV show)
  • Andor (2022 TV show)
  • Star Wars Rebels (2014 TV show)
  • 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)
  • The Mandalorian (2019 TV show)
  • The Book of Boba Fett (2021 TV show)
  • Ahsoka (2023 TV show)
  • Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024 TV show)
  • Star Wars Resistance (2018 animated TV show)
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
  • Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Star Wars in Release Order

Alternatively, many fans argue that the release order of the films and shows offers the most authentic experience. This approach allows viewers to appreciate the narrative surprises and character developments as they were originally presented to audiences, preserving the initial impact of each film. Moreover, it highlights the technological and cinematic advancements that have occurred throughout the Star Wars saga, from the practical effects of the original trilogy to the groundbreaking CGI introduced in the prequels.

This viewing method is particularly engaging for newcomers, as it not only helps them understand the development of the series but also allows long-time fans to reminisce about the magic of their first viewing experiences. The release order is as follows:

  • 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)
  • The Clone Wars (2008 - movie and TV series)
  • Star Wars Rebels (2014)
  • 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)
  • Star Wars Resistance (2018)
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
  • The Mandalorian (2019)
  • The Bad Batch (2021)
  • The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
  • Andor (2022)
  • Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
  • Ahsoka (2023)
  • Star Wars: Tales of the Empire
  • Skeleton Crew (2024)

The Machete Order

For those looking for a non-traditional approach, the Machete Order offers a unique viewing experience. First proposed by movie enthusiast Rod Hilton in 2011, this order preserves the narrative twists of the original trilogy while controversially omitting The Phantom Menace altogether. According to Hilton, this sequence emphasizes the continuity of the Skywalker saga while bypassing what many fans consider one of the weakest entries.

The Machete Order is as follows:

  • Episode IV: A New Hope
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
  • Sequel trilogy and spinoffs as desired

Exploring Non-Canonical Content

Given the extensive nature of the Star Wars universe, its worth noting that many non-essential spin-off shows, particularly animated Lego tie-ins and mashups featuring The Simpsons, are available but not considered critical viewing. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, several projects were reclassified as non-canonical and now fall under a "Legends" banner. Among these are the mid-1980s animated series Star Wars: Droids and Ewoks, along with two Ewok-centric TV movies that sought to capitalize on the franchise's cutesy appeal.

One notable absence from Disney Plus is the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, which originally aired on CBS in 1978. This low-budget spectacle features Chewbacca's family and a series of bizarre musical numbers, and has since garnered a cult following despite attempts by George Lucas to suppress it. Though never officially re-aired, it can now be found in various fan-upscaled formats online.

For purists wishing to experience the original theatrical versions of the trilogy, fan projects like Harmy's Despecialized Editions and Team Negative1's 4K77, 4K80, and 4K83 fan-made 4K scans are available through fan communities, albeit outside official channels.

Ultimately, whichever route you choose to embark upon in your journey through the Star Wars galaxy, may the Force be with you!