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Star Wars is one of the most popular and influential film franchises of all time. Many fans want to experience the epic space opera by watching the Star Wars movies in the best viewing order. However, with over 10 films and spin-offs, it can get confusing to figure out the proper chronology. This article provides multiple options for how to watch the Star Wars saga in order for new fans and veterans alike.
The Main Skywalker Saga Films
The original Star Wars trilogy released between 1977 and 1983 introduces us to Luke Skywalker and his heroic journey as a Jedi Knight alongside friends like Princess Leia and Han Solo. The prequel trilogy released between 1999 and 2005 then goes back to show how Luke’s father Anakin became the villain Darth Vader.
Fans can also experience the Star Wars universe through unblocked star wars games,that let them control favorite characters and vehicles. Finally, the sequel trilogy released between 2015 and 2019 wraps up the Skywalker saga as a new heroine Rey confronts the remnants of the evil Empire.
Together these three trilogies spanning over 40 years tell one epic story across three generations of the Skywalker family. That’s why for newcomers to the saga, watching the films in their release order allows the full story to unfold chronologically.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The film that started it all. This groundbreaking movie introduced beloved characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. It chronicles Luke’s beginnings as a Jedi knight as he gets swept up into the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the evil Galactic Empire. A New Hope earned 6 Oscars and changed sci-fi cinema forever, inspiring generations of fans and creators of escaping games unblocked.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Considered by many to be the best Star Wars film. It continues Luke’s Jedi training under Yoda while Han and Leia’s romance blossoms. The dark middle chapter ends on a cliffhanger with an iconic reveal that still shocks new viewers today.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Luke and the Rebels attempt to rescue Han from Jabba the Hutt and defeat the Empire once and for all. It introduces the furry Ewoks and sees Luke confront Vader and the Emperor in an epic lightsaber duel. An emotional conclusion to the original trilogy.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The first installment in the prequel trilogy goes back to chronicle Anakin Skywalker’s early life. It shows Obi-Wan Kenobi becoming a Jedi mentor to the young Anakin as they combat the mysterious return of the Sith. While Jar Jar Binks is annoying, Darth Maul and the pod race scene are spectacular.
Star Wars: Episode Ii – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Set 10 years later, a now teenage Anakin reunites with Padme Amidala as the Republic slides towards war with the Separatists. The film shows Anakin’s forbidden romance with Padme amidst political turmoil and Count Dooku’s turn to the dark side.
Star Wars: Episode Iii – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
The epic prequel trilogy concludes with Anakin’s transformation into the fearsome Sith Lord Darth Vader. After joining the dark side to save Padme, heartbroken Obi-Wan battles his former apprentice in an emotional showdown on volcanic Mustafar. A tragedy-filled end to the fall of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Episode Vii – The Force Awakens (2015)
The first chapter in the sequel trilogy jumps forward 30 years. Scavenger Rey discovers her Force powers after meeting veteran Han Solo and defective stormtrooper Finn. They join the Resistance against Kylo Ren and the First Order, revealed as the remnants of the old Empire.
Star Wars: Episode Viii – The Last Jedi (2017)
Under Luke Skywalker’s reluctant tutelage, Rey grows stronger in the Force and begins to learn the ways of the Jedi. Meanwhile, the First Order reignites war with the Resistance as Kylo Ren confronts his inner conflict. A mature middle chapter that took bold risks.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Skywalker saga comes to an end as Rey faces Kylo Ren and the return of Emperor Palpatine. With the help of old allies, Rey fulfills her destiny as the next generation of Jedi Knights rises up to take on the First Order. An epic, nostalgia-filled conclusion.
The Anthology Films
In addition to the core episodes, there are standalone anthology films that expand the Star Wars mythology and backstories:
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – Set before A New Hope, it shows how the Death Star plans were stolen which led to the first film. Grittier in tone with all new characters.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – An origin story of a young Han Solo and his early adventures with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. Fun backstory with a space western vibe.
These films can be watched anytime after finishing the original and prequel trilogies, as they are more self-contained stories. Release order again works well.
The TV Shows
There are also several acclaimed Star Wars TV shows which tie into the movies:
The Mandalorian (2019 – Present) – Follows a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter beyond the reaches of the New Republic. Set after Return of the Jedi.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021 – Present) – Focuses on Boba Fett taking over Jabba the Hutt’s criminal empire on Tatooine. A direct spin-off from The Mandalorian.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 – Present) – Follows Obi-Wan during his exile on Tatooine watching over young Luke Skywalker. Set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
For maximum impact, watch The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett after the original trilogy, and Obi-Wan Kenobi after the prequel trilogy. More shows like Ahsoka are on the way.
The Ideal Star Wars Viewing Order For New Fans
So in summary, here is the ideal way to experience the saga for the first time:
A New Hope
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones
Revenge of the Sith
The Force Awakens
The Last Jedi
The Rise of Skywalker
Rogue One
Solo
The Mandalorian
The Book of Boba Fett
Obi-Wan Kenobi
This preserves the dramatic surprises, nostalgia, and story arcs the best for new viewers. Of course, this is just a suggestion – the beauty of Star Wars is that fans can enjoy the saga in any order they like.
May the Force be with you on your Star Wars marathon! With captivating stories about good vs evil, family, and redemption, this epic franchise contains timeless movies sure to delight all.
Conclusion
With so many options, there is no definitively “right” way to experience the Star Wars saga. Release order works best for first-time viewers. Chronological order helps the story make more sense but loses some drama. Machete Order skips a prequel but maintains narrative surprises.
Ultimately the best approach depends on personal preference. Whichever viewing sequence you choose, the iconic Star Wars films are sure to take fans young and old on an epic and emotional journey through a galaxy far, far away. With captivating adventures of Jedi Knights, rebel heroes, and menacing villains with the Force, Star Wars delivers an unmatched space fantasy spanning generations.
