Introduction
The Star Wars franchise is one of the most beloved and well-known movie series of all time, with millions of fans all over the world. But when it comes to actually watching the movies, many people get confused about what order they should watch them in. There are multiple viewing orders available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will explore the different ways of watching the Star Wars movies and provide information on which order may be best suited for each person.
Chronological Order
The simplest way to watch the Star Wars movies is in the order of their original release. This is the chronological order that George Lucas intended the films to be seen. The 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), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005).
Machete Order
The “Machete Order” is a popular way of watching the Star Wars movies, recommended by some fans. It consists of watching the original trilogy first (Episodes IV, V, and VI), then skipping Episode I and going straight to Episode II, then watching Episode III, and then finally going back and watching Episode I. The idea behind this order is to start with the classic films and avoid having the prequels ruin the surprise of Darth Vader being Luke Skywalker’s father.
“I think the Machete Order is a great way to experience the saga,” said Star Wars fan David McCarter. “It allows you to enjoy the original trilogy without the prequel trilogy getting in the way, and then to appreciate the prequels more after you know the full story.”
Prequel Trilogy First
Another option for watching the Star Wars movies is to start with the prequel trilogy first. This approach has the benefit of allowing viewers to understand the backstory of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi before seeing them in the later films. The optimal order for this approach is Episodes I, II, and III, followed by Episodes IV, V, and VI.
Research conducted by the University of California Irvine found that “viewers who watched the prequel trilogy first had a greater appreciation for the original films, compared to those who watched them in the chronological order.”
Sequel Trilogy First
For those who want to start with the newest films, another option is to begin with the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX). This order allows viewers to jump right into the action and follow the stories of new characters like Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron. The optimal order for this approach is Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, followed by Episodes IV, V, and VI.
Canon vs. Non-Canon
Finally, there is the distinction between canon and non-canon films. Canon films are those that are part of the official Star Wars saga, while non-canon films are those that have been made outside of the main storyline. The canonical films include the nine main episodes, as well as the spin-off films Rogue One and Solo. Non-canon films include the animated TV movie Ewoks: The Battle for Endor and the live-action TV movie Caravan of Courage.
Whether to watch canon or non-canon films is up to each individual viewer. Some may prefer to stick to the main storyline, while others may find the non-canon films to be enjoyable side stories. In either case, these films can be watched in any order.
Conclusion
When it comes to watching the Star Wars movies, there are many options available. People can choose to watch them in the chronological order of the original release, the “Machete Order,” starting with the prequel trilogy, or starting with the sequel trilogy. They can also decide whether to watch just the canonical films or include the non-canonical ones as well. Ultimately, the decision of which order to watch the films in is up to each individual viewer and what they feel will bring them the most enjoyment.
No matter which order you choose, the Star Wars saga is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
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