Does the Order of Watching Star Wars Movies Matter?

The Star Wars universe is vast, spanning multiple trilogies, standalone films, TV shows, books, comics, and video games. With such an expansive narrative landscape, the question of how to approach watching or consuming this beloved franchise becomes increasingly complex. Each entry in the saga, whether it’s a film, TV show, or game, adds layers to the overarching story of the Jedi, the Sith, and the galaxy far, far away.

At the heart of the discussion lies the issue of viewing order. For many fans, the order in which the Star Wars movies are watched is of paramount importance. Should they be viewed in the order of their release, starting with the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), then moving on to the prequels (Episodes I-III), and finally the sequels (Episodes VII-IX)? Or perhaps it’s better to follow the chronological order of events within the Star Wars universe, starting with the prequels and ending with the sequels? Some even suggest alternative viewing orders that intersperse the films in a way that enhances the narrative flow or reveals hidden connections between them.

One of the most popular alternate viewing orders is the “Machete Order,” which suggests watching the original trilogy first (Episodes IV-VI), followed by the prequels (Episodes I-III), with Episode II omitted entirely. This order aims to preserve the surprise revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity in The Empire Strikes Back while providing context for Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side in Revenge of the Sith. However, even within the realm of alternative viewing orders, there is no consensus, with some fans preferring different variations or combinations.

Complicating matters further are the inclusion of TV shows, such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and video games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and the Battlefront series. These additional mediums offer valuable insights into characters, events, and lore that complement the films. Some argue that these supplementary materials should be considered essential parts of the viewing experience, enriching the story and deepening one’s understanding of the Star Wars universe. Others contend that the core films should be the primary focus, with the extended universe serving as optional enrichment.

Moreover, the recent expansion of the Star Wars canon through novels, comics, and spin-off series like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi adds another layer of complexity. While these stories may not be essential viewing for casual fans, they contribute to the richness and depth of the Star Wars mythos, offering new perspectives and expanding upon familiar characters and events.

Ultimately, the “correct” viewing order is subjective and largely depends on individual preferences and priorities. For newcomers to the franchise, starting with the original trilogy offers a classic introduction to the Star Wars universe, while seasoned fans may appreciate exploring different viewing orders to uncover fresh insights and perspectives. Regardless of the approach taken, what truly matters is the shared experience of immersing oneself in the timeless saga of Star Wars, where heroes rise, villains fall, and the Force binds the galaxy together.

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Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Saw Gerrera, Director Krennic