What order should you watch all the Star Wars films and shows?

Maggie Tillman, Contributing editor � 11 December 2020

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
- May the Force be with you!
Facebook Twitter Pintrest LinkedIn Mail
Why you can trust Pocket-lint
(Pocket-lint) - The second season of the Disney+ hit The Mandalorian has premiered,
so now is the perfect time to catch up on the Star Wars Universe.

The events of The Mandalorian take place five years after Return of the Jedi,
placing the hit show near the middle of the rest of the Star Wars timeline, which
consists of 11 other feature films. The fil franchise has also shown an affinity
for callbacks to other entries in the series, like when the Mandalorian made his
way to the Mos Eisley Cantina, made famous in the very first Star Wars film, A New
Hope. So, if you want to be ready for The Mandalorian, it's time for a re-watch.

There are a few traditional ways to revisit the saga. You can watch by theatrical
release or in chronological order. There�s also a lesser-known "Machete Order",
which takes a machete to The Phantom Menace by cutting it out of your rewatch.
Either way, there are pros and cons to all the different orders.

While the chronological order might be the obvious choice, some argue it's not as
enjoyable, because you start with The Phantom Menace, probably our least favourite
film. Watching chronologically also spoils the biggest twist in the series by
prematurely revealing the identity of Luke's father.

squirrel_widget_187869

Watching the films by their theatrical release also has unsatisfying points.

Sure, the �I am your father� surprise stays intact, but the storyline is jumbled.
You'll hop between Episodes IV-VI (the original trilogy released between 1977 and
1983), then Episodes I-III (the prequel trilogy released between 1999 and 2005),
and Episodes VII-IX (the sequel trilogy released between 2015 and 2019).

And then there's the new Anthology films - Rogue One (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars
Story (2018). These take place between the originals and prequels but released
during the sequel trilogy. You can see how all this quickly becomes a mess, which
is why we�re creating the perfect order that solves these problems. Here is Pocket-
lint�s ultimate guide to watching the Star Wars trilogies.

Star Wars movies and shows: Best viewing orders

Best Star Wars order (spoilers) Best Star Wars order (spoiler-free)
Chronological movie order (spoiler-free) Theatrical movie order (spoiler-free)
Machete and Rinster orders (spoiler-free) Complete Star Wars saga order (spoiler-
free)
The best Star Wars viewing order
An at-a-glance, spoiler-free version of this guide is at the bottom, along with
quick listings for the other orders - chronological, theatrical, and Machete,
Rinster, and the complete saga - in case you want to explore those, too.

NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS BELOW.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
A New Hope (1977)
While technically the sixth movie, chronologically, A New Hope is worth watching
first purely because it's the start of everything. It�s also the only Star Wars
film that treats viewers as if they�ve never watched the saga before. So, start
with Luke meeting Obi-Wan, getting a lightsaber, and learning about the Force and
Darth Vader before he heads off to save Princess Leia and destroy the Death Star.

squirrel_widget_148458

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Rogue One (2016)
The first of the new "Anthology" films, Rogue One is filled with A New Hope
backstory. It follows the daughter of the Death Star's creator, Jyn Erso, as she is
freed by the Rebel Alliance and tasked with finding the plans that lead to the
ultimate weapon's destruction. Yes, it ends where A New Hope begins, but because
it's so reliant on you knowing A New Hope already, we think it�s best to watch them
in reverse. You'll learn who created the Death Star, why it's so easily destroyed,
and you'll meet the many Bothans who died to steal the Death Star plans.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time.
After the initial battle on the frozen planet Hoth, Luke heads to begin his Jedi
training with Yoda, while Han Solo and Princess Leia head to Cloud City to meet
with Han's old friend Lando Calrissian. But Han and Leia are betrayed and then used
as bait by Vader to lure Luke. It all culminates in a showdown between Vader and
Luke and ends with a twist.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
The Phantom Menace (1999)
And, just like that, we go from one of the most loved installments of all time to
the most loathed. This film follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn as
they attempt to protect the Queen of Naboo and stumble upon a young slave boy named
Anakin Skywalker. You're also forced to sit through two hours of Jar-Jar Binks and
sleep-inducing Galactic Senate negotiations. So, if you�ve seen this film before,
just skip it on your next rewatch. Although it does provide some details important
to another prequel film, and it has a great lightsaber duel.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Attack of the Clones (2002)
While the films up to this point have shown Darth Vader as the ultimate evil
villain, Attack of the Clones begins to show us the road that led him to the Dark
side, with the death of his mother at the hands of Tuskan Raiders. We also see his
growing love affair with Queen Padme Amidala. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi stumbles
upon a clone army being built for the Republic that will form the foundation of the
Empire's Stormtroopers.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The final film of the prequel trilogy shows Anakin's heart turn to black. While
initially excited upon hearing of his wife Padme's pregnancy, visions of her dying
begin to poison Anakin's mind, which allows Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to lure
him to the Dark Side of the Force. This then leads to the destruction of the
Republic and the murder of many Jedi, including all the young Padawans, at the hand
of the newly named Darth Vader.

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Solo (2018)
The origin story for the coolest guy in the Star Wars Universe provides a tonne of
unnecessary backstory. Apparently, Han Solo just wanted to act like Tobias Beckett
(Woody Harrelson) and date Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke) in his prime, which is
understandable, but it's a little eye-rolling. Still, it�s an entertaining heist
film that gives us more information about the most important ship in the galaxy,
the Millenium Falcon, including Han making the Kessel Run with her in under 12
parsecs.

squirrel_widget_148466

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Now that we�ve learned Darth Vader/Anakin�s background, it�s time to watch him sort
of redeem himself with all that knowledge in hand. Plus, after saving Han Solo from
the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, we see Luke trying to defeat his father and the
Emperor, all while Han and Leia work to demolish a nearly completed second Death
Star. Also, there are teddy bears with stone-age technology that help destroy the
Empire, too.

squirrel_widget_148459

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
Optional: The Mandalorian (2019 to 2020)
This live-action Star Wars TV series has become a smash hit on Disney+, and there's
one very small, adorable reason for that.

The show follows Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian. He's a gunfighter and
bounty hunter who makes his way in the furthest reaches of the galaxy five years
after the events of Return of the Jedi, placing it well before the events of The
Force Awakens and the creation of the First Order. The second season sees Mando
looking for more information on the history of Baby Yoda. Because The Mandalorian
is so popular, we're including it this list.

However, it's not a Star Wars film, so it's optional.

squirrel_widget_187869

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
The Force Awakens (2015)
The first Star Wars film made by Disney after it purchased the franchise is set 30
years after Return of the Jedi. We see that there's a new conflict emerging between
the budding Republic, led by Leia Organa-Skywalker and The First Order, which rose
from the ashes of the Empire. Caught between this all is a young girl named Rey who
seems to be really strong with the Force.

squirrel_widget_148468

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
The Last Jedi (2017)
After tracking down Luke Skywalker, Rey�s next challenge is convincing him to train
her. Luke is unwilling due to his failures with Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, the remaining
Republic forces are on the verge of total annihilation thanks to The First Order,
leaving Rey and Luke as their only hope.

squirrel_widget_148463

DISNEY/LUCASFILM
The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
squirrel_widget_234225

The conclusion to the Skywalker saga is out now and available on Disney Plus. The
film sees the return of Emperor Palpatine as Kylo Ren's The First Order and the
rebels led by Rey prepare for a final confrontation on the planet known as Exegol.

The best Star Wars order at a glance

OK, so here is the at-a-glance, spoiler-free version of the order above:

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Rogue One (2016)
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Solo (2018)
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Optional: The Mandalorian (2019 to 2020)
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The chronological movie order
If you want to watch films in order of the events that happen, and thus spoil the
identity of Luke's father for first-timers, here you go:

Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Solo (2018)
Rogue One (2016)
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Mandalorian (2019-2020)
The theatrical (release date) movie order
This is the order in which the movies were released in cinemas. While it keeps the
twist of Luke�s father intact, the storyline is jumbled. You start with the
originals, then go to the prequels, and end with the sequels. That's confusing,
especially for kids being introduced to Star Wars.

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode VI: The 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 (2016)
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Solo (2018)
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Machete order
The "Machete Order" basically cuts The Phantom Menace from your movie rewatch,
because many people don't enjoy that film. It preserves the "I am your father"
moment. But it was created in 2011, so it doesn't include the sequels and is no
longer a complete order.

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 Rinster order
OK, here is a bonus list we haven't mentioned yet: The "Rinster Order" is named
after Star Wars superfan Ernest Rinster, who created it to preserve the Luke-father
twist, but it also keeps The Phantom Menace. There are no sequel films, though, so
we still prefer our order.

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The complete Star Wars saga order
Here is an all-encompassing order -- with all the movies and shows from the Star
Wars saga in chronological order. The saga began in 1977, and since then, there
have been new trilogies added as well as countless spinoffs in the form of live-
action and animated TV shows and movies. Not all of them are great, but if you want
to take in every bit of Star Wars (even the 1978 holiday special), this is the
chronological order for you.

Star Wars series and limited specials are bolded below.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles (2013 to 2014)
Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace (2011)
The Clone Wars (2008 to 2014)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Solo (2018)
Star Wars Rebels (2014 to 2018)
Rogue One (2016)
Star Wars: Droids (1985 to 1986)
Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars: Holiday Special (1978)
Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012)
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures (2016 to 2017)
Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales (2015)
Ewoks (1985 to 1986)
The Mandalorian (2019)
Star Wars: Resistance (2018 to Present)
Lego Star Wars: The Resistance Rises (2016)
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2016)
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars: Forces of Destiny (2017 to Present)
Did you like this?
Then maybe you'll like our other movie order viewing guides:

What order should you watch every Marvel movie and TV show?
What order should you watch the Star Trek movies and TV shows?
What order should you watch every Quentin Tarantino movie?
What is the best order to watch all the Spider-Man movies?
What order should you watch the Batman movies and shows?
What is the best order to watch the James Bond movies?
What order should you watch the Jason Bourne movies and TV show?
What is the best order to watch the Rocky and Creed movies?
What's the best order to watch The Conjuring Universe movies?
What is the best order to watch all the Spider-Man movies?
What is the best order to watch the X-Men movies?
What is the best order to watch the Terminator movies and TV show?
Pixar Theory: The best Pixar movie order
What's the best order to watch all the Halloween movies?
What is the best order to watch the Alien Universe movies?
We also have these rumour round-ups on upcoming movies:

Upcoming Marvel movies: Every new MCU film and TV show in the works
Upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows: Everything confirmed so far
Writing by Maggie Tillman.
SECTIONS DISNEY TV STAR WARS
PopularIn TV
What order should you watch all the Star Wars films and shows? What is the best
order to watch the James Bond movies? What order should you watch every Marvel
movie and TV show?
Google Chromecast tips and tricks: How to use and set up Chromecast HDR10+
Adaptive will adjust the HDR effect on your TV to suit the ambient light conditions
in the room How to set your HomePod as the default speaker for Apple TV
YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter
Search Pocket-lint
Search Pocket-lintsearch
Pocket-lint Awards RSS Feeds Newsletter Podcast
Popular sections: Phones Apps TV Smart home Games Tablets Laptops Speakers
Cameras Smartwatches
Site map Contact us About Pocket-lint Sustainability Editorial Standards Terms
of Use Privacy Policy Advertise on Pocket-lint Privacy Settings
Best Squirrel Deals
2003 - 2020 � Pocket-lint Limited PO Box 4770, Ascot, SL5 5DP. All rights reserved.
England and Wales company registration number 5237480.