“I can’t believe you’ve never seen Star Wars!” If this is something someone close to you has said, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. After all, where does one even begin? With the original film being labeled as the fourth episode, not even fans can agree on where to start.
For the uninitiated, the original trilogy started the franchise with Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI — Return of the Jedi. The prequel trilogy came next (Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Episode II — Attack of the Clones, and Episode III — Revenge of the Sith), and now the sequel trilogy will finish up with Star Wars: Episode IX in 2019. Then there are the spin-off films and animated television series.
This might sound daunting, but all is not lost. Thanks to Star Wars’ unique release order, it’s easy to find an entry point into the series based on your personal tastes. So, if you’re trying to figure out where to start, then look no further than our watch order guide. But be warned: spoilers may follow!
If You’re Into Classic Movies
Watch Order
- Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)
There are many classic Hollywood films that still have an effect on modern pop culture. But perhaps none more so than 1977’s Star Wars, later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. Star Wars’ creator, George Lucas, drew inspiration from many classic films: the editing and stories of Akira Kurosawa films, the sci-fi elements of the old Flash Gordon serials, and the frontier exploration of Western films.
And while Star Wars utilized practical effects on an unprecedented level, it was in service of the age-old hero’s journey from nothing to greatness. Our lead, Luke, begins the story as a farmer living under the thumb of his aunt and uncle. He craves more than the life he leads on the backwater planet he calls home.
When the Empire shows up, Luke is finally given the chance to become a hero. With a plethora of classic film elements all in one epic tale, Episode IV still resonates with audiences today. Once you’ve finished the original, you can see the trilogy through by following up with the universally loved Episode V and VI.
If You Like War Films
Watch Order
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)
Rogue One is a Star Wars movie that focuses on the regular people caught up in the wars of the franchise. Because of this, it has been called the Saving Private Ryan of Star Wars. While Rogue One may not be nearly as graphic in its depiction of war, it is the first Star Wars film without the mythical Jedi. Instead, we follow soldiers, pilots, engineers, and families broken apart in the collateral damage. And when you’re fighting interplanetary battles, the level of damage is bewildering.
The best part is, Rogue One takes place immediately before the start of the original Star Wars film. So if you’re curious to see how the war progresses, just borrow the movie from your eager Star Wars-loving friends. You know they’ll be more than happy to share.
If You Like Gangster Films
Watch Order
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi
Star Wars is known for its grit. Until A New Hope, most science fiction took place in clean, idealized versions of the future. But the Star Wars galaxy is crawling with crime, drugs, and murder. That’s right. This stuff is rough. So for those of you out there interested in the seedy underbelly of the universe, look no further. The 2018 release Solo follows hoodlum Han Solo as he tries to climb out from under the thumb (or tentacle) of galactic crime syndicates
Think Cowboy Bebop in its sci-fi/Western elements. Or perhaps John Wick in its levity, despite addressing some dark material. Solo may also be a great entry point for new Star Wars fans because it focuses on the franchise’s popular action-adventure elements. And if you find yourself captivated by the exploits of the titular ruffian, you can jump into the original trilogy and see what trouble he gets into next.
If You Like Political Intrigue
Watch Order
- Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back (2002)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2013)
- Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (2005)
The prequel films were too glossy for older fans who enjoyed the grit of the original trilogy. But these episodes focused on a more subtle kind of dirt: politics. And The Clone Wars animated series answers a lot of the questions the movies left open. It’s the story of how a democratic republic can fall from grace into corruption and dictatorship. Not even the Jedi, once romanticized as chivalrous knights, can escape the fallout of war.
It’s difficult to find a parallel to the controversial prequels in the world of film. Although many aspects of these films are criticized, there remains something deeply important in them — the connection to history. What you see in these movies is how democracy is given away, just as it historically has been, such as in Caesar’s Rome and Hitler’s Germany. The Star Wars prequels ask the audience to question the people in charge and the direction of politics.
If You Have a Spiritual Side
Watch Order
- Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode XI — (title to be announced) (2019)
A major component of the Star Wars franchise is the mysterious Force, a power that binds all things in the universe. It can be used to move objects, communicate telepathically, and even see possible futures. Students of the spiritual will recognize the similarities the Jedi belief in the Force shares with Eastern religions like Daoism, which talks about finding balance in the universe.
The Force Awakens and the Last Jedi also ponder how to find balance. The main character Rey is trying to find balance in her own identity — what her place is in the universe. Rey’s arc is also similar to that of Louise Banks’s in Arrival — as someone trying to manage her new and confusing powers.
If you want to delve deeper, Episode VIII — The Last Jedi touches on the traditional Daoist idea of removing good to eliminate evil. Luke is the possible “chosen one” to bring balance to the Force, but instead, he has chosen to sever his connection to it. It’s almost a reflection of the savior Neo in the Matrix. While Neo accepts reality and becomes a hero, Luke has decided to be ignorant and disconnects from the universe. What does this mean for the wars that rage on across the galaxy? We’ll have to wait for Episode IX to find out.
