As fans around the world celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4th, many are pondering the best way to introduce newcomers to the legendary franchise. With a complex timeline that spans multiple trilogies and standalone films, the question of how to watch the "Star Wars" movies has sparked considerable debate among fans. The franchise, which began with "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" in 1977, has grown to include nine main films, several standalone movies, and a plethora of television series.
When it comes to viewing order, there are several popular options. The chronological order, which follows the story's timeline, starts with "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999) and ends with "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker" (2019). This method allows viewers to experience the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker as they follow his journey from a young boy to the dark side as Darth Vader. However, while this order may be logical, it can spoil major plot twists for first-time viewers, particularly the shocking revelation of Darth Vader's true identity.
Many veteran fans advocate for the release order, which begins with the original trilogy. This approach starts with "A New Hope," followed by "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return of the Jedi" (1983), before delving into the prequels and then the sequels. According to fans, this method preserves the suspense of the infamous plot twist in "The Empire Strikes Back" and showcases the evolution of special effects throughout the decades.
For those looking to spice things up, the "Machete Order" offers an alternative viewing experience. This unconventional approach suggests watching the films in the order of IV, V, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, and IX, intentionally omitting "The Phantom Menace." Many fans argue that Episode I is not essential viewing and that it detracts from the overall narrative. The Machete Order allows viewers to appreciate the backstory of Anakin Skywalker without losing the impact of the original trilogy's twists.
As the franchise continues to expand, Disney+ has become the go-to platform for fans to stream the complete "Star Wars" collection. This includes the original trilogy, prequels, sequels, and standalone films like "Rogue One" and "Solo." Additionally, original series such as "The Mandalorian" and "Andor" have gained significant popularity, providing fans with fresh content from the galaxy far, far away.
Recently, "Andor" Season 2 premiered on Disney+ on April 22, 2025, with new episodes set to release through May 13. This series has been well-received, adding depth to the "Star Wars" universe by exploring the origins of the Rebel Alliance.
Another exciting development on the horizon is the upcoming "Mandalorian & Grogu" film, expected to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. The film promises to continue the story of beloved characters from the series and is highly anticipated by fans. Additionally, director Shawn Levy is set to helm "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is slated for release on May 28, 2027, and takes place five years after "The Rise of Skywalker."
For those eager to dive deeper into the "Star Wars" lore, Disney has also announced the release of "Tales of the Underworld," an anthology of animated shorts featuring characters like Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. This series is set to premiere in Fortnite on May 2, 2025, before becoming available on Disney+ on May 4, coinciding with Star Wars Day.
As fans prepare to celebrate this year's Star Wars Day, the choice of viewing order remains a hot topic. Whether opting for chronological order, release order, or Machete Order, the ultimate goal is to enjoy the rich storytelling and iconic characters that have captivated audiences for decades. Each viewing method offers its unique perspective on the saga, making it a personal choice for fans and newcomers alike.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to watch "Star Wars." The franchise has something to offer for everyone, whether they are experiencing it for the first time or revisiting the beloved films. So, gather your friends, pick your order, and may the Fourth be with you!
