The Star Wars saga is a timeless epic that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences for decades. With a vast and intricate universe, it can be daunting to navigate the franchise’s expansive narrative. However, fear not, as we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide on how to watch the Star Wars saga in chronological order. This will ensure that you experience the story in the most coherent and immersive way possible. So, whether you’re a new fan or a seasoned veteran, buckle up and get ready to embark on an intergalactic adventure like no other!
Star Wars Saga Overview
The Prequel Trilogy
The Prequel Trilogy, also known as the Star Wars prequels, is a set of three films that serve as a prelude to the original Star Wars trilogy. These films were released between 1999 and 2005 and explore the events that led to the formation of the Galactic Empire and the rise of Darth Vader.
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- The first film in the Prequel Trilogy, The Phantom Menace, is set 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars film. It follows Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Amidala of the planet Naboo from the evil Trade Federation. The film introduces many iconic characters, including Darth Maul, the Sith apprentice, and the young Anakin Skywalker, who would later become Darth Vader.
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- The second film in the Prequel Trilogy, Attack of the Clones, is set 10 years after the events of The Phantom Menace. It follows Anakin Skywalker, now a young adult, as he becomes a Padawan apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi and falls in love with Senator Padmé Amidala. Meanwhile, the galaxy is on the brink of war as the Republic faces a separatist movement led by the mysterious Count Dooku.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The final film in the Prequel Trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, is set three years after the start of the Clone Wars. It depicts the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire, as the Jedi Order is betrayed by one of their own, Order 66, and the Sith Lord Darth Sidious and his apprentice Darth Vader execute a plan to take over the galaxy. The film ends with the exile of the remaining Jedi and the establishment of the Empire’s rule under Emperor Palpatine.
The Original Trilogy
The Original Trilogy consists of the first three films in the Star Wars saga, released between 1977 and 1983. These films follow the journey of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, as he becomes a legendary Jedi hero and leads the Rebel Alliance against the evil Galactic Empire.
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Title: A New Hope
- Director: George Lucas
- Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, James Earl Jones
- Plot Summary: The film introduces us to Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, who dreams of a life beyond his mundane existence. When he purchases two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, he inadvertently sets off a chain of events that leads him to Obi-Wan Kenobi, a wise old Jedi. Alongside smuggler Han Solo, his co-pilot
The Sequel Trilogy
Introduction
The Sequel Trilogy, also known as the third Star Wars sequel trilogy, consists of three films released in 2015, 2017, and 2019. These films are Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. This trilogy continues the story of the Star Wars saga and features new characters as well as familiar faces from the previous films.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams, was released in 2015 and serves as the first film in the Sequel Trilogy. The story takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows a new generation of heroes, including Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, as they fight against the First Order, a new evil force that has risen from the remains of the Empire. The film also features the return of iconic characters Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Leia Organa.
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, was released in 2017 and is the second film in the Sequel Trilogy. The story continues to follow Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they struggle against the First Order, which is now led by General Hux and Supreme Leader Snoke. The film also delves deeper into the story of Kylo Ren, a former member of the Resistance who has turned to the dark side.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker, directed by J.J. Abrams, was released in 2019 and serves as the final film in the Sequel Trilogy. The story picks up where The Last Jedi left off, with the Resistance facing a final showdown against the First Order. The film features the return of many familiar characters, including Carrie Fisher, who passed away in 2016, using unreleased footage from previous films.
The Standalone Films
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Directed by Gareth Edwards
- Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Ben Mendelsohn
- Set just before the events of the original Star Wars film
- Follows a group of rebels on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star
- Offers a unique perspective on the Star Wars universe, focusing on the grittier, more grounded side of the conflict
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Directed by Ron Howard
- Starring Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, and Emilia Clarke
- Set between the events of the original Star Wars film and The Empire Strikes Back
- Follows a young Han Solo and his journey to become a legendary smuggler
- Features appearances by iconic characters such as Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Directed by J.J. Abrams
- Starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and John Boyega
- Set after the events of The Last Jedi
- Concludes the Skywalker saga, bringing together characters from across the franchise for a final showdown against the First Order
- Features epic battles, surprising twists, and emotional moments for both new and returning characters
Viewing Order Recommendations
Chronological Order
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Released in 1999, The Phantom Menace is the first installment in the prequel trilogy and serves as an introduction to the Star Wars universe for younger viewers. It follows Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Amidala of the planet Naboo from the evil Trade Federation.
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Released in 2002, Attack of the Clones is the second film in the prequel trilogy and focuses on the relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, while also introducing the clone army and the rising tensions between the Republic and the Separatists.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Released in 2005, Revenge of the Sith is the final film in the prequel trilogy and depicts the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, as well as the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Released in 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story is an anthology film that tells the origin story of Han Solo, one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe. It takes place before the events of Episode IV and offers a glimpse into the early years of the galaxy’s most notorious smuggler.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Released in 2016, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is another anthology film that serves as a prequel to Episode IV. It follows a group of rebels who embark on a dangerous mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting the stage for the events of the original trilogy.
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Released in 1977, A New Hope is the first film in the original trilogy and introduces us to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they fight against the evil Empire and its powerful weapon, the Death Star.
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Released in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back is the second film in the original trilogy and is considered by many to be the best installment in the series. It follows the continuing adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han as they try to evade the Empire’s forces and learn more about the Force.
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Released in 1983, Return of the Jedi is the final film in the original trilogy and concludes the story of Luke, Leia, and Han as they join forces with the Ewoks and other rebels to defeat the Empire once and for all.
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Released in 2015, The Force Awakens is the first film in the sequel trilogy and introduces a new generation of characters, including Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, as they battle the remnants of the Empire and its new successor, the First Order.
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Released in 2017, The Last Jedi is the second film in the sequel trilogy and continues the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they confront the darkness within themselves and face off against the evil Kylo Ren and the First Order.
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
- Released in 2019, The Rise of Skywalker is the final film in the sequel trilogy and brings back many of the iconic characters from the original and
Theatrical Release Order
The theatrical release order of the Star Wars saga is the traditional order in which the films were released in theaters. This order follows the original trilogy, which was released between 1977 and 1983, and the prequel trilogy, which was released between 1999 and 2005.
Chronological Order
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Recommendation
While the theatrical release order is the traditional way to watch the Star Wars saga, it is not the recommended viewing order. The creators of the saga have recommended watching the films in the order of their storyline, which is different from the theatrical release order.
Additional Notes and Tips
Filling in the Gaps
- Watch the animated series “The Clone Wars” (2008-2014, 2020) and “Rebels” (2014-2018)
- These shows provide a detailed insight into the events of the Clone Wars and offer a deeper understanding of the characters’ development and motivations.
- “The Clone Wars” specifically focuses on the titular conflict and its impact on the galaxy, while “Rebels” takes place in the later stages of the Republic’s decline and the rise of the Empire.
- By watching these animated series, you can gain a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the Star Wars saga and fill in the gaps between the films.
- Read the novels, comics, and other official media
- There is a wealth of official media that expands upon the events and characters of the Star Wars saga, including novels, comics, video games, and more.
- These additional sources provide an opportunity to explore the Star Wars universe in greater depth and learn more about the events that transpire between the films.
- While not essential for understanding the core story of the saga, these sources can enrich your understanding of the universe and provide a more complete picture of the events that unfold.
Enjoying the Experience
Create a Comfortable Viewing Environment
- Set up a cozy viewing area with comfortable seating and ample lighting.
- Arrange snacks and beverages within easy reach to avoid interruptions during the movie.
- Consider investing in a good quality projector and screen for an immersive experience.
Invite Friends or Family
- Gather a group of fellow Star Wars fans to share the experience with.
- Coordinate schedules to ensure everyone can attend and plan for a marathon viewing session.
- Consider hosting a themed watch party with costumes and decorations to enhance the atmosphere.
Dress Up as Your Favorite Character
- Choose a favorite character from the Star Wars saga to dress up as for the marathon.
- Create a costume or purchase one online to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
- Encourage others to do the same for a fun and interactive viewing experience.
Take Breaks Between Movies
- Schedule breaks between movies to discuss your thoughts and reactions with fellow viewers.
- Use the breaks to grab a snack, stretch your legs, or use the restroom.
- Reflect on the previous movie and make predictions for what will happen next in the saga.
FAQs
1. What is the Star Wars saga?
The Star Wars saga is a series of films, television shows, and other media created by George Lucas that follows the adventures of characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa as they battle against the evil Empire and its dark lord, Darth Vader.
2. How many Star Wars films are there?
There are currently 12 Star Wars films, including the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), the prequel trilogy (Episodes I-III), and the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX).
3. How should I watch the Star Wars saga?
To fully experience the Star Wars saga, we recommend watching the films in chronological order, starting with the prequel trilogy and ending with the sequel trilogy. This will give you a better understanding of the overall story and allow you to follow the characters’ development over time.
4. Where can I find the Star Wars films?
The Star Wars films are available on a variety of platforms, including DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming services such as Disney+.
5. How long does it take to watch the entire Star Wars saga?
The length of time it takes to watch the entire Star Wars saga depends on how much time you have to dedicate to watching the films. The prequel trilogy consists of three films, each approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes long, while the original trilogy consists of three films, each approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes long. The sequel trilogy consists of three films, each approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long. So, if you were to watch all of the films in the saga, it would take approximately 18 hours to complete.
6. Are there any additional materials I should watch before or after the films?
Yes, there are a number of additional materials that you may want to watch before or after the films to get a more complete understanding of the Star Wars saga. These include the animated series The Clone Wars and Rebels, as well as the live-action series The Mandalorian.
7. What is the best way to watch the Star Wars saga?
The best way to watch the Star Wars saga is to watch the films in chronological order, starting with the prequel trilogy and ending with the sequel trilogy. This will give you a better understanding of the overall story and allow you to follow the characters’ development over time.
8. Is it necessary to watch the Star Wars saga in chronological order?
While it is not necessary to watch the Star Wars saga in chronological order, we highly recommend doing so in order to fully experience the story and understand the characters’ development over time.