Star Wars Watch Order: The Best Way to View the Saga

With decades of films, spin-offs, and series, diving into the Star Wars universe can feel overwhelming for new viewers. From the original trilogy to prequels, sequels, and Disney+ shows, fans now have multiple ways to experience the saga. Choosing the best Star Wars watch order depends on whether you prioritize story chronology or nostalgic release order.

This guide breaks down the most popular viewing methods, including Machete Order, chronological order, and release order—each offering a unique perspective on the iconic franchise. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or revisiting the galaxy far, far away, we’ll help you decide the ideal way to journey through Star Wars.

Best Way to Watch the Star Wars Movies in Order

Le Star Wars watch order has been debated by fans for decades, with compelling arguments for different viewing approaches. Each method fundamentally changes how you experience George Lucas’s galaxy far, far away, with significant implications for story reveals, character development, and thematic resonance.

The Core Viewing Options

Chronological Order (Episodes I-IX)

Follows the in-universe timeline from “The Phantom Menace” to “The Rise of Skywalker”;
Includes optional viewing of spinoff films like “Rogue One” and “Solo” in their proper timeline positions;
Pour : provides complete narrative continuity; shows Anakin’s full arc clearly
Cons : weakens major reveals (like Vader’s identity); begins with the most criticized films.

Release Order (Original Trilogy First)

Starts with Episodes IV-VI (1977-1983), then I-III (1999-2005), then VII-IX (2015-2019);
Pour : preserves all original surprises and twists; matches the cultural impact timeline;
Cons : creates narrative whiplash between trilogies’ tones and effects quality.

Machete Order (IV, V, II, III, VI, VII-IX)

The controversial fan-created sequence that skips Episode I entirely;
Pour : maximizes dramatic impact of key reveals; creates tighter narrative focus;
Cons : omits important backstory; may confuse first-time viewers.

Deep Dive: Why Your Choice Matters

The viewing order you choose significantly impacts:

Character Perception: watching chronologically makes Anakin the central figure, while release order positions Luke as the primary hero;
Thematic Development: the original trilogy’s themes about hope and rebellion take on different meanings when viewed after the prequels;
Technological Appreciation: release order shows the natural evolution of filmmaking technology from 1977 to 2019.

For those wanting the complete canonical experience, including TV series, the official Star Wars timeline provides guidance on where shows like “The Clone Wars” and “Andor” fit into the saga.

Specialist Recommendations

Film scholars often suggest:

First Viewing: release order to experience the story as generations of fans did;
Second Viewing: chronological order to appreciate the full narrative arc;
Subsequent Viewings: experimental orders like Machete or “flashback” sequences.

As noted in The Courier-Journal’s analysis, Disney+ now offers curated playlists that automatically arrange content in different orders, making it easier than ever to experiment with viewing approaches.

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors when choosing your Star Wars watch order:

Your Priorities:

Story continuity → Chronological;
Cultural/historical context → Release;
Narrative impact → Machete.

Your Experience Level:

Newcomers → Release order recommended;
Casual fans → Chronological may be easier;
Superfans → Try specialized orders.

Time Commitment:

Full saga → 13+ films and multiple series;
Core experience → Just the nine episodes;
Condensed version → Machete order.

Remember, there’s no single “correct” way to experience Star Wars. As the IndyStar notes, each viewing order offers unique insights into this expansive universe.

The best approach is the one that will give you the most enjoyment from this iconic saga.

Release Date vs. Chronological Order: What to Choose

Another fan favorite.

Release Order (Original Trilogy First)

Episodes IV-VI (1977-1983): the classic trilogy that introduced Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader;
Episodes I-III (1999-2005): the prequels exploring Anakin Skywalker’s fall;
Episodes VII-IX (2015-2019): the sequels continuing the Skywalker saga.

Meilleur pour : purists who want to experience the series as original fans did.

Chronological Order (Episode I to IX)

Episodes I-III → Rogue One (2016) → Episodes IV-VI → Solo (2018) → Episodes VII-IX.

Meilleur pour : first-time viewers who prefer a linear story.

For streaming, all main films are available on Disney+.

Recommended Viewing Paths (Classic, Machete, Saga)

The fan way to watch.

The Machete Order (IV, V, II, III, VI, VII-IX)

This fan-created sequence removes Episode I (considered less essential) and preserves key reveals:

A New Hope (IV)
The Empire Strikes Back (V)
Attack of the Clones (II)
Revenge of the Sith (III)
Return of the Jedi (VI)
The Force Awakens (VII) onward

Why? It maintains Vader’s twist while deepening Anakin’s backstory before Return of the Jedi.

Saga Order (Including Spin-Offs)

For a complete experience, add Rogue One (before IV) and Solo (after III).

Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

32 BBY (Before Battle of Yavin);
Introduces young Anakin Skywalker and the rise of the Sith.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

22 BBY;
Anakin’s Jedi training and the beginning of the Clone Wars.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 animated film)

*22-19 BBY*;
Leads directly into the acclaimed TV series.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

19 BBY;
Anakin’s fall to the dark side and birth of the Empire.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

*13-10 BBY*;
Young Han Solo’s origin story (takes place about 6 years after Episode III).

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 Disney+ series)

9 BBY
Bridge between prequels and original trilogy

Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018 animated series)

*5 BBY-0 BBY*;
Prequel to Rogue One.

Andor (2022 Disney+ series)

*5 BBY-0 BBY*;
Rebel spy Cassian Andor’s backstory.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

0 BBY (immediately before Episode IV);
Leads directly into A New Hope.

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

*0 BBY/0 ABY*;
The original Star Wars that started it all.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

3 ABY (After Battle of Yavin);
Considered the series’ high point.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

4 ABY;
Conclusion of the original trilogy.

The Mandalorian (2019-present Disney+ series)

9 ABY;
Post-Empire era.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021 Disney+ series)

9 ABY;
Runs concurrent with The Mandalorian.

Ahsoka (2023 Disney+ series)

9 ABY;
Continues Rebels storyline.

Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

34 ABY;
Sequel trilogy begins.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

34 ABY;
Direct continuation.

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

35 ABY;
Saga conclusion.

How to Stream All Star Wars Movies Online

All main saga films and spin-offs are available on Disney+, along with series like Le Mandalorien et Ahsoka. For other streaming options, see our guide on top-rated streaming apps.

Disney+ is the official streaming platform for all Star Wars content, offering fans access to the complete saga—from the original trilogy to the latest series and spin-offs.

Available on Android, iOS, and web browsers, the app provides a seamless viewing experience across devices.

With features like offline downloads and personalized watchlists, Disney+ ensures that users can enjoy their favorite Star Wars episodes anytime, anywhere.

Information

Platforms: Android | iOS | Web
Size: Android: 66 MB | iOS: 166.5 MB
Downloads: Android: 100M+
Rating: Android: 4.5/5 (2.5M reviews) | iOS: 4.7/5 (1.9M reviews)
Price: Free download; subscription required for content access

As of May 2025, Disney+ offers several subscription plans in the United States to cater to different viewing preferences:

Disney+ Basic (With Ads): priced at $9.99 per month, this plan includes advertisements and provides access to the full Disney+ library;
Disney+ Premium (No Ads): for an ad-free experience, this plan costs $15.99 per month or $159.99 annually. It includes features like offline downloads and streaming in up to 4K UHD with HDR.

Additionally, Disney+ offers bundle options that combine its services with Hulu and ESPN+ for added value:

Duo Basic: includes Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month;
Trio Basic: combines Disney+ (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads) for $16.99 per month;
Duo Premium: offers Disney+ (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) for $19.99 per month;
Trio Premium: provides Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads) for $26.99 per month.

Watching With Kids: Where to Begin

For younger viewers, consider:

Release Order (IV-VI first): simpler storytelling and classic hero’s journey;
Chronological Order: if they prefer starting with The Phantom Menace (though some scenes may be intense);
The Mandalorian (2019–): a kid-friendly entry point before diving into the films.

Réflexions finales

Choosing the ideal Star Wars watch order depends on your level of familiarity with the saga and what kind of experience you’re after.

For newcomers, the chronological or release order offers a solid introduction to the galaxy far, far away. If you’re revisiting the series, the Machete Order delivers a fresh narrative twist that deepens the story arc.

Families and younger viewers might enjoy starting with A New Hope for the classic feel or The Mandalorian for its modern appeal and standalone storytelling.

No matter where you begin, the Star Wars universe has something for everyone.

For updates on new releases, visit Star Wars’ official site.