Which order should you watch Star Wars in? The three answers, explained
Release order, story order or the fan favourite. Which one is right depends on who you are.
There are eleven Star Wars films in the main run, plus series that matter, and people argue about the right order more than they argue about the films. There are really only three answers. We’ve laid them all out on our Star Wars watch order page. Here’s how to choose.
Never seen any of it? Release order
Start with A New Hope from 1977 and watch them in the order cinemas did. The big twist in The Empire Strikes Back only lands if you don’t know it’s coming, and story order gives it away. The prequels then play as a “how did we get here” backstory, which is what they were made to be.
Want the whole story, start to finish? Story order
Begin with The Phantom Menace and follow the timeline. This works best on a rewatch, or for younger viewers who’ll enjoy watching Anakin grow up. Add Andor before Rogue One: it’s the best thing Star Wars has made in years, and it turns Rogue One into a much bigger film.
Seen it before and want the best version? Machete order
A fan invention: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, then Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith as a long flashback, then Return of the Jedi. The Phantom Menace is skipped. It keeps Empire’s twist intact and makes Luke’s choice at the end of Jedi land harder, because you’ve just watched his father fall.
Where to watch
Most Star Wars lives on Disney+, which isn’t available in Uganda. Each film’s page on Screenism shows where it’s listed here. Check before you plan a marathon.