What Order Do the Star Wars Movies Go In? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Star Wars franchise is one of the most beloved and popular franchises in movie history. Spanning over 40 years, the franchise has released nine main movies, two animated series, and several spin-off films. With so much content available, it can be difficult to figure out what order to watch the Star Wars movies in. This article will explore what order the Star Wars movies go in and provide a step-by-step guide for watching them in chronological order.

Overview of the Star Wars Franchise

The Star Wars franchise was created by George Lucas in 1977 with the release of the first movie, “A New Hope”. The franchise quickly became a global phenomenon and spawned several sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and animated TV series. The original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) followed the hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker as he helped the Rebel Alliance fight against the Galactic Empire. The prequel trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) explored the backstory of Anakin Skywalker and his fall from grace. The sequel trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX) followed the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they battled against the First Order. Finally, there have been several spin-off films, such as Solo and Rogue One, which explore the larger universe of Star Wars.

Problem: What order do the Star Wars movies go in?

When it comes to watching the Star Wars movies, there are two main ways to do it: chronological order or release order. Many people prefer to watch them in release order because it allows them to experience the original trilogy exactly as it was intended. However, watching the movies in chronological order provides a more comprehensive view of the franchise and allows viewers to get a better understanding of the storylines and characters. This article will focus on what order to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order.

Step-by-Step Guide to Watching the Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order

The following is a step-by-step guide to watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order. Please note that some of the spin-off films are not included in this list as they are not essential viewing.

The Phantom Menace

The Phantom Menace is the first movie in the prequel trilogy and serves as an introduction to the Star Wars universe. It follows the story of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they attempt to protect Queen Amidala from the Trade Federation. This movie is essential viewing as it sets up the entire prequel trilogy.

Attack of the Clones

Attack of the Clones picks up ten years after The Phantom Menace and follows Anakin Skywalker as he struggles with his growing dark side. This movie is important as it sets up the events of Revenge of the Sith and shows Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.

Revenge of the Sith

Revenge of the Sith is the third movie in the prequel trilogy and the climax of Anakin Skywalker’s story. It follows Anakin as he turns to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader. This movie is essential viewing as it ties up the prequel trilogy and sets up the original trilogy.

Solo

Solo is a spin-off film that takes place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It follows the story of Han Solo as he meets Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian and embarks on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. This movie is optional viewing but is still an enjoyable adventure.

Rogue One

Rogue One is another spin-off film that takes place just before A New Hope. It follows a group of rebels as they attempt to steal the plans for the Death Star. This movie is essential viewing as it sets up the events of A New Hope and provides insight into the larger Star Wars universe.

A New Hope

A New Hope is the first movie in the original trilogy and the beginning of Luke Skywalker’s hero’s journey. It follows Luke as he joins forces with Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the Rebel Alliance to battle against the Galactic Empire. This movie is essential viewing as it introduces all the major characters and sets up the events of the rest of the trilogy.

The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back is the second movie in the original trilogy and the climax of Luke Skywalker’s hero’s journey. It follows Luke as he battles Darth Vader and learns the truth about his father. This movie is essential viewing as it introduces some of the biggest plot twists in movie history.

Return of the Jedi

Return of the Jedi is the third and final movie in the original trilogy. It follows Luke, Leia, and Han as they attempt to destroy the second Death Star and bring peace to the galaxy. This movie is essential viewing as it brings the original trilogy to its dramatic conclusion.

The Force Awakens

The Force Awakens is the first movie in the sequel trilogy and the beginning of Rey’s hero’s journey. It follows Rey as she meets Finn, Poe, and BB-8 and joins forces with the Resistance to battle against the First Order. This movie is essential viewing as it introduces the new characters and sets up the events of the rest of the trilogy.

The Last Jedi

The Last Jedi is the second movie in the sequel trilogy and the climax of Rey’s hero’s journey. It follows Rey as she battles Kylo Ren and discovers the truth about her parents. This movie is essential viewing as it introduces some of the biggest plot twists in the Star Wars saga.

The Rise of Skywalker

The Rise of Skywalker is the third and final movie in the sequel trilogy. It follows Rey, Finn, and Poe as they attempt to defeat the First Order and bring balance to the Force. This movie is essential viewing as it brings the sequel trilogy to its dramatic conclusion.

10 Reasons You Should Watch the Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order

Watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order provides a more comprehensive look at the franchise and allows viewers to gain a better understanding of the storylines and characters. Here are 10 reasons why you should watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order:

• Get a better understanding of the plot and characters. By watching the movies in chronological order, viewers can see how the stories and characters develop over time and get a better understanding of the overall plot.
• See the full scope of the story. Watching the movies in chronological order allows viewers to see how the different storylines play out throughout the entire franchise.
• Appreciate the character development. By watching the movies in chronological order, viewers can appreciate how the characters grow and change over time.
• Understand how themes are developed over time. Watching the movies in chronological order allows viewers to understand how certain themes are introduced and developed throughout the franchise.
• Gain insight into the complex universe. Viewers can gain a better understanding of the Star Wars universe by watching the movies in chronological order.
• Catch up with what’s going on in the franchise. By watching the movies in chronological order, viewers can get caught up with what’s happening in the franchise without getting lost in the storylines.
• Avoid spoilers. Watching the movies in chronological order ensures that viewers don’t accidentally spoil any future plot points.
• Enjoy some of the best moments in movie history. Watching the movies in chronological order allows viewers to experience some of the best moments in movie history.
• Learn about the legacy of the franchise. By watching the movies in chronological order, viewers can learn about the legacy of the franchise and its impact on pop culture.
• Have an appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship. Viewers can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into making these movies by watching the movies in chronological order.

How to Appreciate the Star Wars Franchise by Watching It in Chronological Order

Watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order is a great way to appreciate the franchise and get a better understanding of the stories and characters. Here are some tips for how to appreciate the Star Wars franchise by watching it in chronological order:

• Consider the larger story. When watching the movies in chronological order, it’s important to consider the larger story that spans the entire franchise.
• Pay attention to the details. Paying close attention to the details in each movie can help viewers appreciate the nuances of the stories.
• Look for recurring themes and motifs. Looking for themes and motifs that recur throughout the franchise can help viewers appreciate the complexity of the stories.
• Appreciate the use of symbolism. Paying close attention to the symbolism in each movie can help viewers understand the deeper meaning of the stories.
• Reflect on the moral implications of each story. Reflecting on the moral implications of each story can help viewers appreciate the messages that the movies convey.

A Comprehensive Look at the Star Wars Movies and What Order to Watch Them In

The following is a comprehensive look at the Star Wars movies and what order to watch them in. Please note that some of the spin-off films are not included in this list as they are not essential viewing.

The Prequel Trilogy

The prequel trilogy consists of Episodes I, II, and III and follows the backstory of Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. This trilogy should be watched in order: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith.

The Sequel Trilogy

The sequel trilogy consists of Episodes VII, VIII, and IX and follows the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they battle against the First Order. This trilogy should be watched in order: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

The Anthology Films

The anthology films are spin-off movies that take place within the Star Wars universe. These movies are optional viewing but are still enjoyable adventures. They should be watched in order: Solo and Rogue One.

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Star Wars Saga Through Watching It in Chronological Order

For those who are just starting to explore the world of Star Wars, watching the movies in chronological order is a great way to get a better understanding of the franchise. Here is a beginner’s guide to understanding the Star Wars saga through watching it in chronological order:

• Start with the prequels. Beginners should start with the prequel trilogy as it introduces the world of Star Wars and sets up the events of the original trilogy.
• Move onto the original trilogy. After watching the prequel trilogy, beginners should move onto the original trilogy as it is the climax of the franchise.
• Check out the anthology films. Beginners can then check out the anthology films as they provide insight into the larger Star Wars universe.
• Finish with the sequel trilogy. Finally, beginners should finish with the sequel trilogy as it brings the franchise to its dramatic conclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has explored what order the Star Wars movies go in and provided a step-by-step guide for watching them in chronological order. It has also looked at 10 reasons why you should watch the movies in this order as well as how to appreciate the franchise. For those who are just starting to explore the world of Star Wars, watching the movies in chronological order is a great way to get a better understanding of the franchise.