The Ultimate Star Wars Guide: How to watch movies, TV shows, and Canon stories in order

It’s been 13 years since Disney began expanding the Star Wars universe, unable to reject George Lucas’ billions of dollars. Since then, we have five theatrical films and a whopping 13 television shows inspired by far-reaching galaxies. All these overlapping storylines make it one of the most dense entertainment franchises to follow it.

So, figuring out the best way to see everything in sequence is somewhat overwhelming, not to mention that even the most devoted fans are learning the difference between Jedi Masters and Moisture Farmers.

Announcement of Ryan Gosling star fighter And the most highly rated recent releases Andre Season 2With new excitement surrounding everything about Star Wars, if you’re coming back or wondering about the big deal about Lightsabers and Wookies, here’s our essential guide to help you navigate the best ways to experience it all.

Some purists may complain about Disney’s iconic sci-fi saga stewardship, but Mouse House has had a bold viewing Star Wars It’s easier than ever. Aside from some minor exceptions (more on those later), all film and TV spinoffs can be viewed on demand in one place via Disney Plus.

So, what is the best watch order? Chronological order? release? Or something else? Let’s take a look at the options.

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Star Wars in Timeline (by Timeline Event)

If you want to experience the story as it unfolds within space, you’ll want to chase the Saga in the order in which Anakin rises onto Rey’s journey. The advantage of this option is that you can witness the evolution of the characters and the Galaxy’s political landscape in linear advancements. It is also a sequence of storytelling intended by George Lucas.

The downside of looking this way is that, in contrast to the order of releases, it ruins the twists of some plots, particularly with iconic revelation.

The inconsistent quality of later entries into the series – to be honest, we mean here we are talking about the prequel film – that may not offer the most engaging introduction to the franchise’s newbie.

• Acolyte (2024 TV show)
• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999 Movie)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clone (2002 film)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 Movie)
• Star Wars: Clone Wars (2008 Animated TV Show)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022 Animated TV Show)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005 film)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024 animated television show)
• Bad Batch (2021 Animated TV Show)
• Solo: Star Wars Story (2018 movie)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 TV Program)
• Andor (2022 TV Program)
• Star Wars Rebels (2014 TV show)
• Rogue One: Star Wars Story (2016 film)
• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977 Movie)
• Episode V: Empire Strike Back (1980 movie)
• Episode VI: Jedi’s Return (1983 Movie)
• The Mandalorian (2019 TV show)
• Boba Fett’s Book (2021 TV Show)
• Arsoka (2023 TV show)
• Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024 TV Show)
• Star Wars Resistance (2018 Animated TV Show)
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015 Movie)
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017 Movie)
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019 Movie)

Star Wars in order of release

This choice is undoubtedly the most authentic and influential experience and the way fans first saw it. This approach maintains the surprise and character development of the narrative that was first presented to the audience.

Another good reason to descend this route is to understand the technological and cinematic advances that have occurred throughout the history of the franchise. From the still-enhancing practical effects of the original trilogy to the groundbreaking showcase of CGI in the Industrial Light and Magic prequel. This progression not only reflects the actual development of filmmaking, but also enhances the viewing experience by gradually introducing more complex stories and characters.

In short, it’s the best bet for newcomers trying to understand the development of the series, and for fans who want to relive the magic.

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clone (2002)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• Clone Wars (2008 – Movies and TV Series)
• Star Wars Rebels (2014)
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
• Rogue One: Star Wars Story (2016)
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
• Solo: Star Wars Story (2018)
• Star Wars Resistance (2018)
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
• The Mandalorian (2019)
• Bad Batch (2021)
• Boba Fett’s Book (2021)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
• Andru (2022)
• Star Wars: The Jedi Story
• Arsoka (2023)
• Star Wars: The Empire’s Tale
• Skeleton Crew (2024)

Order a machete (controversial option)

The order of viewing in a different chronological order – and the order in which opinions are divided between Jedhead is the order of the machete. Film fan Rod Hilton first proposed in 2011 on his blog. There is absolutely no machete jugglingthis sequence retains the original twists and surprises of the original trilogy by watching it before the prequel trilogy, but skips the phantom threat completely.

This option treats Episodes II and III as flashbacks between the Imperial Strikeback and the Return of the Jedi. Hilton argues that the order highlights the continuity of the main Skywalker saga stories.

• Episode IV: New Hope
• Episode V: The Empire fights back
• Episode II: Clonal Attack
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
• Episode VI: The Jedi Return
• If necessary, sequel trilogy and spinoffs

Going to Hardcore – Curiosity other than Canon

The vastness of the Star Wars universe means that it omitted many essential spinoff shows and specials (mainly animated Lego tie-ins and mashups), along with a considerable collection of official makers and behind the scenes documentaries available on Disney Plus.

In addition to these, there have been several shows and films in the official storyline that have been considered non-canonic.

After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, several shows and films have been reclassified as non-canonical, and now fall under the flag of “legends.” These include the mid-1980s animated series Star Wars: Droids (1985–1986) and Ewoks (1985–1986), and two Ewok-centric TV films aimed at the cute charm of Endo Forest Dwell. All of these are available on Disney Plus.

However, one important omission from the Disney Plus catalog is the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. It sparkled in an unsuspecting home through the CBS TV network ahead of Thanksgiving in 1978.

Despite the best attempts to burial George Lucas, it was never officially rerun or released – the special continued to develop cult supporters in the early days of the internet thanks to the shared pixelated conventions.

It has since been lovingly upscaled at 5K resolution by a group of fans and can be streamed on YouTube in its nasty glory.

Finally, purists seeking an original theatrical experience have two fan projects that offer meticulously crafted versions of the original trilogy.

Harmy’s constant version is a pristine, high-resolution recreation of the now-unavailable original theatrical version of the Star Wars trilogy. They undo Lucas’s added scenes and special effects changes in later “special editions.”

For the Rawer experience, Team Negial1’s 4K77, 4K80, and 4K83 are fan-made 4K scans in the original 35mm 35mm theatrical print. The downside is that neither of these projects is officially approved by Lucasfilm and Disney. This means that distribution is managed within the fan community to respect copyright considerations.

But you will be traveling the path through the galaxy from the options above, may the power be with you!