It’s been nearly 50 years since George Lucas first introduced the star Wars the whole place. Since then, we’ve had theatrical films and a huge collection of television shows inspired by a galaxy far, far away. All those overlapping stories make it one of the most densely packed entertainment sites to follow.
Finding the best way to view everything in order can therefore be difficult even for the most dedicated fans, let alone a newbie learning the difference between a Jedi Master and a moisture farmer.
With the announcement of Ryan Gosling playing Starfighter and the upcoming release of The Mandalorian & GroguThere’s renewed excitement surrounding all things Star Wars, so if you’re looking to dive back in or wonder what the big deal is about lightsabers and Wookiees, here’s our essential guide to help you navigate the best way to experience it all.
While some purists may complain about Disney’s handling of the epic sci-fi saga, House of Mouse makes for binge-watching. star Wars easier than ever. With a few minor exceptions (mostly recent), every movie and TV spinoff is available to watch in one place — on demand through Disney Plus.
So what is the best watch order? The sequence of events? Free? Or something else entirely? Let’s go through it.
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Star Wars in chronological order (with timeline events)
If you want to experience the story as it unfolds across the universe, you’ll want to follow the saga in a way that shows Anakin’s rise to Rey’s journey. The advantage of this option is that you will be able to see the evolution of the characters and the political situation of the galaxy continuously. It’s also George Lucas’ intended sequel.
The downside of viewing it this way, rather than in order of release, is that it spoils several plot twists, including one iconic revelation.
The variable quality of other later entries in the series — let’s be honest, we’re talking about the earlier movies here — means they may not provide the most engaging introduction to franchise newcomers.
- The Acolyte (2024 TV show)
- Episode One: The Phantom Menace (1999 film)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002 film)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film)
- Star Wars: The 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 TV show)
- The Bad Collection (2021 animated TV show)
- Maul: Shadow Lord (2026 animated TV show)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018 film)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 TV show)
- Andor (2022 TV show)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014 TV show)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016 film)
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977 film)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980 film)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983 film)
- The Mandalorian (2019 TV show)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021 TV show)
- Ahsoka (2023 TV show)
- Star Wars: The 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 film)
Star Wars is organized chronologically
This choice is, without a doubt, an authentic and impactful experience and the way fans first see it. This approach preserves the narrative surprises and character development as first presented to the audience.
Another good reason to go this route is that it allows you to enjoy the technological and cinematic advancements that have occurred throughout the history of the franchise. From the convincing original trilogy working effects to the Industrial Light and Magic CGI shows in the prequels. This progression not only reflects the real-world advancements in filmmaking but also enhances the viewing experience by gradually introducing more complex narratives and characters.
In short, it’s the best bet for newcomers who want to understand the development of the series and for fans who wish to relive the magic.
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The Clone Wars (2008 — movie and TV series)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars Resistance (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Mandalorian (2019)
- The Bad Batch (2021)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024)
- The Acolyte (2024)
- The Skeleton Crew (2024)
- Maul: Lord of Shadows (2026)
Machete order (controversial option)
Another non-chronological viewing system — and one that divides opinion among JedHeads — is the machete system. First suggested by movie fan Rod Hilton back in 2011 on his Absolutely No Machete Juggling blog, this sequel retains the original twists and surprises of the original trilogy by watching it before the prequel trilogy, but controversially skips The Phantom Menace entirely.
This option treats episodes II and III as a flashback between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Hilton says the order emphasizes the continuation of the main story of the Skywalker saga while skipping a prequel that some consider too weak.
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Sequel trilogy and spinoffs as you like
Going hardcore – the non-canon curios
The vastness of the Star Wars universe means that we’ve left behind plenty of inconsequential spinoff shows and specials — mostly Lego cartoon tie-ins and mashups with The Simpsons — and a huge collection of making-of and behind-the-scenes documentaries available on Disney Plus.
In addition to this, there are a number of shows and movies that are now considered non-canonical in the official storyline since Disney’s acquisition of the franchise, which you may or may not want to add and expand the above lists.
After Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, several shows and movies were reclassified as non-canonical, now falling under the “Legends” banner. These include the animated series of the mid-1980s: Star Wars: Droids (1985-1986) and Ewoks (1985-1986), as well as two Ewok-centric TV movies that were intended to cash in on the good appeal of the forest dwellers of Endor: Caravan of Courage: An Ewok The Endor 198 and Ewok 98 Adventure (198). All of this is available on Disney Plus.
One notable omission from the Disney Plus catalog, however, is the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. Originally aired to surprise homes on the CBS television network before Thanksgiving in 1978, this low-budget fever dream features Chewbacca’s extended family celebrating, musical numbers and celebrity cameos, all wrapped up in a whimsical Wookiee celebration “Day of the Life.”
Despite George Lucas’ best efforts to bury it — it’s never been officially resurfaced or released — the special developed a cult following in the early days of the Internet thanks to shared multi-pixel bootlegs.
It has since been lovingly upgraded to 5K resolution by a group of fans and can be streamed on YouTube in all its glory.
Finally, for purists looking for an original theatrical experience, there are two fan projects that offer meticulously crafted versions of the original trilogy.
Harmy’s Despecialized Editions are clean, high definition versions of the original Star Wars trilogy that are not available. They reversed Lucas’ added scenes and special effects changes to “Special Editions.”
For more information, Team Negative1’s 4K77, 4K80, and 4K83 are fan-made 4K scans of 35mm theatrical prints of the original trilogy. The downside is that none of these projects are officially licensed by Lucasfilm and Disney, which means that distribution is controlled within fan communities to respect copyright considerations.
However you end up choosing to walk your way through the galaxy from the options above, may the Force be with you!
