Which Star Wars Movie Should You Watch First? A Beginner's Guide
Alright, guys, we know you're here because you're curious about the galaxy far, far away, but you're not sure where to start with the Star Wars saga. Don't worry, we've all been there. With nine movies, a TV show, and a whole lot of spin-offs, it can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not, we're here to help! Let's dive into the which Star Wars movie to watch first conundrum and make it as easy as pie. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and which star wars.
The Star Wars Timeline: A Quick Overview
Before we get started, let's quickly run through the Star Wars timeline. It's a bit like a Choose Your Own Adventure story, with movies and shows jumping around in time. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace - The beginning, set around 32 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin, a key event in the Star Wars timeline). - Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Around 22 BBY. - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Around 19 BBY. - Solo: A Star Wars Story - Around 13 BBY. - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Around 0 BBY (the same time as the next movie). - Episode IV: A New Hope - Around 0 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). - Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back - Around 3 ABY. - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi - Around 4 ABY. - Episode VII: The Force Awakens - Around 34 ABY. - Episode VIII: The Last Jedi - Around 34 ABY. - Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker - Around 35 ABY. - The Mandalorian (TV show) - Around 9 ABY.
Phew! That's a lot of dates. But don't worry, you don't need to memorize them. Just know that the main Star Wars movies (Episodes I-IX) follow a chronological order, but the spin-offs and TV shows can be watched at any time.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The Classic Approach
If you're a traditionalist and want to experience Star Wars the way it was originally intended, start with Episode IV: A New Hope. This is the movie that started it all, and it's where you'll meet Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the rest of the gang. It's also the movie that introduced the world to the iconic opening crawl and the classic Star Wars theme.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this is a great place to start. It's the most family-friendly of the main movies.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The chronological Approach
If you're a stickler for chronology, then you should start with Episode I: The Phantom Menace. This is the first movie in the timeline, and it's where you'll meet young Anakin Skywalker and learn about the mysterious Force. However, be warned: this movie can be a bit of a tough watch. It's the first of the prequel trilogy, and it's not quite as beloved as the originals.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this might not be the best place to start. It's a bit more complex and less action-packed than the other movies.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "What's the Hype About?" Approach
If you're just looking to dive into the hype and see what all the fuss is about, then start with Episode VII: The Force Awakens. This movie was released in 2015 and is the first in the sequel trilogy. It's a great way to jump into the Star Wars universe because it introduces new characters while also paying homage to the old. Plus, it's got a ton of action and a compelling story.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this is another great option. It's got plenty of action and humor, and it's a great way to introduce them to the world of Star Wars.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "I Want to Watch Something Different" Approach
If you're looking for something a bit different, then check out Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This movie is set just before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and it tells the story of a group of rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star. It's a bit darker and more mature than the main movies, and it's a great way to see a different side of the Star Wars universe.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this might be a bit intense. It's not as family-friendly as some of the other movies.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "I Want to Watch Them All" Approach
If you're ready to commit to the Star Wars journey and watch them all, then start with Episode IV: A New Hope and then watch the movies in release order. This means watching Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, then Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, then Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and finally Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. This way, you'll get the full Star Wars experience, from the original trilogy to the prequels to the sequels.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, you might want to skip the prequels for now and come back to them later. They can be a bit dense and might not hold their attention as well as the other movies.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "I Want to Watch Something in Between" Approach
If you're looking for something to watch between the main movies, then check out Solo: A Star Wars Story or Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. These movies are set at different times in the Star Wars timeline, and they tell stories that fill in the gaps between the main movies. They're a great way to get more Star Wars without having to commit to a whole new trilogy.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, these movies can be a great way to introduce them to some of the side stories in the Star Wars universe.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The TV Show Approach
If you're ready to dive into the Star Wars universe beyond the movies, then check out The Mandalorian. This TV show is set after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, and it follows a bounty hunter and his quest to protect a mysterious baby. It's a great way to expand your Star Wars knowledge and see a different side of the galaxy.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this show can be a bit intense. It's not as family-friendly as some of the other content, but it's still a great way to introduce them to the world of Star Wars.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "I Don't Know What to Watch" Approach
If you're still not sure which Star Wars movie to watch first, then why not try a little experiment? Start with Episode IV: A New Hope and watch it all the way through. Then, take a break and think about what you liked and didn't like. Did you enjoy the action? The characters? The story? Then, use that information to guide your next movie choice. Did you love the original trilogy? Then maybe try the prequels next. Did you love the new characters in The Force Awakens? Then maybe try The Last Jedi next. The great thing about Star Wars is that there's something for everyone, so don't be afraid to explore and find what you love.
Pro tip: If you're watching with kids, this approach can be a great way to figure out what they like and don't like about Star Wars. It's a great way to tailor your movie choices to their interests.
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The "I Want to Watch Something Right Now" Approach
Alright, we know you're eager to get started, so here's a quick rundown of our recommendations:
- If you want a classic Star Wars experience, start with Episode IV: A New Hope. - If you want to watch them in chronological order, start with Episode I: The Phantom Menace. - If you want to dive into the hype, start with Episode VII: The Force Awakens. - If you want something different, start with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. - If you want to watch them all, start with Episode IV: A New Hope and watch in release order. - If you want to watch something in between, try Solo: A Star Wars Story or Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. - If you want to watch a TV show, try The Mandalorian. - If you don't know what to watch, start with Episode IV: A New Hope and go from there. - If you want to watch something right now, well, we can't choose for you, but we hope this guide has helped!
Which Star Wars Movie to Watch First: The Final Word
There you have it, folks! We've given you a whole bunch of options for which Star Wars movie to watch first. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a total newbie, we hope this guide has given you some food for thought. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride. May the Force be with you!