In what order to watch Star Wars?

1) Release order (the simplest and often best for a first viewing)

Release order is the “cinema experience”: you discover the saga in the same order as millions of fans. Surprises work better, and you get to see the evolution of special effects and style over the years.

Original trilogy

• Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) : The Rebellion opposes the Empire, Luke discovers the Force.
• Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) : darker, more intense, and cult revelations.
• Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) : trilogy conclusion, final showdown and redemption.

Prequel trilogy

• Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) : Young Anakin, rising tensions, return of the Sith.
• Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) : war begins, Anakin’s dilemmas, romance with Padmé.
• Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) : tragic turn, birth of the Empire, fate of the Jedi.

Sequel trilogy

• Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) : new cycle, new heroes, return of tensions.
• Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017) : choices, breaks, learning and face-offs.
• Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) : conclusion of the 'Skywalker' saga.

Quick tip: If you’re truly just starting out, begin with this order. Then, only afterwards, have fun with chronological or thematic orders.

2) Chronological order (if you want to follow the story in event order)

Here, you follow the universe’s timeline: the rise of Anakin, the fall of the Republic, the birth of the Rebellion, then the continuation with the new generation.

The films (chronological)

1. Episode I – The Phantom Menace
2. Episode II – Attack of the Clones
3. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
4. Episode IV – A New Hope
5. Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
6. Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
7. Episode VII – The Force Awakens
8. Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
9. Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Why choose chronological?

• You better understand Anakin’s journey and the dynamics of 'politics → war → Empire'.
• You see the echoes between generations (Luke / Leia / Rey) in a smoother way.
• It’s excellent for a 'full universe' rewatch.

3) Thematic order (machete order): the best compromise of emotions + surprises

This order is popular with fans because it maintains the emotional impact of the original trilogy, then uses the prequels as a 'flashback' that enriches the story, before concluding.

The classic machete order (films)

1. Episode IV – A New Hope
2. Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
3. Episode II – Attack of the Clones
4. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
5. Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Next, you can continue with VII → VIII → IX if you want to finish the entire Skywalker saga.

Why does it work?

• You keep the 'mythical' entry (IV/V) that made it legendary.
• The prequels become a dramatic highlight (origin, downfall, choices).
• The conclusion (VI) gains emotional intensity.

Where to place Rogue One and Solo?

Spin-offs are perfect for 'expanding' the universe, especially if you like the Rebellion, smugglers, and a more ground-level atmosphere.

• Rogue One : to be placed just before Episode IV (it leads directly to the events of IV).
• Solo : rather after Episode III (or after the original trilogy if you prefer to keep the surprise).

If you’re starting out: you can watch the 9 episodes first, then add Rogue One and Solo afterwards. It's simpler.

The included series: which are worth it and when should you watch them?

The series add a lot of depth: they develop secondary characters, entire eras, and give meaning to certain events. But there’s no need to watch everything all at once.

If you want a “light” (easy) version

• The Mandalorian : after Episode VI (very accessible, even without knowing everything).
• Obi-Wan Kenobi : between Episode III and Episode IV.
• Andor : before Rogue One (more realistic and political atmosphere).

If you want a “complete universe” version

• The Clone Wars (animation) : between Episodes II and III (huge bonus for context).
• Rebels (animation) : before Episode IV (building the Rebellion).
• The Bad Batch : after Episode III (transition to the Empire).
• Ahsoka : after The Mandalorian / Rebels (ideal if you follow this arc).
• Skeleton Crew : “New Republic” era, same setting as The Mandalorian (can be watched separately).

Simple advice: begin with a film order (release or chronological), then add 1 series at a time.

Iconic characters: who is who?

Luke Skywalker

The hero of the original trilogy. He grows up on Tatooine, discovers the Force, and becomes a symbol of hope against the Empire.

Leia Organa

Leader of the Rebellion and then the Resistance, Leia embodies courage, strategy, and determination.

Han Solo

Charismatic smuggler, pilot of the Millennium Falcon, he brings humor, audacity, and a real heart beneath the tough exterior.

Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)

Central character of the saga: his fall, his choices, and his redemption add a tragic dimension to the entire Star Wars universe.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Mentor and moral figure, Obi-Wan goes through the ages: training, war, exile... and passing on wisdom.

Yoda

Legendary Jedi Master, small in size but immense in wisdom. He represents teaching and self-control.

Rey

Heroine of the new trilogy: she discovers her connection to the Force and must find herself amid the ruins of the past.

Kylo Ren (Ben Solo)

Complex antagonist, torn between light and darkness, he carries one of the most striking inner conflicts of the sequel trilogy.

Themes explored: why Star Wars resonates so strongly

Star Wars isn’t “just” space battles. The saga deals with universal themes:

• Family and Legacy (what we accept, what we refuse, what we change)
• Friendship and Loyalty (the bonds that last even when everything falls apart)
• Fall and Redemption (losing yourself… and sometimes finding your way back)
• Choice and Responsibility (the Force as a metaphor for our decisions)

Cultural Impact: a Worldwide Pop Phenomenon

Since 1977, Star Wars has left its mark on cinema, pop culture, and entire generations: iconic quotes, legendary music, an expanded universe, games, series, conventions… and a huge community. Few sagas have managed to stay this present for so many decades.

Star Wars Wall Art: Where Art and Culture Merge

How about bringing the experience into your decor? A painting inspired by the Star Wars universe can transform the atmosphere of a room: office, living room, bedroom… It’s a simple gift idea and a subtle (or bold!) nod to a cult saga.

Decor tip: As a triptych (3 visuals), the effect is often more harmonious and more “cinematic” than a single frame.

👉 If you have a dedicated collection on your site, you can add an internal link to your Star Wars collection here: Discover the Star Wars Wall Art Collection