What is the Star Wars movie order? This question often arises among fans of the iconic franchise, as there are multiple versions of the films and it can be confusing to determine the correct sequence. The Star Wars saga, created by George Lucas, has captivated audiences since its inception in 1977, and the movies have been re-released, remastered, and re-edited over the years. In this article, we will explore the different Star Wars movie orders and provide a clear guide for fans to enjoy the saga in the intended manner.
The original Star Wars trilogy, often referred to as the “Classic Trilogy,” consists of the following films:
1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
This is the order in which the films were originally released and is the most commonly recognized sequence. However, the saga has been expanded with a prequel trilogy and a sequel trilogy, leading to some confusion regarding the correct viewing order.
The prequel trilogy, which explores the events that occurred between the original and sequel trilogies, consists of:
1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
These films were created to provide background information on the rise of the Galactic Empire and the fall of the Jedi Order. Some fans argue that watching the prequels before the original trilogy helps to understand the story better, while others prefer to watch them after the original trilogy for a different perspective.
The sequel trilogy, which continues the story of the original trilogy, consists of:
1. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
2. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
3. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
This trilogy follows the adventures of Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they fight against the First Order, which is a successor to the Empire. The sequel trilogy is often considered a bridge between the original and prequel trilogies, and some fans prefer to watch them in the order they were released.
So, what is the Star Wars movie order that you should follow? The most widely accepted order is:
1. Episode IV: A New Hope
2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
6. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
7. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
8. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
9. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
This order allows you to experience the saga in the intended manner, starting with the original trilogy and gradually progressing to the prequels and sequel trilogy. However, it’s important to remember that the Star Wars movies are beloved by fans for various reasons, and everyone’s viewing experience is unique. So, whether you choose to follow this order or mix and match the films to suit your preferences, the Star Wars saga will continue to be an unforgettable journey through the galaxy far, far away.
