Correct order to watch Star Wars film series
The correct order to watch the Star Wars series
With this month marking forty years since the release of the first Star Wars film, there's no better time to revisit the iconic science fiction series that took the whole world by storm.
But unlike most film series, Star Wars does not follow a linear narrative, and the chronological release dates of the movies are not reflective of the story line. So while you may have religiously followed Luke and Darth since the very beginning, a lot of people have no idea which order to watch these action-packed movies. We're here to help.
Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Although The Phantom Menace was released over twenty years after the first film, this movie acts as a prequel that establishes the tale of The Force and Luke Skywaker.
In the film, two Jedi Knights escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to reclaim their old glory.
Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padme, while Obi-Wan investigates an assassination attempt on the Senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.
Watch Star Wars: Attack of the Clones on BigPond Movies now.
Epsiode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
During the near end of the clone wars, Darth Sidious has revealed himself and is ready to execute the last part of his plan to rule the Galaxy. Sidious is ready for his new apprentice, Lord Vader, to step into action and kill the remaining Jedi. Vader, however, struggles to choose the dark side and save his wife or remain loyal to the Jedi order.
Episode IV - Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
Released as a standalone film in 1977, you wouldn't be alone in thinking this film marks the start of the Star Wars story. However, George Lucas couldn't have predicted the huge success of this revolutionary sci-fi film which inspired a mega series.
The concept? A farmboy, a princess and a swashbuckling renegade band together to lead a motley group of rebels and robots against the evil galactic empire in this space fantasy. Seems simple enough these days, but forty years ago this was game-changing.
Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.
Watch Star Wars: The Empire Striked Back on BigPond Movies now.
Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to make Vader return from the dark side of the Force. This is also the film with that infamous gold bikini scene.
Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
As Kylo Ren and the sinister First Order rise from the ashes of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is missing when the galaxy needs him most. It's up to Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, a defecting stormtrooper, to join forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca in a desperate search for the one hope of restoring peace to the galaxy.
Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Die-hard fans will be thrilled to know there are still another two films in the works, with the ninth film in the series being released in December 2017. And in two years' time, the tenth installment of the trilogy series will be hitting the big screens. But will it be the last?
However, it's worth noting that the first three films released (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) revealed some pretty shocking plot-twists that would blow away anyone new to the Star Wars films. So, if you're planning on following the chronological order of the episodes - you might not understand the signifance of a few key reveals down the track. For this reason, a lot of people still choose to watch the films in the order they were released.
There have also been a few standalone films released as off-shoots of the series, including the recent 2016 movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. And while these are not included as seamlessly into the story line, they are certainly worth a watch.
Inspired you to revisit the series or find out what all the fuss is about?
All the films are available to watch right now on BigPond Movies.