The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Star Wars Journey

Want to dive into the Galactic Empire's rise and fall but unsure where to start? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best ways to start your Star Wars adventure, whether you prefer the chronological timeline or the order of release. We’ll also delve into the nuances of watching Star Wars movies and TV series, including whether animated series and standalone films are necessary for fully understanding the story.

Understanding Your Star Wars Script

Whether you’ve been clamoring to catch up or are a complete novice, this guide aims to offer clarity on how to begin. The core question here might be, ‘which one should I start with? ’ Let's break it down.

Option 1: Chronological Timeline Order

The official Disney website's timeline offers the most straightforward approach to dipping into the Star Wars saga. This series begins with:

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020 - Animated) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tales of the Jedi (2022 - Animated) The Book of Boba Fett (2021) Star Wars: Visions (2021 - Present - Animated, Non-Canonical) The Mandalorian (2019 - Present) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021 - Present - Animated)

Most series enjoy a general consensus on viewing in chronological order, apart from some standalone films like 'The Force Awakens' (2015), 'Rogue One', or 'Solo' that are more contextual in later episodes.

Option 2: Release Order

Alternatively, you can start with the first film:

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020 - Animated) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tales of the Jedi (2022 - Animated) The Book of Boba Fett (2021) Star Wars: Visions (2021 - Present - Animated, Non-Canonical) The Mandalorian (2019 - Present) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021 - Present - Animated)

In release order, 'The Force Awakens' (2015) and other standalone films are more easily integrated, but 'Solo' and 'Rogue One' are best left for later to avoid confusion.

Animated Series and Standalone Films

Animated series and standalone films are more nuanced:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)

While it contains crucial information, skipping it might be the best choice for a tight plot experience.

Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018)

Crucial for context and expanding the saga, but may not affect the story significantly.

The Mandalorian (2019-2020)

Doesn't reference much of the original storyline, making it a great standalone start.

The Bad Batch (2021-2023)

Necessary due to its timeline, but existing in the flawed history of the main series.

Tales of the Jedi (2022)

Not immediately necessary but increases understanding for dedicated viewers.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021)

Essential due to its crossover potential and as a standalone episodic adventure.

Star Wars Visions

This series is more concept-focused, with non-canon episodes that explore diverse 'what if' scenarios. Watching it at any time is beneficial as it deepens understanding of the rich universe.

Which One Should I Start with?

If your goal is to grasp the overall story and understand the entire saga, start with the original trilogy:

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

These form the backbone of the saga, followed by the prequels to build context. Alternatively, if you want a solid grounding that eventually incorporates standalone films like 'Solo' and 'Rogue One', begin with:

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

By following this guide, you can start your Star Wars journey with confidence, ensuring a deep and enriching experience. Whether you're watching the movies in their original order or the prequels first, the story will unfold seamlessly, leaving you ready for the incredible adventures yet to come.