Introduction
If you are one of the few who have not yet witnessed the magic of the Star Wars universe, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. With nine films (and growing) in the franchise, not to mention TV shows, comics, and books, it can be difficult to know which movie to watch first. However, fear not, we are here to provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the galaxy far, far away.
The Ultimate Guide – Which Star Wars Movie Should You Watch First?
The first movie you watch in the Star Wars series can significantly impact your overall viewing experience. As such, it is crucial to choose wisely. There are different approaches to watching the series, some of which we will explore further in this article.
Begin Your Star Wars Journey – Proper Order to Watch the Star Wars Movies
If you prefer to experience the story chronologically, it is best to begin with the Prequel Trilogy, followed by the Original Trilogy, and the Sequel Trilogy. Watching the movies in this order allows you to witness the development of the characters and the events leading to the climax. However, this approach also means that you will witness the technological advancements of the universe in reverse order, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Another con of watching the movies in chronological order is that the introduction of certain characters or events may not have the same impact as it would if you had watched them in the release order. For instance, in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, when Darth Vader reveals his true identity to Luke Skywalker, it makes a more significant impact if you have already seen the Original Trilogy.
Chronological Order vs. Release Order – Which Should You Follow for the Star Wars Movies?
The release order of the Star Wars movies is the order in which the films were first presented to the audience. The Original Trilogy, consisting of Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, was released first, followed by the Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III) and the Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII-IX).
Both viewing orders have their pros and cons. The release order allows you to experience the franchise as it was intended to be seen, with the introduction of the characters and events in the order in which they were released. It also preserves the element of surprise and shock that the movies have to offer. On the other hand, watching in chronological order provides a cohesive and straightforward storyline.
The Argument for Starting with the Original Trilogy – A Star Wars Movie Recommendation Guide
The Original Trilogy, set thirty years after the events of the Prequel Trilogy, is the perfect starting point for those new to Star Wars. It introduces the franchise’s central characters, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, as they fight against the evil Galactic Empire led by Darth Vader.
The Original Trilogy contains the most iconic moments and lines in the franchise, such as “May the Force be with you,” Darth Vader’s breathing, and the epic space battles. Additionally, it provides context for the future events in the Star Wars universe and allows the viewer to establish a connection with the characters before delving deeper into the story.
The Star Wars Machete Order – A New and Popular Way to Watch the Movies
The Machete Order is a viewing sequence created by blogger Rod Hilton that aims to improve the Star Wars viewing experience. The viewing order goes as follows: Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episodes VI: Return of the Jedi and Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
According to Hilton, this viewing order allows you to experience the storyline and character arcs without revealing too many spoilers or having to suffer through sub-par movies (such as Episode I: The Phantom Menace). Additionally, by watching Episodes V and II before III, you get to witness the twists and reveals in the same order as the story’s characters.
A Newbie’s Guide to the Star Wars Movies – Where to Begin?
For viewers who are entirely new to the franchise, it can be difficult to navigate through the various movies and understand their timeline. The Star Wars movies are divided into three trilogies: the Original, Prequel, and Sequel Trilogy.
It is recommended that you begin your journey with the Original Trilogy, followed by the Prequel Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy. The Original Trilogy provides the foundation for the entire Star Wars universe and introduces some of the franchise’s essential characters, including Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker.
Less is More – Why Starting with Episode IV, A New Hope Should Be Your First Star Wars Movie
If you want to experience the main storyline and the best of Star Wars, it is recommended that you begin with Episode IV: A New Hope. This movie sets the standard for all the other films in the franchise, and it is where it all began.
The Original Trilogy follows Luke Skywalker’s journey as he learns about the Force, meets Han Solo and Chewbacca, and helps the Rebel Alliance defeat the Empire. Starting with Episode IV allows you to experience the central storyline and introduce yourself to the franchise’s most iconic characters without getting lost in exposition or complicated timelines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one right answer to the question of which Star Wars movie you should watch first. Whether you choose to follow chronological order, release order, or opt for a new viewing sequence such as the Machete Order, it is essential to select an approach that suits your viewing preferences.
Our recommendation is to begin your Star Wars journey with Episode IV: A New Hope, followed by the Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy, and the Sequel Trilogy. This viewing order will allow you to experience the franchise’s best moments, understand the storyline and character arcs, and establish a connection with the characters that will carry throughout the entire series.
However, the most crucial aspect is to have fun and immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe, and we hope this guide will assist you in starting your epic adventure.