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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker final trailer just dropped. This is a very good year to be a Star Wars fangirl! Get your family geek-ready by watching the Star Wars movies in order before you head to the Disney Parks and the new movie in December 2019 (ps- Rise of Skywalker tickets are on sale!). This post will help you choose a list of Star Wars movies in order that works for you- and yes, there’s one for every fan level! (Affiliate links included)

In case you missed the news, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.Plus at Star Wars Celebration, the newest movie was announced by name with a new trailer and we got even more at Star Wars news at D23 Expo. Check out the first Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer and poster here.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Final Trailer

This one just dropped during Monday Night Football. 

And yes, we’ve already bought our tickets. 

Star Wars fans are passionate about their films, and if you are new to the stories, you’ll soon understand why.

People are invested in these characters and the actors that portray them. And I won’t lie, I’m one of them. Losing Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was rough on me (RIP, Carrie).

When a new film or experience comes out, the fandom gets a little excited- to say the least.

Star Wars fans: you never disappoint. I may not always agree with you (I’ll admit right up front, I’m #TeamLastJediWasAwesome) but you definitely love to argue your side with passion.

Complete List of Star Wars Movies In Order

And one of the biggest discussions in the fandom is around the order of Star Wars movies. Is the Star Wars movie order of release the best way to watch these movies? Some would say so!

But I’m not sure I agree. So what order to watch Star Wars? I made lists- because that’s what I do!

The Star Wars movies list included in this post is for everyone, but mostly for the newer fan. Check out these Star Wars movies in order (Star Wars movie order of release, episode, or machete) and get started watching this epic franchise!

Find the Star Wars Movies List That’s Right For You

Star Wars can be watched in multiple ways. And honestly, you’ll get a kick out of the franchise no matter which way you go! But I’m a list maker- and a big fan of crossing things off my list.

That’s why I came up with these 5 Star Wars movies list for you to choose from, including a bonus celebrity Star Wars movies list. Ooohh— aahhhh! There is a 6th list I snuck in there at the end: just the basic Star Wars movies in order before Solo.

I’m confident these will help you become a certified Star Wars fan in no time- like my new Star Wars Fangirl friend, Jane.

1. Watch The Star Wars Movies In Order of Release

Let’s say you are all in. You want it ALL and you want your list of Star Wars movies in order by release, which means the way they appeared in theaters.

You’ll start with the Original Trilogy of Star Wars movies.

And this is a great place to start when preparing for Solo: A Star Wars Story because there’s lots of Han and Lando and Chewie in the original trilogy.

 

Star Wars movie order of release

• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens
• Rogue One
• Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi
• Solo: A Star Wars Story
• Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker (December 2019)

 

2. Watching the Star Wars Movies In Order: Episode Order

If that list of Star Wars movies wasn’t quite right for you, I get it. Watching Star Wars movies in order of release isn’t for everyone! You can also watch them in Episode Order (I through VIII), just like Geoge Lucas envisioned.

The good news: you are able to totally see where Lucas was going with all this. Mad respect for the guy who’s mind and vision brought us this fantastic space odyssey.

But there’s some bad news too: starting off with a whole lot of Jar-Jar Binks (you’ll learn about him- ugh, sorry!), and I gotta say, no; no to Jar-Jar unless you want to be featured on Buzzfeed for a running costume.

I might have gone to the Dark Side when I put this on, just sayin’…!

 

He’s kinda the worst character they ever put in the Star Wars movie timeline- and he gets a lot of play in the early movies. Episode order also ruins a bunch of plot twists because you learn it all in advance.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERTS if you go this route.

So for a first time Star Wars watcher: say no to Episode Order. Pick one of the other lists of Star Wars movies in order for your first watching.

3. The Best Star Wars Movies In Order List: Star Wars Machete Order

Oh, I’m going there. I think this is the Star Wars movies list that beats all lists. I’m a fan of the Machete Order which cuts up (and cuts out some movies) into a different time order.

Raise your lightsaber in salute to blogger Rod Hilton, who came up with this idea in 2011. You can read in detail his reasoning HERE.

The Machete Order is as follows:

• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

 

If you follow this list of Star Wars movies in order, you’ll have a smoother Star Wars movie timeline of events without giving away too many spoilers. And you won’t have to watch too much of Anakin Skywalker: the early whiny years.

But what about the remaining films? Do those need to be watched before Solo comes out if you are new to Star Wars?

Sure- why not? All Star Wars is good Star Wars (minus Jar-Jar as noted above. Ugh that guy).

4. Watch Star Wars Movies In Order: After The Machete

I think it’s safe to watch Machete order first, and then go ahead and move on to

Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens

 

And then catch your breath, dry your tears (oh, there are tears, people!), and watch

Rogue One

 

And again with the tears.

Grab a box of tissue to go alongside your box of popcorn; I’m just sayin’!

And then The Last Jedi which came out in December 2017. And don’t @ me- I loved this movie and you can’t convince me otherwise!

And make sure you watch Solo: A Star Wars Story. Its good, y’all, and if you have a kid heading to Batuu and Smuggler’s Run for the first time, you want to take a watch here. It’s the only movie that mentions Black Spire Outpost and Batuu– plus Dok-Ondar and the Falcon: all things you’ll get to know when you travel off-planet. 

 

5. Watch Star Wars Movies In Order According to Mark Hamill

If you want the real Jedi approved answer to the question of what order to watch Star Wars, you probably want to go to one of the guys who’s been invested in the franchise from the beginning.

Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker for the folks new around here!) gave his list for watching the Star Wars movies in order.

 

At first, he was going for the Star Wars movie order of release- the way everyone his age saw it in the theaters. But then he made a change and altered his choice.

His vote for the Star Wars movies list to watch is this: Episode One, Two, Three, Rogue One, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight. So basically he agrees with George Lucas- but thinks Rogue One needs to squeeze in there.

I’m not going to fight with a Jedi Master over this one; I see your point, Master Luke.

Why you need to know where Solo fits into the Star Wars movie timeline

I’m looking at you, parents of young kiddos who suddenly find yourself deep in discussion with your children who know way more about the Star Wars movie timeline than you do!

Let’s just be honest here. We’re among friends, right?

Your kids are going to beg to see it. You’re going to be curious, too, despite all the “concerns” with casting and the storyline.

But GUYS forget all that: as Han says I have a really good feeling about this!

Solo: A Star Wars Story was so much fun- and my kiddos agreed. Make sure you add this to your Star Wars movie marathon list!

 

I’ve seen it- at least 4 times now. And I can assure you that watching Solo: A Star Wars Story is a must for any Star Wars fans. And I think you guys- if you’re being honest- will too.

As Han says: PUNCH IT! 

 

Where Does Solo Fit Into the Star Wars Movie Timeline?

Solo: A Star Wars Story is said to take place between the events of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. So if you are short on time and just need to know the basics, I have a Star Wars movies list for that as well.

You want to know who these guys are and why on earth are we watching a whole backstory on them this is the Star Wars movies in order list for you.

 

 

Short answer: he’s Han Solo, a smuggler, a smart ass, and a reluctant hero. And when you catch up on the Star Wars movie timeline you’ll see that we really *need* his backstory. And yes, Solo answers the questions of who and where they all come from.

And now that we have Donald Glover as Lando? Swoon.

He is fantastic in this role and I cannot say enough about the dynamic between him and Alden (Han Solo). They work- they are even better in my opinion than the original duo. Okay, maybe not better… but just as good. Don’t believe me? WATCH SOLO!

 

 

The final list of Star Wars Movies in Order Before Galaxy’s Edge

So here are the five I think would be most important to bring you up to speed as a new Star Wars fan before you watch head into Galaxy’s Edge at Disney. This wraps up my Star Wars movies list with just the basics.

If you don’t watch anything else before you walk into the new Star Wars Land, my vote will be to watch these Star Wars movies in order:

• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (I think you can skip this if needed, but it fits the Star Wars movie timeline for Solo, so add it if you can!)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story
• Rogue One 
• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens

 

May the Force Be With Us! (and if you don’t know what that means, for the love of Han Solo, PLEASE watch some of these movies! Or check out the Star Wars Memes | May the Fourth Be With You Meme post.)

Star Wars Parent Movie Reviews

My children are teens, tweens, and 7-year-old.

And in full disclosure, the youngest has seen all of these movies as well as most movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And yes, they’ve seen the Star Wars movies in order: release, episode and machete! Ha! We do love our Star Wars over here.

After watching the movies, I always include a parent movie review that aims to answer the question: is the movie kid-friendly?

Now that THE LAST JEDI has broken box office records, I’ve got answers to that question: is The Last Jedi kid-friendly? Is it appropriate for your younglings? Read the parent movie review and you’ll see my thoughts on it.

I’ve also reviewed The Force Awakens for parents. Be sure to check both these out before adding your kiddos to your Star Wars movies list watching!

 

Solo: A Star Wars Story Parent Movie Review

Which List of Star Wars Movies In Order is Best For You?

It’s a question I hope you now have the answer to. You certainly have all the Star Wars movie lists you could ever need! I hope you’ll make good use of them.

If you decide to watch Star Wars movie order of release, in episode order, or by way of the Machete Order, I know you’ll love catching up on these characters. What order to watch Star Wars is up to you, but falling in love with the stories is completely out of your control- sorry, guys. They are just so loveable!

 

And if you’re up to getting super nerdy, check out this fun site with origami ideas. I found this origami Millennium Falcon that my fam is going to try this weekend!

Once you’ve gone to the Light or Dark side, get caught up with the list of Harry Potter movies in order and the Marvel movies in order as well!  And here’s the place you can find all the movies in order lists.

About Solo: A Star Wars Story

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga?s most unlikely heroes. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany.

Like STAR WARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starwarsmovies/

Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars  

Follow STAR WARS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starwars/ 

Visit the official SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY site: http://www.starwars.com/films/solo

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY opens in theatres everywhere on May 25th!

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