The Beginning of a Cultural Phenomenon
In 1977, a movie that would change the entertainment industry forever was released. That movie was Star Wars. The movie was a massive success and created a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day. Since then, numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs have been released. However, the release order of the Star Wars movies can be confusing for fans, especially for those who are new to the franchise. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Star Wars release order.
The Original Trilogy
The original Star Wars trilogy consists of three movies: Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). The movies follow the story of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they fight against the evil Empire. These movies were the first to be released and are considered the core of the Star Wars franchise. They are also the movies that made George Lucas a household name.
The Prequel Trilogy
The prequel trilogy consists of three movies: The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005). These movies take place before the events of the original trilogy and follow the story of Anakin Skywalker, who becomes Darth Vader. These movies were released over a span of six years and were met with mixed reviews from fans and critics.
The Sequel Trilogy
The sequel trilogy consists of three movies: The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). These movies take place after the events of the original trilogy and follow the story of a new generation of heroes, including Rey, Finn, and Poe. These movies were released over a span of four years and were met with mixed reviews from fans and critics.
The Spin-Offs
In addition to the main Star Wars movies, there have been several spin-off movies that take place within the Star Wars universe. These movies include Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Rogue One takes place just before the events of the original Star Wars movie and tells the story of how the rebels stole the plans for the Death Star. Solo takes place before the events of the original trilogy and tells the story of a young Han Solo.
The Chronological Order
If you want to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order, you would start with The Phantom Menace and end with The Rise of Skywalker. This order can be confusing for fans who are used to the release order. However, watching the movies in chronological order can provide a different perspective on the story.
The Machete Order
The Machete Order is a viewing order that was created by Rod Hilton in 2011. This order is designed to provide a new perspective on the story and to eliminate some of the pacing issues that occur in the prequel trilogy. The order is as follows: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, and Return of the Jedi. This order eliminates The Phantom Menace and rearranges the rest of the movies in a way that makes the story flow better.
The Ultimate Order
The Ultimate Order is a viewing order that was created by Eric Geller in 2015. This order combines elements of the release order and the chronological order to create a viewing experience that is both comprehensive and cohesive. The order is as follows: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Attack of the Clones, The Phantom Menace, Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the release order of the Star Wars movies can be confusing for fans. However, by following one of the viewing orders outlined in this article, you can enjoy the story in a way that makes sense to you. Whether you choose to watch the movies in release order, chronological order, the Machete Order, or the Ultimate Order, the Star Wars franchise is an epic journey that is sure to captivate audiences for generations to come.
