It’s time for another Star Wars marathon! Call your friends!
This September saw the premiere of Disney+’s latest Star Wars television series, Andor, starring Diego Luna’s “Cassian Andor” of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story! Now it’s time to see where the show falls in the timeline. So look no further if you feel out of touch with the events or are new to the universe!
Here’s your updated Star Wars watch order to best prepare you for all the callbacks and easter eggs sure to be in Andor! We’ll cover the nine Star Wars films (episodes), side stories, and several Disney+ series, all part of the “Skywalker Saga”.
Ahh, yes, there’s the infamous “Skywalker” last name. If you want a brief refresher on all things Skywalker, check out this post detailing the Skywalker Lineage!
Chronological order
Use this watch order if: You’re a newbie who wants to keep it simple…
- The Prequel Trilogy
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Obi Wan-Kenobi (Disney+ series)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- The Original Trilogy
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian (Seasons 1 & 2, Disney+ series)
- The Book of Boba Fett (Disney+ series)
- The Sequel Trilogy
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Why would you watch it like this?
The amount of confusion in a massive galaxy would be close to zero. There is not a single flashback or obscure reference that would only make sense to veterans of this far, far away universe. Additionally, the Disney+ additions don’t feel so much like burdens or setbacks. The continuing momentum makes for an easy transition.
A second thought…
It starts with the infamously dreaded prequels. For many in the Star Wars community, the prequel trilogy is seen as the weaker of the three trilogies. “Weaker” is putting it nicely for some. However, if this is your first time being introduced to Star Wars, it might not be the strongest presentation.
In addition, the clash of technological specs is evident. Finally, while you’d be watching in chronological order, there would be a noticeable difference from the CGI of the prequel trilogy to the practical effects of the 70s/80s in the original trilogy. With the arguments mentioned above in hand, it might be worth sticking with the release order.
Release order (with some slight adjustments)
Use this watch order if: You want the classic Star Wars viewing experience!
- 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: 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)
- The Mandalorian (Season 1, 2019)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Mandalorian (Season 2, 2020)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
Why would you watch it like this?
There’s a peculiar nostalgia that pays dividends when one watches the events unfold the way director George Lucas intended. Unfortunately, specific plot points and reveals are subverted by watching the films in the previously mentioned chronological order. Most notably surrounding a villain’s relationship with a certain hero. Choosing the release order completely bypasses these kinks.
A second thought…
Not a fan of time jump tropes? Regrettably, this might not be the order for you. Skipping from the original trilogy to the sequel and back to the original timeline might be off-putting for some. Throw in the Disney+ series, and it can get pretty convoluted if you drop your guard.
(Dis)honorable mention: The Machete Method
Use this watch order if: You HATE the prequels.
Why would you watch it like this?
You’ve already seen all the Star Wars projects and definitively dislike the prequels. Especially Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Courtesy of Star War’s super-fan Rod Hilton, the gist of this watch method is simply removing The Phantom Menace altogether.
A second thought…
Who doesn’t love intergalactic pod racing? Also, Jar-Jar Binks!!!
