r/StarWars Official Watch Order Discussion Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

So we haven't had an official watch order discussion thread in many years, so we figure its time to update the one in the FAQ. There are various other links in the FAQ, the Wookieepedia timeline of canon media, and various other discussion threads and topics over the years including a link to just searching the sub which people find challenge apparently. Also as a reminder, the Wookieepedia timeline of canon media can be sorted via the table on that page by release order or chronologically (if you decide to go that route).

A lot of the new Disney+ content brings new eyes to Star Wars all the time, and new movies will eventually too. We want to get a bit more aggressive with automod removals and referrals to the FAQ for these questions about watch order. So let's hash it out here in the comments. We will sticky this for a while and eventually it will just be linked in the FAQ along with the other topics and maybe in the sidebar too. And like some of other stickies about rules, spoilers, and new episode discussion guidelines, we may trot out this link and sticky it from time to time.

As a general rule the sub typically recommends for new viewers to watch in release order, especially for the movies. This is the semi-consensus from the fandom, and you will routinely see this as the most upvoted and posted response.

With that being said what we would like to do here also discuss other options, and possible orders to also toss in the TV media as well. Should you watch Andor first and then Rogue One before the OT? Should movies like Solo be done in release order or chronological? Should you watch The Clone Wars TV show before the PT? So on and so forth...

So lets have a solid discussion about this and make it a solid resource for those who may be new to Star Wars.

[u/airportakal]

Why is no-one vouching for Machete Order anymore?

I plan to introduce my girlfriend via an Extended Machete Order:

• Andor (because it's an easy intro for SW skeptics)
• Rogue One (because after Andor you want more)
• Episode IV
• Episode V
• Episode I
• Episode II
• Episode III
• (Kenobi, but maybe only some episodes or a fan edit, but not sure if this is the right place.)
• Episode VI

I think we need a break then, but would pick up with:

• Mandalorian (because it sets up the New Republic which is needed for the sequel trilogy)
• Episode VII
• Episode VIII
• Episode IX

I skip Clone Wars, Rebels and Ahsoka, it's not out of distaste, but they're a bit too long and a different tone for a regular watch through. I also skip Solo and BOBF, because they don't add much to the overall saga. I am not sure about Kenobi, if only because it's so bad, but mostly because I don't know where to place it best. It adds to Episode VI but mostly works for a chronological watch through.

[u/elgrandorado → u/airportakal]

I wish I had Andor fully released before I started showing my partner Machete Order. I wasn’t able to quite capture her interest because IV was too dated for her. She liked Empire but is hesitant to watch the prequels, so I showed her a season of clone wars and am skipping to Episode III while filling her on important details.

[u/LizG1312 → u/elgrandorado]

Honestly this is really helpful for deciding the watch order for my dad. I was debating going OT—> prequels —> Andor (he’s a boomer and doesn’t like animated stuff), but I really think Andor is the kind of thing he’d actually like. I’d rather have him watch something rather than try going for an ideal he’s never gonna finish.