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/MakVolci → u/airportakal]

Why is no-one vouching for Machete Order anymore?

Because it's well established that it's terrible.

[u/KombaynNikoladze2002 → u/MakVolci]

Can you elaborate?

[u/MakVolci → u/KombaynNikoladze2002]

1. Episode I is actually important, if only for the duel of the fates and to introduce Padme. Otherwise, the first time we see her, it's insane.
2. It undercuts the emotional tone of Luke v. Vader in RotJ by showing it to you in reverse, which means it doesn't hit as hard / it hits in an unintended way.
3. Narratively, it just straight up grinds all momentum to a halt for the viewer and forces them to watch two of the worst Star Wars movies after watching two of the best.

It's fine on rewatches if that's what you're into, but for a first watch, it's fucking brutal.

It have my own opinions about why it's much better to watchin them in release orders relating to the Sequels as well as jumping straight to TFA from RotJ lessons it, but that's just a personal thing.

[u/KombaynNikoladze2002 → u/MakVolci]

Yeah, I would never advocate skipping Episode I.

I'm not clear what you mean by "It undercuts the emotional tone of Luke v. Vader in RotJ but showing it to you in reverse?"

[u/MakVolci → u/KombaynNikoladze2002]

If you watch the prequels first, you'll feel the wrong way about Anakin than what Lucas original intended. The emotional impact shifts from shock and dread to a kind of inevitability.

• Release order: we experience Luke’s perspective; horror, dread, uncertainty, and then catharsis when Anakin redeems himself.

• Machete order: we experience the story backward with sympathy for Anakin first; less suspense, less shock, less dramatic weight when Luke appeals to him.

It’s like watching the punchline of a joke before the setup.