iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Start with the movies in theatrical release order: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Continue with the prequel trilogy, then the sequel trilogy. This route preserves the reveals that defined the original audience’s experience and gives you a clean foundation before you choose television series.
You do not need to watch a single series before beginning the films. Once you know which era or characters interest you, add selected shows. Chronological order—beginning with The Phantom Menace—is a legitimate alternative if you would rather follow Anakin Skywalker’s life from its beginning and accept earlier exposure to major original-trilogy revelations.
The short answer: movies first, shows second
For a first visit to Star Wars, use this sequence:
- Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV, 1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V, 1980)
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI, 1983)
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I, 1999)
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II, 2002)
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III, 2005)
- The Force Awakens (Episode VII, 2015)
- The Last Jedi (Episode VIII, 2017)
- The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX, 2019)
After those nine episodic films, choose television by interest rather than by obligation. Someone who wants the Clone Wars can watch that story; someone drawn to the Rebellion can choose Andor or Star Wars Rebels. This keeps your first experience understandable instead of turning it into a checklist of every animated and live-action production.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Movies and Series Viewing Guide, published May 1, 2025, presents both release and chronological orders. It treats either as a valid choice, not as a rule that every viewer must follow. The release-order recommendation here is an editorial starting point because it protects the original reveal sequence and asks less of a newcomer.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why release order is the safest beginner route
It preserves the saga’s major reveals
The original trilogy was written and released before the prequels explained the earlier history of the galaxy. Watching Episodes I–III first changes when you learn important family, identity and political revelations. That is not automatically wrong, but it produces a different dramatic experience from the one the films were designed to deliver.
Release order lets the audience learn the rules of the Force, the conflict between the Jedi and Sith, and the central family relationships at the same pace as the original viewers. The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi can therefore land without information from later films reframing their surprises in advance.
It introduces the world with the smallest learning curve
A New Hope starts in the middle of a conflict and teaches the setting through action: the Galactic Empire, the Rebel Alliance, droids, lightsabers and the Force are explained as the story requires. The prequels assume more political context and introduce a larger cast immediately. Beginning with the original film gives a new viewer a simple set of characters and stakes before the mythology expands.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIt separates the core story from optional branches
The nine numbered films form the clearest central arc. Television series, anthology films and specials add depth, but they are not prerequisites for understanding the opening trilogy. Watching the films first means you can decide whether additional material is helping your enjoyment rather than trying to identify which of dozens of titles is mandatory.
Release order: the complete film path
Follow the numbered films in the order audiences first received them. Watch each trilogy as a unit, with a pause whenever you want; there is no required binge schedule.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
1. Original trilogy
- A New Hope (1977): the entry point and the best test of whether the saga’s style works for you.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980): continues the same characters and raises the personal and military stakes.
- Return of the Jedi (1983): concludes the original trilogy’s primary conflict.
Do not insert a television series between these three films on a first viewing. Their pacing and reveals are designed to flow as a trilogy.
2. Prequel trilogy
- The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Revenge of the Sith (2005)
These films show the earlier political and personal history behind the original trilogy. They are also the natural gateway to The Clone Wars if you decide to explore animation.
3. Sequel trilogy
- The Force Awakens (2015)
- The Last Jedi (2017)
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Finish the numbered saga here before jumping to shows set around the sequel era. Television titles that overlap this period make more sense once you know the film-era status quo.
Where the stand-alone films fit
Rogue One and Solo are optional films, not additional numbered episodes. For a first run, place Rogue One after the original trilogy or after all nine episodes; either choice avoids interrupting the opening three-film reveal structure. Solo can follow the prequels or wait until you want a self-contained adventure about Han Solo’s earlier life. The official viewing guide includes these films alongside the episodic entries, but it does not make them prerequisites for beginning the saga.
Chronological order: the alternative for timeline-first viewers
Chronological viewing follows the in-universe history rather than the order in which the productions were released. The route begins with The Acolyte, set well before the Skywalker-era films, and then moves to The Phantom Menace. A film-focused chronological run is:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- Revenge of the Sith
- Solo (optional)
- Rogue One
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
If you include series, the order becomes more complicated because shows overlap films, span multiple eras or use anthology stories. The May 1, 2025 official guide places the productions on a single timeline, but a strict all-title sequence is better treated as a reference project than as a beginner’s requirement.
Recommended Free Tools
The cost of chronological viewing
You follow Anakin Skywalker’s life from childhood forward, which can make his transformation easier to track. The trade-off is spoiler timing: information intended to be discovered in the original trilogy may be explained by the prequels before you reach it. Choose this order when character chronology matters more to you than experiencing the saga’s original storytelling sequence.
Do you need to watch TV shows before the movies?
No. The shows are optional branches from the film saga. Start the films without pausing to complete an animated season, a live-action series or a short-form anthology.
Series become useful when you want one of three things:
- More time with a character: a show can develop a supporting character over many episodes.
- A specific historical era: some series fill in the Clone Wars, the Rebellion or the New Republic.
- A different format: animation, anthology storytelling and slower political drama offer experiences the films cannot provide in two hours.
The combined official guide is valuable for completionists who want every film and series in timeline order. It is less efficient for a first-time viewer who only wants to understand the central saga.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choose your first series after the films
If you want the Clone Wars
The Clone Wars is set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Lucasfilm’s official chronological episode guide includes the theatrical Clone Wars film and supplies a sequential order that differs from simply watching episodes by season and number. Use that guide if you want the events in story order.
The series is most rewarding after the prequel trilogy because you already understand the Jedi, the Republic and the war. It expands characters and relationships that the films introduce quickly, but it is a substantial commitment; watch it when you are interested in that era rather than because a beginner checklist says it is compulsory.
If you want the Rebellion era
Andor and Star Wars Rebels occur during the same broad period and both lead into Rogue One, according to the official viewing guide. They are different experiences: Andor emphasizes grounded political and espionage drama, while Rebels follows an animated crew and connects with wider Jedi and Imperial stories.
A practical path is to watch the original trilogy first, then choose either series, and watch Rogue One when you want to see the direct lead-in to A New Hope. You do not need to alternate episodes between the two shows unless you are deliberately building a detailed timeline.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you want the New Republic and Mandalorian-era stories
Live-action series set after Return of the Jedi form a loose cluster of stories. Start with The Mandalorian if you want a character-led adventure, then explore related shows when you recognize the characters and era. Watching the original trilogy first supplies the political background that these series assume.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If you want short anthology stories
Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire and Tales of the Underworld cover widely separated points in the timeline rather than one continuous period. Their anthology structure makes them poor starting points for someone learning the setting. Save them for after you have identified the characters or eras you want to revisit.
If you want the sequel-era context
Star Wars Resistance begins before The Force Awakens and continues beyond it. Watch the sequel trilogy first, then use the series to add context without interrupting the films’ introductions and reveals.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Movies versus shows: what changes for a new viewer?
| Approach | Best for | Main advantage | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release-order films | Most first-time viewers | Preserves the original reveal sequence and has the clearest entry point | You learn earlier history after the original trilogy |
| Chronological films | Viewers who prioritize Anakin’s life story | Follows the in-universe timeline from its beginning | Reveals and explanations arrive earlier than they did for original audiences |
| Films plus selected series | Viewers who already know an era or character they want to explore | Adds depth without requiring the entire catalog | You must choose where a show fits and which episodes to watch |
| Complete chronological catalog | Completionists and rewatchers | Maps films, animation, live action, shorts and specials onto one timeline | Longest route and hardest to follow without a prior grasp of the saga |
The most important decision is not the number of hours; it is whether you want original storytelling order or in-universe chronology. Your tolerance for animation and your interest in a particular era should determine which series you add afterward.
A spoiler-safe decision guide
Choose release order if you answer “yes” to any of these
- You know little about Star Wars and want the simplest path.
- You want the reveals to arrive in their original dramatic order.
- You are unsure whether you will watch animation or multiple spin-offs.
- You are watching with friends or family who may already know the classic films.
Choose chronological order if these priorities matter more
- You prefer a single character’s life story from beginning to end.
- You dislike jumping backward in the timeline between trilogies.
- You accept that prequel information can change the impact of original-trilogy revelations.
Choose a series-first start only for a specific reason
Beginning with a show can work when a particular title is the reason you are curious about Star Wars, or when you strongly prefer television pacing. It is not the general recommendation for learning the franchise. Without the films’ basic context, a series may assume knowledge of the Jedi, the Empire, the Republic or characters introduced elsewhere.
How to plan your first week of viewing
- Watch A New Hope alone or with your group. Decide whether you want to continue before adding any series.
- Watch The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Keep these three together so the original trilogy’s arc remains intact.
- Take a short break before the prequels. The change in period, visual style and political focus is intentional.
- Complete the prequel trilogy, then the sequels. This gives you the full nine-episode foundation.
- Pick one optional branch. Use the Clone Wars guide for prequel-era animation, choose Andor or Rebels for the Rebellion, or explore New Republic series after the original trilogy.
- Use the official May 2025 viewing guide as a reference. Consult it when you want to add another title, rather than starting with its entire catalog.
Where to watch and what to verify
The official viewing guide describes the Star Wars collection on Disney+, including films, series, shorts and specials. The available catalog can change by country and over time, so check your local service listing before planning a marathon. A title appearing in the official guide does not guarantee that it is currently streamable in every region.
Owning the nine episodic films on physical media is optional. If you buy a boxed collection, verify the exact Blu-ray edition, included discs and regional format; the viewing order does not depend on a particular product.
Common mistakes new viewers can avoid
- Starting with a giant master list: a complete catalog is useful for reference but can obscure the central story.
- Interrupting the original trilogy with shows: finish Episodes IV–VI before exploring side stories on a first run.
- Assuming “chronological” means “best” for everyone: it solves timeline continuity, not reveal preservation.
- Using season numbers as a Clone Wars order: the official sequential guide includes an order that is not simply broadcast order.
- Treating every connection as required homework: a reference or cameo can be rewarding without being necessary to understand the film you are watching.
- Planning from an old streaming article: availability and regional rights change, so verify the current local catalog.
Final recommendation
Begin with the nine films in release order, starting with A New Hope. Only after the original trilogy should you decide whether to continue through the prequels and sequels immediately or pause for a selected series. Use chronological order beginning with The Phantom Menace when following Anakin’s life is more important to you than preserving the original reveal sequence. Treat television as an optional expansion chosen by era or character, not as an entrance exam.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
