Release Order or Story Order - How Do You Watch the Star Wars Saga?

I introduced my little nephews to Star Wars by TPM, then AOTC and we currently stuck at the Clone Wars (it's too much fighting, so my sister keeps it in slow doses). And they also play with my First Order Legos. So, the kids know about Anakin, Obi-Wan and the droids and they were at first confused as to why there white guys, who look similar to clones, are the bad guys and the allies of the red "final enemies". Also, they haven't heard about Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker or the Empire yet. And you know what - I think they are doing perfectly fine.

 

I'd watch the Saga films only in release order, keeping the reveal of TESB and the mystery behind characters such as Anakin, Obi-Wan, Palpatine, Yoda, Luke, Leia and Han Solo.

After that I'd watch R1 and Solo.

 

I can see starting with TPM as working very well with little ones. They typically don't get or care for plotlines and storytelling devices and the like in the first place, and TPM is quite possible the most accessible movie in the franchise. Good point

 

Your OCD is showing! (and yes I can make jokes about that. I have a form of Autism myself, so I know what I'm talking about! )

Oooh, that's a nice compromise indeed! Good call!

When they're really young, yes, I think your right in saying that chronological order is best, as TPM is the most "accessible" of all the episodes and that way they get the story as it unfolds in a natural manner.

Yup! I fully agree! I think you could say that for young introductees and subsequent viewings the chronological order is best, but for older more seasoned viewers who know nothing of the "galaxy far, far away", the release order, or the above mentioned "Machete-order" is preferable.

 

Only if you assume that there are things in the OT that have to come as "surprises" to the audience now.

 

I make the assumption that Star Wars movies are films, and therefore best experienced by first-time viewers as if there were films.

 

Yes. Absolutely. Both movies are meant as a bonus a nice to have, but nothing more.

 

While I prefer release order anyone's preference is cool by me.

 

It would be an interesting experiment to start with TFA.

In TFA we hear about this legend who vanished, Luke Skywalker. At the end he's found. After TFA follows the OT (the life of Luke Skywalker). After that you watch TLJ. In this movie we learn more about the Jedi of old. So now we have to watch the PT. The finale would be TROS.

 

Usually, story order

 

I have to Pick Release Order.

 

Interesting indeed!



That might actually work! It would also solve the "spoiler-problem" around Vader being Luke's father.
You know what? I might actually give this "flashback-order" of yours a try!

 

Let me know how it worked!

 

Will do!

 

I agree. This viewing order is actually quite interesting Kudos, @NinjaRen

 

I've suggested a similar order, but I think you start with TFA and the "Who's this Luke Skywalker legend?," then do a sort of Machete Order so you get the OT and PT, and THEN come back to TLJ right after ROTJ, so you get the full impact of Luke's pessimism.

I feel like the prequels need to come before TLJ. Because Luke in TLJ is a Luke who has, essentially, seen the prequels. In the OT, he really only knew what we knew about the Jedi from the OT: they're legendary peacekeepers and heroes. But in the PT, we learn just how flawed they were. Luke goes on the same journey between trilogies, discovering the fractured history of the Jedi, learning that the Jedi let Palpatine rise to power.

So it's powerful to go on that journey with Luke by watching TLJ after the prequels.

 

I disagree because of three reasons:
1) the frame work of this order is the ST
2) you have to watch TLJ first (for this order) because in TLJ we first hear about Darth Sidious (remember in the OT he's just called 'The Emperor'). We ask ourself- who was this guy? So, it's time to learn more about him. Then after watching the PT we see him return in TROS.
3) watching the PT after TLJ gives us the needed break between TLJ and TROS.

You see, I actually put some thought into this order. Haha!

 

I go 4,5,6. 1,2,3. R1, Solo. 7,8,9.

 

When Rogue One was released, I introduced my partner to the film saga using the machete order: IV – V – I – II – III – went to watch Rogue One – VI – VII. I think it was important to me that her first one was ANH—like it was for me in the late 80s—but she ended up being more of a prequel fan in general and of Darth Vader in particular, so watching him rise in III, slay in R1 and say bye in VI was without a doubt a powerful combo.

I started a canonical marathon with everything available in the house-of-mouse streaming service; aside from the Duel of the Fates and the Battle of Geonosis I found I & II underwhelming; I think next time I do an only movies marathon I'll go like this just to experiment and because I love the 2003 TV series:

Star Wars: Clone Wars: Volume One
Star Wars: Clone Wars: Volume Two
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Original Trilogy
Sequel Trilogy

I'd like to keep experimenting with different combinations and viewing orders. Surely there is nothing to fear from exposing oneself to new ideas...

 

123 some of 2003 clone wars then clone wars then some of rebels then solo then rogue one 456 then eu books no sequel trilogy lol