Look, if you're reading this, you've probably realized that introducing your kids to Star Wars isn't as simple as pressing play anymore. There are 11 live-action movies (soon to be more), multiple animated series, and about a dozen different "correct" ways to watch them according to the internet.
The core question: Do you watch in release order (starting with the original 1977 film) or chronological order (starting with the prequels)? And honestly? Both camps have extremely passionate opinions about this.
Here's the real issue: George Lucas made Episodes 4, 5, and 6 first (1977-1983), then went back and made Episodes 1, 2, and 3 (1999-2005). Then Disney bought the franchise and made Episodes 7, 8, and 9 (2015-2019), plus standalone films like Rogue One and Solo.
So chronologically, the story goes 1-2-3-Solo-Rogue One-4-5-6-7-8-9. But that's not how anyone experienced it originally, and frankly, it's not how most people think you should experience it now.
This isn't just fan service pedantry. The order you watch genuinely affects:
The big reveals. If you watch chronologically, you know Darth Vader's identity from the jump. That "I am your father" moment in Empire Strikes Back? Gone. And look, that's arguably the most iconic plot twist in cinema history.
Pacing and quality. The prequels (Episodes 1-3) are... let's just say they're a lot. Jar Jar Binks. Midichlorians. Trade negotiations. Starting kids with The Phantom Menace might lose them before they get to the good stuff.
Emotional investment. The original trilogy introduces you to Luke, Leia, and Han as the heroes. The prequels are about their parents' generation. Watching in release order creates a much more natural emotional arc.
Release Order (The Classic)
Episodes 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3, then 7, 8, 9 (plus standalone films whenever)
Pros: You experience the story as intended. The special effects improve as you go. Major plot twists land. The prequels become a flashback that enriches the story you already know.
Cons: You're jumping around in the timeline. Some kids find this confusing.
Best for: Ages 8+ who can handle the older special effects and appreciate storytelling craft.
Chronological Order (The Completist)
Episodes 1, 2, 3, Solo, Rogue One, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Pros: The timeline makes logical sense. You understand the full political backstory. Anakin's fall to the dark side has more weight when you watch his son's journey.
Cons: You lose the major reveals. You start with the weakest films. The tonal whiplash from prequels to originals is jarring.
Best for: Kids who've already been spoiled on the twists (let's be honest, most have), or families doing a rewatch.
Machete Order (The Compromise)
Episodes 4, 5, then 2, 3, then 6, 7, 8, 9 (skipping Episode 1 entirely)
Pros: Preserves the big reveal in Episode 5, then uses Episodes 2-3 as an extended flashback before the resolution in Episode 6. Skips the most kid-unfriendly prequel.
Cons: You're definitely skipping content. Explaining why you're jumping around requires some parental narration.
Best for: Ages 10+ who want the "optimal" story experience and don't mind missing Jar Jar.
Ages 6-8: Start with A New Hope (Episode 4). It's the most straightforward hero's journey, and the special effects feel charmingly retro rather than dated to young kids. If they're into it, continue with release order. If they struggle with the pacing, try the animated The Clone Wars series instead—it's more kid-friendly.
Ages 9-12: Release order is your friend. They're old enough to appreciate the storytelling craft and won't be as bothered by the older effects. The violence in Revenge of the Sith (Anakin's burning scene, Order 66) is genuinely intense, so preview it first.
Ages 13+: They can handle any order. If they're film nerds, try Machete Order. If they want the full experience, go chronological. They're also old enough for the Disney+ series like The Mandalorian and Andor, which are frankly better than half the movies.
The prequels are genuinely rough. Phantom Menace has a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. If your kid bounces off it, that's normal and fine. Jump to the originals.
The sequels are divisive. The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker have... passionate detractors. Your kid will probably enjoy them fine. Adult fans have more baggage.
The standalone films are great entry points. Rogue One is genuinely excellent and leads directly into Episode 4. If your kid struggles with older films, start here—it's modern and exciting.
Violence varies wildly. The originals are pretty tame (PG). Revenge of the Sith is PG-13 for good reason—people get dismembered, burned alive, and there's a scene of child murder (off-screen but heavily implied). The sequels are somewhere in between.
Runtime is real. You're looking at 25+ hours for the main saga alone. This is a months-long project, not a weekend binge.
For most families, release order is the way. Start with A New Hope, and if your kid is hooked, keep going. The story unfolds naturally, the reveals land, and you're building toward the newer, flashier films as a reward.
But honestly? The "right" order is whichever one gets your kid excited about the story. If they're obsessed with Baby Yoda and want to start with The Mandalorian, that's fine. If they want to see young Anakin first because they heard he's cool, go for it (just be ready for some disappointment).
The magic of Star Wars isn't in the perfect viewing order—it's in sharing a galaxy far, far away with your kid and watching them fall in love with characters you've loved for years. Whether you start with "A long time ago" or "This is the way," you're doing it right.
Want to explore more family movie nights? Check out our guide to age-appropriate sci-fi movies or Marvel movies watch order.