The Absolute Best Way to Watch the Star Wars Saga

Originally Posted 11/2/19

What "they" call "The Star Wars Saga" now consists of 11 movies -- and counting -- as well as miscellaneous television series. And it's kinda like one of those Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books. There's more than one way to follow the story and your experience depends a lot on which route you take. But there's only one way to get the utmost enjoyment outta this thing. Follow these tips and you'll feel like you've just witnessed a masterpiece. It doesn't matter who you are. Whether you have your own X-Wing flight-suit (Smh) or you've never heard of the "Force" (Have you been in prison for the past 40 years?)...this works for everybody.

The most commonly-asked question by newcomers to the series is whether to watch the movies chronologically or in the order in which they were released. Surprise! The answer is neither. The order below was carefully selected. If you deviate, you might cheat yourself outta important plot twists and/or be disappointed by the varying level of special effects expertise. Keep reading...





Step 1. The Phantom Menace Trailers

 Fan-Made Trailer

 

The prequels are largely hot garbage and will screw-up your image of the overall story. This first installment of the prequel trilogy wouldn't be so bad -- if not for the racist caricatures, bad CGI and inconsistent tone (slapstick comedy alternating with political intrigue). The trailers give you all of the information that you need (and then some) about what was going on during Darth Vader's childhood. Don't watch the movie. Stick to the trailers.









Step 2. Revenge of the Sith Trailers

This conclusion to the prequel trilogy is pretty senseless and will damage your image of some of the characters you've come to respect -- especially, Darth Vader. The trailers give you all of the information that you need (and more) about what was going on before the Empire's takeover. DON'T watch the movie! Stick to the trailers!









Step 3. Rogue One Trailers

It might seem weird that I'm recommending a trailer after three movies. But the first two trailers for Rogue One are dope and they include footage that you won't see in the actual movie.








Step 4. Rogue One

Rogue One is the 2nd best movie of the series. This movie takes place before the original 1977 movie, chronologically. But advancements in special effects improved dramatically and budgets skyrocketed exponentially in the 39 years between their releases. So stick to the plan. 
 








Step 5. Star Wars (Original Version -- not the Special Edition if you can help it)

This is the very first movie. There are slow sections but it still pulls you in and also provides important background info.

Note: The Special Edition features characters (Jabba the Hutt), alien creatures (dinosaurs) and entire scenes (Han Solo's conversation with Jabba) that weren't in the original theatrical version and that weren't included -- and never should've been -- until 20 years later. Try to overlook them.









Step 6. The Empire Strikes Back

This is the best one of all. Everyone (Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Princess Leia) is at their best. Don't miss it.









Step 7. Return of the Jedi (Original Version -- not the Special Edition if you can help it)

Return of the Jedi caps off the story in spectacular fashion. And remember: You gotta take the good (the space special effects) with the bad (the ewoks taking on the Empire).

Note: The Special Edition features characterizations (Darth Vader yelling "No!!") and entire scenes (an CGI alien band performing in Jabba the Hutt's palace) that weren't in the original theatrical version and that weren't included -- and never should've been -- until 20 years later. Try to overlook them.









Step 8: The Rescue

Five years after the Battle of Endor, Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, displays his Force-skills at their peak as he cuts through a cadre of battle droids in this season two finale of streaming series The Mandalorian.

Step 9: From the Desert Comes a Stranger

Luke Skywalker returns as a Jedi master in this sixth episode of streaming series The Book of Boba Fett.

Step 10. The Force Awakens Teaser Trailer

True -- the teaser trailer, which came out almost a year before the movie did, is only 88 seconds long. But, it's one hell of a minute-and-a-half. It had the best aspects of the original trilogy and at the same time it also had the seriousness of the best trailers for the video games.  Just as important, there was none of the cheesiness that was a constant presence throughout, say, Attack of the Clones. Seriously, you got your ominousness -- a guy in all black with a red lightsaber; spaceships (although not actually in space -- whatevever) -- the Millenium Falcon, TIE Fighters and X-Wings; and John Williams' music. It was like a fan movie with financing. Although there's plenty of goofiness to go around in the actual film, none of that bs is in the trailer. 









Step 11. Quit While You're Ahead




Don't get greedy. Stay away from the other seven movies (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, Solo, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker and The Force Awakens) for your own good. If you don't, just remember: We told you so.