Star Wars movies in order: Watch according to chronology, release date or 'machete.'

Just short of half a century, the epic Star Wars franchise was born in a galaxy far, far away. The first film premiered in 1977 and, ever since, there’s been a variety of sequels, prequels, spin offs and TV shows.

Star Wars ranked second in world's highest grossing film franchises as of June 2022, according to a study by Statista.

For young Padawans wanting to get into the Skywalker saga, it can be overwhelming. But fear not, here’s a guide for viewing the Star Wars films.

In the words of General Jan Dodonna, "May the Force be with you."

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How many Star Wars movies are there?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, there are 12 movies and nine TV series in the epic saga of Star Wars, including spin offs, as of August 2022.

Created by George Lucas, the original cast includes Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Harrison Ford as Han Solo and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader.

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What is the correct order to watch 'Star Wars?'

There are multiple ways to watch the Star Wars films. In fact, their versatility and intricate plot lines make the films a crowd favorite.

Star Wars movies in order of release

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) – The pilot of the animated TV series was released as a movie.

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Star Wars movies in chronological order, with the TV series (in bold)

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 - 2020)

• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022 - present)

• Star Wars Rebels (2014 - 2018)

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

• The Mandalorian (2019 - present)

• The Book of Boba Fett (2021 - present)

• Star Wars: Resistance (2018 - 2020)

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

These are the three TV series that are not in the list. "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" is a spin off series to "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." "Star Wars: Clone Wars," the 2003 micro-series by Cartoon Network which acted as a starting point for "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

"Andor," set to premiere in September 2022 according to IMDb, is the "prequel to 'Star Wars: Rogue One.' "

Star Wars movies in 'machete' order

According to Reader’s Digest, the term “machete order” was coined by blogger Rod Hilton. The “machete order" of the Star Wars films follows Luke Skywalker’s evolution by focusing on his story line.

Fans can really grasp the space opera through the eyes of the beloved protagonist. Introducing the new order, Hilton said, "(it will) ensure that a viewing keeps the twists a surprise, while introducing young Anakin before the end of Return of the Jedi," in his blog.

• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

How should I watch Star Wars for the first time?

With all the different ways to watch the films, it can be daunting for first-time viewers. According to Radio Times, the best order to watch the films is in the order of release to experience the films as the original fans did. However, it’s up to the viewer to decide how they want to experience the thrilling space adventure.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many Star Wars movies are there? Full list of the films in order