On December 17, 2015, the long-awaited premiere of the next part of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens saga, which is the first film of the third trilogy, took place. This is a great reason to review all parts of the epic, especially for those who have not yet seen cult films. But in what chronology does Star Wars watch?
How to watch? There are options
The correct chronology of Star Wars is a confusing matter. Not only films and cartoons have been shot about this universe, but also many books, comics, and video games have been created. At the moment, two trilogies have been fully published, and the third has begun, not counting the animated series. If you want to get the most familiar with the intricacies of the plot, then the chronology of Star Wars, films and cartoons given in this article will come in handy.
The fact is that the first film, released in 1977, is the fourth part of the saga. Yes, the idea to start from the middle is very unusual, and this approach has generated a lot of controversy in a fan environment.
How to watch Star Wars? The timeline of the saga begins with the Battle of Yavin, shown in the 1977 film. And the fourth film begins thirty years before the destruction of the Death Star. For this reason, there are three options for sequence viewing episodes. Let's consider them in more detail.
In exit order
Still, many fans of the epic believe that directly the chronology of Star Wars by the years of the Battle of Yavin does not matter, and you need to watch movies in the order that the creator intended. The first will be the Star Wars. Episode IV: A New Hope, 1977, that is, by episode numbers 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3.
This will allow us to perceive the plot in the same way as the first viewers perceived in the distant seventies, the same questions will arise, the same secrets will be of interest. With the start of watching the first episode, released in 1999, you will begin to find new interesting facts and perceive the background through the prism of the previous parts.
In addition, with this order, the quality of the picture and special effects will increase and not fall, as with other options.
The conclusion suggests itself - if you are not familiar with the chronology of Star Wars, you have not watched any of the episodes, and are not aware of the ups and downs of the plot, then watching movies in the exit order will allow you to appreciate the charm of the non-linearity of the epic. The same should be done with animated works.
Machete Method
This method was invented by film fans. It is suitable for fans who have repeatedly seen all the episodes, and for beginners. So, the order of the machete: first you need to watch the fourth episode, where we get acquainted with the young Luke Skywalker, his teacher Obi-Wan, Princess Leia, Han Solo, the villain Darth Vader and see the destruction of the Death Star. In the fifth episode, we observe the battle between Luke and Vader, and also learn about the family ties of the heroes.
The viewer asks the question: “What happened to Darth Vader? Why did he become a Sith? ” And he immediately receives an answer. The fifth episode is followed by the second and third, telling about the past of Darth Vader.
And viewing ends with the sixth episode - this is the ending, which, thanks to this order, becomes more understandable. At the same time, the first episode is ignored, which has no significant effect on the plot of the entire saga as a whole. Thus, the machete method allows a good understanding of the basis of the plot of the pollutant. The viewer watches two films about Luke, two films about Anakin and a single ending, uniting their stories.
The order of the machete shows well the story of Luke Skywalker. After the viewer understands what happened to Anakin, why he turned to the dark side, the plot returns to Luke again and shows how he is saving the good that remains in his father.
Star Wars Timeline
Finally, the last method of watching the epic. We will consider it in more detail than anything else, since animated series also take their places here.
What is the third way to watch Star Wars? The chronology of the episodes for this method is of great importance. That is, the first film will be Star Wars. Episode I: The Phantom Menace "of 1999, and then by episode numbers - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Viewing by episode numbering allows you to follow the plot in the sequence of events.
Next, consider the extended list of canonical works on Star Wars according to the chronology of the universe, including cartoons. The reckoning is carried out from the events of the fourth episode, that is, before the battle of Yavin, in which the Death Star was destroyed, and after, BBY and ABY, respectively.
"Star Wars. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
This film was released in 1999 and is the fourth released film about ZV. The film takes place in 32 BBY. The chronology of star wars begins precisely from here. In the first episode, the viewer meets little Anakin Skywalker, Queen of the planet Naboo Padme Amidala and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Jedi save the Anakin boy from slavery by discovering the Force in him.
This film was greeted coolly by fans, it was considered too childish. Nevertheless, he was so expecting that box office almost 10 times the cost of creating the film.
"Star Wars. Episode II Attack of the Clones
The second episode, released in 2002, tells of the events that occurred in 22nd BBY, ten years after the battle for the planet Naboo. Anakin Skywalker is already 19 years old, and he is a student of Obi-Wan. Princess Padme is assassinated, and the investigation leads to representatives of the Sidhas. In the meantime, Chancellor Palpatine receives special powers and begins a clone war.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Under this name lies a mini-series, a full-length film and a full-fledged series, which will be released until 2016. So, which cartoons illustrate Star Wars? The chronology of films continues with the first animated part of the saga - a mini-series that was released from 2003 to 2005. It is also called the Clonic Wars. The action in the series takes place in the year 22 BBY. It describes the adventures of Obi-Wan and Anakin during the war between the clone armies of the Republic and the Separatists. The series are short, in the first and second season their duration is only 3 minutes, in the third - 12-15.
In 2008, a full-length animated film was released covering the events between the second and third episodes of the epic. The clone war continues. In the center of the plot, familiar heroes are again - Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, politician Padme Amidala and everyone’s favorite robot R2-D2. The chronology of Star Wars says that the events of this cartoon took place in 21 BBY.
In 2008, another series begins, telling about the Clone Wars. The full-length cartoon of the same name was a pilot series of this project. This time, a full-fledged series with 22-minute series appears in front of the viewer. Every 4-5 of them are united by a single storyline. 121 episodes were released; the project closed in 2014. Unlike feature films, the format of the series allows not only to describe the fate of the main characters, but also to devote enough time to secondary characters. Events take place in the years 21-19 of BBY, which leads us to the next full-length film.
"Star Wars. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The third episode of the epic was released in 2005. The action takes place in 19 BBY. Clonic wars end in the final, decisive battle. Viewers see the emergence of the dark Empire and the appearance of the Sikh Darth Vader. The attitude to this part of both critics and fans is generally positive.
Star Wars: Droids
This first animated television series on the ST universe came out in 1985. The action takes place in 15 BBY, and the main characters are the beloved droids C-3PO and R2-D2. Charming robots go through various adventures, encounter Bob Fett, agents of the Galactic Empire, gangsters and pirates.
Star Wars Rebels
What is the newest Star Wars cartoon? The chronology of films continues with an animated series launched in 2014. He tells about the events of 4-5 years BBY. Before the start of the series, the viewer could get acquainted with the main characters with the help of four short films. The first episode was a forty-minute film. Heroes familiar from the epic appear in the series only occasionally. In the center of the plot is a crew of a spaceship called the Ghost.
Star Wars Rogue
Work on this film is almost complete, it will be released in 2016, and, as you see, it is already taking its place in the chronology. In the center of the plot - the theft of drawings of the Death Star.
"Star Wars. Episode IV: A New Hope
Slowly but surely, we approached the zero point of reference for the events of the pollutant universe. It was in the fourth episode of Star Wars that the landmark battle of Yavin took place, during which the Death Star was destroyed.
The premiere of this episode took place in 1977, but George Lucas began working on the script back in 1974. Now it’s hard to believe that the leadership of many studios found the picture of the space Jedi uninteresting. Nevertheless, the age of the space saga is already approaching its fortieth anniversary, and the very first film about Luke Skywalker is watched and reviewed by millions of fans so far.
"Star Wars. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back »
After 3 years, the next, fifth episode of the saga comes out. So many years pass in the fantasy world - the events of the 3rd year of ABY unfold before the eyes of the audience. Although the battle of Yavin is won, the war is not over. Darth Vader is looking for Luke Skywalker throughout the galaxy. Initially, this film was not well received by critics, but over time, its shortcomings began to be considered virtues, and the tape itself was almost the best of the epic.
"Star Wars. Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi
The sixth episode, released in 1983, takes place in the 4th year of ABY. There is a final fight between Luke and his father. The film was praised by critics, but is considered the weakest of the trilogy. However, the scene in Jabba the Hut ’s den is one of the most memorable.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The 2015 premiere talks about the events that happened 34 years after the great battle of Yavin, and is the first film of the new trilogy. The viewer again meets with Jedi Luke, his sister Leia and friend Han Solo, but the main characters are new characters - the girl Rei, pilot Poe Dameron and former Finn attack aircraft.
In conclusion, I want to draw the attention of the viewer to the fact that the viewing order pretty much affects the impression of the entire saga. If you look at the years of release, attention is concentrated on Luke Skywalker, his heroism and the salvation of his father, and if in the order of the episodes, Anakin Skywalker, his fall and subsequent ascension are in focus. Decide for yourself which chronology of watching Star Wars is closer to you.