If you are new to the Star Wars franchise, you may be wondering which movie to start with. With so many films and spin-offs, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin.
In this article, we will explore the answer to the commonly asked question – “Which is the first Star Wars movie? “.
The Original Trilogy
The Star Wars saga began in 1977 with the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”. This film was directed by George Lucas and starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. It introduced us to iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader.
Following the success of “A New Hope,” two sequels were released – “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980 and “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. Together, these three films make up what is known as the Original Trilogy.
Why Start with A New Hope?
While some argue that you can start with either chronological order or release order, many fans believe that it’s best to begin with “A New Hope.” This is because it establishes the main characters and sets up the overarching story arc for the entire saga.
In addition, watching these films in release order allows you to experience the same journey that original fans did when they first watched them in theaters. You’ll also understand references made throughout later films if you watch them in this order.
The Prequel Trilogy
After a 16-year hiatus from releasing Star Wars films, George Lucas returned with a prequel trilogy set before the events of the Original Trilogy. The first film in this trilogy is “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” released in 1999.
This film introduced new characters like Anakin Skywalker (future Darth Vader), Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor), and Queen Amidala (played by Natalie Portman). The following two films, “Attack of the Clones” (2002) and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005), continued to tell the story of Anakin’s descent to the dark side.
Why Watch the Prequels?
While some fans criticize the prequel trilogy for its dialogue and character development, it’s still worth watching to understand the backstory and motivations behind some of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe.
Watching these films also allows you to appreciate how technology and filmmaking techniques have evolved since the release of the Original Trilogy.
The Sequel Trilogy
In 2015, a new trilogy began with “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.” This film introduced us to a new generation of characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren while also bringing back fan favorites like Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca.
The following two films in this trilogy are “The Last Jedi” (2017) and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), which concluded the Skywalker saga.
Why Watch the Sequels?
While opinions on the Sequel Trilogy are divided among fans, watching these films can provide closure to a story that began over 40 years ago. It also introduces new themes like redemption and hope while honoring what came before it.
In conclusion, if you’re wondering which Star Wars movie to start with, it’s best to begin with “A New Hope,” followed by its sequels. From there, you can choose whether or not to watch the prequels and sequels.
Regardless of where you start or end in this massive franchise, there’s no denying its impact on pop culture. May the Force be with you!
