A movie series with heroic duels using lightsabers, the power of the force, and the battle between the dark and the light side, Star Wars has had its place in cinema history for more than four decades. Audiences have been pleased with all of the Star Wars projects that have been released so far and are excited about the next upcoming Star Wars movie or TV show. The movies have been known for their tales of friendship, betrayal, love, and mystical adventures. Finally, when it comes to iconic movie characters, Star Wars is the first franchise that comes to mind. Audience members of all ages have loved and popularized characters such as Princess Leia Organa, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader. Ever since George Lucus first created these films back in 1977, the franchise has grown in popularity with many fans anticipating more projects.
Sometimes, when it comes to watching the Star Wars franchise, it can be troubling to understand where to start first. So let’s buckle up and fly through this franchise! The Star Wars original trilogy came out in 1977 and ended in 1983. This award-winning trilogy starts with Episode IV – A New Hope, followed by Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and ends with Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Every single film takes the audience into a galaxy far, far away and gives many audience members nostalgia when they see beloved characters and the iconic theme song. Starting with Episode IV – A New Hope, we are introduced to the main character, Luke Skywalker, as he is on his journey to discover the ways of being a Jedi and learning how to use The Force.
The second movie from the trilogy is Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, which starts immediately after the events of the first movie. Audiences will still get to see Luke Skywalker as he is on new adventures while still learning how to use the force. This movie includes a lot more character development and a storyline of Darth Vader and has plot twists coming in every direction; for instance, the true identity of Darth Vader. The last film of the series, Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, had more of a familial aspect between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. It does not reveal too much, but in a way, implies a reason why Darth Vader joined the Dark Side. The movie eventually ends with the death of Vader and the victory of the rebellion. These movies are available to watch on platforms including Disney+ and are perfect for anyone who wants to, again, witness nostalgia and one of the most iconic stories in cinema history.
Following the trilogy, Lucus directed and wrote the next three movies, considered prequels for the original trilogy. The movies include Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. This series is a significant introduction to understanding the origins of Darth Vader when he was a Jedi and how he eventually gets corrupted by the Dark Force. Episode I – The Phantom Menace, introduces young Obi-Wan Kenobi when he was a Padawan (a Jedi in training) and Luke’s father, Anakin Skywalker, when he was a child. Additionally, it shows audience members how Anakin became a Jedi. Additionally, it introduces Luke Skywalker’s mother, Senator Padmè Amidala.
Episode II – Attack of the Clones, continues the story ten years after the events of the first one. It shows how Anakin is all grown up and is now Obi-Wan Kenobi’s student, a padawan, and how they are both sent to save Padmè Amidala. As the movie goes on, viewers get to see how Anakin is starting to become more aggressive with the Force and his power as a Jedi, especially when it comes to people that he loves who are getting hurt or killed, which starts to foreshadow his future. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, explains the story of a hero’s downfall, or more specifically, the fall of Anakin Skywalker and his transition into Darth Vader. The prequels are perfect to show audience members’ character and story arcs and explain how the characters became the characters they were in the original trilogy.
Years after the prequels and the original trilogy, and after the end of Darth Vader, new movies emerged on screen and new adventures followed. These three movies include Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, and finally Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. These shows are a good way to show audience members that in Star Wars, there is never an end to an iconic story. In Episode VII – The Force Awakens, we are introduced to new villains in the franchise: Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke, who plan to destroy the Resistance. Carrie Fisher, who plays General Leia Organa, makes an iconic return and decides that she must protect the galaxy and will not surrender. In Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, and finally, Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Supreme Leader Snoke is still seen trying to destroy the Resistance as the First Order has taken over the galaxy. It is then up to Luke Skywalker and a new character, Rey, to team up and help the Resistance win this battle. In the final movie of the trilogy, Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Rey must continue her journey as she finds a way to end this war and get freedom.
The Star Wars franchise also includes live-action and animated shows and movies that fill in gaps in the Star Wars timeline. Some of the more recommended ones include Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, The Mandalorian, and more. It is important to start with the movies to get the ultimate foundational base of the story before watching any of the shows. It is also important to note that this franchise is continuing, and more shows have been coming out recently, including The Acolyte, but also, theme parks, including Disney World, have brought the franchise to life in their Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and many people have appreciated the attention to detail. From themed food to rides to characters, it is as if everything stepped directly out of the movie. Who knows, as more of the movies and shows come, eventually it will be time to bring friends, popcorn, lightsabers, and the Force. So whether we are traveling across the galaxy with our popcorn buckets while watching films and shows or having an adventure in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Star Wars franchise will continue to strive across the cosmos light years away.
