What is the right order in which to watch the main Star Wars films?

There is no correct order to watch the mainline Star Wars movies—also known as the Skywalker Saga—per se, though fans and critics recommend various combinations that aim to make the experience more enjoyable. The most commonly suggested viewing orders are the “release order” (in order of release) and the “chronological order” (in order of episode).

Release order:

1. Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope (1977)
2. Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens (2015)
8. Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi (2017)
9. Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Chronological order:

1. Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones (2002)
3. Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith (2005)
4. Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope (1977)
5. Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
6. Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi (1983)
7. Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens (2015)
8. Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi (2017)
9. Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

These orders are, however, not definitive, and numerous variations exist. More extensive viewing orders include movies beyond the Skywalker Saga and even TV shows in the Star Wars universe.