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How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

(and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Media During Quarantine

graphic by Athena Boutross What better way is there to practice social distancing than by escaping to a galaxy far, far away? With the final season of The airing on Disney Plus, there has never been a better time to catch up on (or rewatch!) everything the Star Wars franchise offers. In this guide, I’ll go over the best way to experience the Skywalker saga in chronological order from start to finish.

Note: I’m not including any of the and comic books, nor am I including the Forces of Destiny shorts, in this guide.

Prequel Trilogy: These movies mainly focus on the period before the rise of the evil Galactic Empire and were originally introduced by the “Star Wars Prequels,” which were released throughout the early 2000s. They have since been expanded upon by numerous TV shows, games, and spin-off movies released both before and after Disney bought the Star Wars brand. 1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) Genre: Space Opera, Epic Chronologically the first Star Wars movie, “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is where you should start your viewing marathon, as it establishes the main trio of characters that are the focus of the rest of the prequel trilogy: Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Padme Amidala. Set amongst the backdrop of a planet occupied by the militaristic Trade Federation, the movie is also crucial for understanding why the Clone Wars ultimately starts in later films. 2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) Genre: Space Opera, Epic The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

Set ten years after “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” “Episode II: Attack of the Clones” is next on the Star Wars viewing list. It revolves around Anakin Skywalker (now a moody teenager played by Hayden Christensen), who becomes the impromptu bodyguard for Padme after an attempt on her life and who ultimately becomes her secret lover. Meanwhile, Anakin’s master Obi-Wan Kenobi goes on a secret investigation to uncover a conspiracy to involve the (the main government in the prequel trilogy) in a massive war. 3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars [TV Show (2008–2020) and Movie (2008)] Genre: YA Action Show, Political Thriller, Military Science Despite premiering to a very lukewarm reception, the Clone Wars TV show has since become one of the most acclaimed pieces of media in the entire Star Wars franchise thanks to the work of devoted writers and animators who improved the show in its later seasons. The show is set between Episodes II and III and mainly focuses on an adult Anakin Skywalker learning to be both a leader for his army and a teacher for his new apprentice, . Watching this show is essential, as it contributes so much to the character development of Anakin, Obi- Wan, and Padme, which ultimately assists in the emotional payoff in the finale of “Episode III: Revenge of the .” Pro Tip: The Clone Wars TV show is an anthology, meaning that many of the episodes are self-contained stories, so if you try to watch it in order, you’ll end up jumping around a lot. Technically, two Clone Wars episodes take place before the Clone Wars movie (Season 2 Episode 16 and then Season 1 Episode 16). A chronological order for the TV show can be found on the Star Wars website. 4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005): Genre: Space Opera, Epic “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” rounds out the main prequel movies. Focused on the end of the Clone Wars, you need to watch this to understand why the Galactic Republic transforms into the Empire and what ends up happening to Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padme. Pro Tip: Watch “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” interspersed with “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” The last four episodes of Season 7 of The Clone Wars occur concurrently with “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Watch “Old Friends Not Forgotten” (Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 9) until 16:26, then start watching “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Continue until 0:38:21, then finish the Clone Wars episode. You should then watch the entirety of “The Phantom Apprentice” (Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 10) before resuming “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” up until the 1:23:56 mark. Finally, finish off the last two Clone Wars episodes before finishing “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” This viewing order The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

might seem a little strange, but given how closely the movie and show are synced up, it provides an excellent way to understand how events in the universe are playing out in real- time. 5. Star Wars : Fallen Order (2019): Genre: Action-Adventure Video Game “Fallen Order” is a unique and enjoyable side story that explores the life of former Jedi , who is on the run from the Empire five years after the events of “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” this game will assist in your understanding of how the Jedi experienced the events of “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Pro Tip: This is a video game, so a console or PC is required to play it. Not essential to the timeline but is beneficial for the context. 6. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): Genre: Space Western Despite having little bearing on any major events in the Star Wars timeline, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is a nice self-contained adventure movie which tells the backstory of everyone’s favorite smuggler and scoundrel . The movie also features Emilia Clarke (Daenerys from “Game of Thrones”) and Donald Glover (Childish Gambino), who act in supporting roles, so why not give it a watch for its star-studded cast? 7. Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series Episodes I–III (2019): Genre: VR Experience, Action Game In this virtual reality game, you play as a smuggler who is hired by to uncover an ancient Sith mystery on the planet . Like “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” this game is not essential to understanding the main Star Wars storyline, but it does set up some minor plot points that are found in “The Rise of Skywalker.” The game will definitely help you get a better grasp of Darth Vader’s character in the years after “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.” Pro Tip: You need at least an Oculus Quest headset for this. Similar to “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” the game isn’t essential but it gives context to the world and some nice character development for Darth Vader.

Original Trilogy: The original trilogy comprises three movies overseen by Star Wars creator back in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It has also since been expanded upon by a spinoff movie (“: A Star Wars Story”) and an animated TV show (“Star Wars: Rebels”), both created under the supervision of Disney. This trilogy of classics is mainly about and his personal journey to fight the Empire and avenge his father, Anakin. The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

8. Star Wars: Rebels (2014–2018) Genre: Children’s Animated TV Show “Star Wars: Rebels” is a spiritual successor to the Clone Wars TV show, developed by many of the same writers and animators. You should watch this show before getting into the meat and potatoes of the OG trilogy because it explores the beginning of the (the main faction opposed to the Empire) through the eyes of , a Jedi who survived the events of “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” and his apprentice . Pro Tip: The final episode’s prologue takes place after . If you want to be TRULY chronological, watch until the last episode up to 0:42:01, then watch the next four movies. You can watch the last four minutes around the time you start playing Battlefront II. 9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Genre: Military Some might say “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” isn’t essential to understanding the OG trilogy, but I disagree. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which canonically occurs just days before the start of “Episode IV: A New Hope,” is fundamental in understanding the situation of the Rebel Alliance at the outbreak of the Galactic Civil War. It also develops a major plot point that becomes important in the next movie on our list. 10. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) Genre: Space Opera, Epic “Episode IV: A New Hope” is the original movie that started it all, which is essential to watch because it’s the official debut for Luke Skywalker, , and Han Solo as they join the Rebel Alliance in taking up arms against the Empire. 11. Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980) Genre: Space Opera, Epic “Episode V: Empire Strikes Back” comes right after “Episode IV: A New Hope” in our list, but canonically the plot happens a whole three years afterwards. In this movie, the Galactic Empire, well, strikes back, forcing Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance to flee while Luke goes on his own epic odyssey to discover his inner potential. 12. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) Genre: Space Opera, Epic “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” neatly ties up the OG trilogy, with Luke Skywalker finally confronting Darth Vader after a year of intense training. Meanwhile, Leia and Han lead the rebels to stop the Empire’s new superweapon.

The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

Sequel Trilogy: The movies (“Episode VII: Awakens,” “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,” and “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker”) are the only main Star Wars movies to have not been supervised or directed by original series creator George Lucas. Instead, these movies, as well as all associated works, are the product of Disney and its creative directors. None of them were created before the company acquired the brand in 2012. The are mainly about the state of the galaxy 30 years after the end of the original trilogy, and they principally focus on the conflict between the and the , the successors to the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, respectively. 13. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) Genre: Action-Adventure Video Game “Star Wars: Battlefront II” tells the story of Iden Versio, commander of the elite imperial unit known as Inferno Squadron. After the Empire falls due to the events of “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” Iden must confront her own morals and values after being given questionable orders. “Star Wars: Battlefront II” doesn’t significantly affect the events of the main Star Wars timeline, but it will greatly help in contextualizing the period between the OG and Sequel trilogies. Pro Tip: Like “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” you need a game console or PC to play this. You can technically play the prologue mission before watching Episode VI, and then finish the rest of the game after you finish the movie, as it explains what happens to the galaxy afterward. 14. (2019–2020) Genre: Space Western TV show Like “Battlefront II,” “The Mandalorian” is an optional but beneficial addition to your Star Wars marathon because it helps fill in the massive 30-year gap between “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” and “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Set during a lawless period after the Empire falls, the mysterious Mandalorian abandons his life of solitude and bounty hunting after discovering a young child with strange powers (affectionately known to most as Baby ). 15. (2018–2020) Genre: Children’s Animated Show “Star Wars Resistance” is another animated show in the same vein as “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” or “Star Wars: Rebels.” It mainly focuses on world-building for the Resistance and the First Order in the months leading up to “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” with ace pilot and his apprentice Kaz Xiono doing infiltration work on a remote planet. Pro Tip: Like” Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, the first season of “Star Wars Resistance” runs The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

alongside some of the movies. Watch until Season 1 Episode 17, then start watching “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” 16. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) Genre: Space Opera, Epic Set 30 years after “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” “Episode VII: The Force Awakens” is your formal introduction to a junkyard scavenger, a former , and an ace pilot who must work together when a military junta emerges and topples the galaxy’s only democratic government. Pro Tip: Watch until 1:08:38, then watch “Star Wars Resistance” Episodes 18–21. Afterward, finish the movie. These episodes canonically occur alongside the movie, and the two synchronize during a critical moment in “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” 17. Star Wars: Battlefront II – Resurrection (2017) Genre: Action Adventure Video Game A story expansion for “Star Wars: Battlefront II” that focuses on Iden Versio’s new life as a mother and a leader of the Resistance. The story occurs at the same time as Episode VII, then leads into the beginning of Episode VIII. The journey that Iden and her daughter Zay go on benefits both movies by elaborating upon unexplained plot holes in their respective stories. Pro Tip: You’ll need a game console or PC to play this! 18. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) Genre: Space Opera, Epic Next up is “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,” which is chapter two of the overall sequel saga. Much like “Episode V: Empire Strikes Back,” this movie serves as the turning point for a lot of characters, as they all end up losing in some major way and are then forced to learn from their mistakes. The plot of the movie mainly centers on General Leia and Poe leading the Resistance as they escape from the First Order after the events of “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Meanwhile, must convince a self-exiled Luke Skywalker to save the galaxy once again. 19. Star Wars Resistance [Season Two (2018–2020)] Genre: Children’s Animated Show Season two of “Star Wars Resistance” focuses on Kaz and his comrades working to rebuild a crippled Resistance after events shown in “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Unfortunately, the final season of this show doesn’t properly establish important plot points for “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker,” but you might as well see how Kaz’s journey ends. The Saga Begins (and Concludes): How to Watch and Play EVERY Piece of Canon Star Wars Media During Quarantine

Pro Tip: Technically, the first episode takes place right after the start of “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.” If you really want to get that granular, watch “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” up to 0:12:54, then watch episode one. After that finish “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” and watch the rest of season two. 20. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Genre: Space Opera, Epic The nine movie saga finally comes to an end as Rey leads the Resistance against a First Order that has been newly empowered by a threat once thought to be dead. After hours of binging and seeing numerous characters grow and fall over the course of the entire series, “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” marks the final chapter in your viewing marathon.

However, is this necessarily the end of your Star Wars journey? Of course not! I only briefly mention it at the start of this guide, but much of the Star Wars canon storyline is contained within numerous novels and comic books. In fact, so much of the Star Wars universe can only be found in literary form such that I had to omit all of them from this guide entirely! From tales about Padme and her political exploits to the entire story about turning to the dark side, there’s bound to be something that you’ll enjoy in the rich collection of novels that has flourished under Disney’s creative supervision. And for those who truly want to dive into a whole new era of Star Wars, the new “High Republic” book series will cover events that take place over 200 years before any of the movies and shows I mentioned. Star Wars truly is a media franchise with something for anyone and everyone, so get out there and start watching.

As always, stay safe, and may the Force be with you!

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