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Excited about the next STAR WARS movie? Yep, me too. I suggest a little homework before December 15 (it?s all fun, I swear!). Do you need to watch other STAR WARS movies before THE LAST JEDI? I say yes. Here are my suggestions for those with a lot of time to prepare, and a bottom line 4 movies to watch before STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI hits theaters. Affiliate links included in this post. 

 

 

What a time to be a Star Wars fan, amirite? STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI comes to theaters on December 15, 2017, and the posters, trailers, and stills from the film are basically giving us more questions than answers.

I’m ready for answers, people!

Wait- What’s that you say?

You’ve never seen a Star Wars movie, and you aren’t sure where to start?

No, I won’t judge you (much) because it’s never too late to become a Stars Wars fan.

 

 

Don’t let anyone tell you any different, either.

I don’t think you need to know every geeky detail about a franchise to enjoy it, though nerding out a bit is always fun. But I do believe knowing your Poe Dameron from your Luke Skywalker is pretty darn important.

Here are four movies I think you should watch before THE LAST JEDI hits theaters.

 

Movies to Watch Before Star Wars: The Last Jedi

First off, let’s say that this is not an inclusive list.

That would be easy: just watch all the films out there, including the Clone Wars series — but minus the Star Wars Christmas Special— because no one really “needs” to see that!

I’m trying to hit the highlights that might best bring you up to speed on some history for the next Star Wars film.

But first, let’s take a look at the STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI trailer that was just released!

 

New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer

 

 

Rey, girl, you got me worried about this one!

If Luke looks worried and he’s the Jedi Master, I think I have a good cause, wouldn’t you say?

AAAAGGGGHHH! IS IT DECEMBER 15 YET?!

Okay, since I haven’t seen the movie myself obviously (I’ll be in line on December 15 just like the rest of you!) this list may be amended after that viewing.

But for now, it’s my best guess on what will give a new fan the background needed for this film.

 

Watching Star Wars For The First Time: Your Options

Let’s say you don’t want the short list.

Shenanigans, if I’m going to do this thing, I want it ALL!

Okay then, let’s make the jump to lightspeed and get you caught up! Here are your complete Star Wars watching options.

Star Wars can be watched in multiple ways.

 

 

Some folks like to watch them in Release Order, which is the way appeared in theaters. That means you’ll start with the Original Trilogy of Star Wars movies.

 

• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens
• Rogue One

This means you catch up to the series like the rest of us diehards.

You can also watch them in Episode Order (I through VII), just like Geoge Lucas envisioned.

But that means starting off with a whole lot of Jar-Jar Binks (you’ll learn about him- ugh, sorry!), and I gotta say, no; no to Jar-Jar unless you want to be featured on Buzzfeed for a running costume.

I might have gone to the Dark Side when I put this on, just sayin’…!

 

 

Episode order also kinda ruins a bunch of plot twists because you learn it all in advance.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERTS if you go this route.

So for a first time Star Wars watcher: say no to Episode Order.

 

The Right Order: Star Wars Machete Order

But I’m a fan of the Machete Order which cuts up (and cuts out some movies) into a different time order.

Blogger Rod Hilton came up with this idea in 2011, and it’s pretty great. You can read in detail his reasoning HERE.

The Machete Order is as follows:

• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

 

If you watch the movies in this order, you’ll have a smoother timeline of events without giving away too many spoilers. And you won’t have to watch too much of Anakin Skywalker: the early whiney years.

But what about the remaining films? Do those need to be watched before THE LAST JEDI comes out if you are new to Star Wars?

I say yes, but might come back and edit this based on how the movie plays out!

 

What Order To Watch Star Wars Movies After The Machete

I think it’s safe to watch Machete order first, and then go ahead and move on to

Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens

 

 

And then catch your breath, dry your tears (oh, there are tears, people!), and watch

Rogue One

 

 

And again with the tears.

Grab a box of tissue to go alongside your box of popcorn; I’m just sayin’!

 

Bottom Line Movies to Watch Before Star Wars: The Last Jedi

I get it; you might not have all the time to get these movies in.

But you probably still want to know who this guy is, what he is holding, and what the heck happened to his hand before you head to the theater.

 

 

So here are the four I think would be most important to bring you up to speed as a new Star Wars fan before you watch THE LAST JEDI.

If you don’t watch anything else before you walk into THE LAST JEDI, my vote will be to watch:

• Rogue One
• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens

In this order.

 

Guys: December 15 is coming. May the Force Be With Us! (and if you don’t know what that means, for the love of Han Solo, PLEASE watch some of these movies!) 

Now that THE LAST JEDI has broken box office records, I’ve got THE LAST JEDI review for parents. Is it appropriate for your younglings?

 

https://noguiltlife.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-watching-movies-in-order/

 

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