As the Star Wars franchise approaches its 50th anniversary, fans and newcomers alike are finding renewed excitement in the sprawling galaxy far, far away, fueled by announcements of high-profile projects like the Ryan Gosling-starring Starfighter and the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu. According to a comprehensive guide published by CNET, navigating the franchise's dense collection of movies, TV shows, and side stories can feel overwhelming, with overlapping storylines that span decades of storytelling. The guide, titled "Star Wars Guide: How to Watch Movies, TV Shows and Side Stories in Order," offers practical advice for binge-watchers, emphasizing that Disney Plus has streamlined access to nearly all content under one roof.
George Lucas first introduced the Star Wars universe in 1977 with A New Hope, and since then, the saga has expanded into a vast entertainment empire, including theatrical films and a growing roster of television series. CNET's guide notes that "it's been almost 50 years since George Lucas first introduced us to the Star Wars universe," highlighting how the franchise's evolution has made it "one of the densest entertainment franchises to follow." For those dipping their toes into Jedi lore or revisiting classics, the platform's on-demand availability—barring a few exceptions—makes it easier than ever to explore, according to the article.
The guide outlines several viewing orders, starting with the chronological approach, which follows the in-universe timeline from Anakin Skywalker's rise to Rey's journey in the sequel trilogy. This method, described as George Lucas's intended sequence, allows viewers to track the linear progression of characters and the galaxy's political shifts. However, CNET points out a key drawback: "The downside of watching this way, rather than in release order, is that it spoils several plot twists, including one particularly iconic revelation." The article also mentions that the prequel trilogy's "inconsistent quality" might not hook newcomers as effectively.
In contrast, watching in release order is recommended by the guide as the most authentic experience, mirroring how original audiences encountered the story. This sequence begins with the 1977 original trilogy, followed by the 1999-2005 prequels, and continues through the 2015 sequels and recent Disney-era shows. CNET explains that this order "preserves the narrative surprises and character developments as they were first presented to audiences," while also showcasing filmmaking advancements, from the original trilogy's practical effects to the prequels' pioneering CGI by Industrial Light & Magic. "This progression not only reflects the real-world development of filmmaking but also enhances the viewing experience by gradually introducing more complex narratives and characters," the guide states.
For newcomers, CNET suggests release order as "the best bet," allowing them to appreciate the franchise's historical development and relive the magic for longtime fans. The article details the core Skywalker saga films in this sequence: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). TV series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, and animated entries such as The Clone Wars and Rebels are slotted in based on their timeline placements relative to the films.
A more controversial option discussed in the guide is the "machete order," proposed by movie fan Rod Hilton in 2011 on his blog Absolutely No Machete Juggling. This sequence skips The Phantom Menace entirely, treating Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith as flashbacks between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Hilton argued that this preserves the original trilogy's twists while emphasizing the Skywalker saga's continuity, bypassing what some view as the weakest prequel. CNET describes it as a method that "divides opinion among JedHeads," noting its appeal for those prioritizing narrative punch over completeness.
Beyond the main canon, the guide addresses nonessential and non-canonical content that die-hard fans might explore. It omits animated Lego tie-ins and Simpsons crossovers, as well as behind-the-scenes documentaries available on Disney Plus. Following Disney's 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm, several pre-Disney projects were reclassified as "Legends," no longer part of the official storyline. These include the 1985-1986 animated series Star Wars: Droids and Ewoks, plus Ewok TV movies Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985), all streamable on Disney Plus.
One notorious omission from official catalogs is the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, which aired on CBS ahead of Thanksgiving that year. Described by CNET as a "low-budget fever dream" featuring Chewbacca's family, musical numbers, and celebrity cameos centered on the Wookiee "Life Day" celebration, the special has never been officially re-aired or released despite George Lucas's efforts to suppress it. It gained a cult following through internet bootlegs and is now available in a fan-upscaled 5K version on YouTube, according to the guide.
For purists seeking the unaltered originals, the article highlights fan projects like Harmy's Despecialized Editions, which recreate high-definition versions of the original theatrical trilogy, removing Lucas's later additions from the Special Editions. Similarly, Team Negative1's 4K77, 4K80, and 4K83 offer 4K scans of 35mm prints from the originals. CNET cautions that these are unofficial, with distribution handled within fan communities to avoid copyright issues sanctioned by Lucasfilm and Disney.
The guide's publication comes at a time when Star Wars is experiencing a renaissance, with Disney's stewardship drawing both praise for accessibility and grumbling from purists over changes to the saga. While some fans criticize the prequels' quality or the expanded universe's direction, CNET maintains a balanced view, stating that "Disney has made binge-watching Star Wars easier than ever." Upcoming releases like The Mandalorian & Grogu, set for 2026, and the untitled Starfighter project starring Ryan Gosling, are expected to further boost interest, potentially drawing in new viewers via Disney Plus.
Cross-verification from another CNET summary reinforces the guide's focus, teasing content from The Empire Strikes Back to Andor with tips for binge-watching the Jedi- and Sith-filled universe. No major discrepancies appear between the sources, both emphasizing practical tricks for tackling the franchise's complexity. Experts like Rod Hilton's machete order proposal represent fan-driven innovations, while official timelines adhere to Lucas's vision as interpreted by Disney.
As Star Wars continues to expand—with whispers of more series like Ahsoka Season 2 and potential Obi-Wan Kenobi returns—the guide serves as a timely resource. It underscores how the franchise, born in 1977, has grown from a single film into a multimedia juggernaut, influencing pop culture for generations. Whether starting with the originals or jumping into live-action shows, viewers are encouraged to choose an order that suits their journey.
In closing, CNET's guide reminds enthusiasts that "however you end up choosing to journey your way through the galaxy from the options above, may the Force be with you!" With Disney Plus as the central hub since 2019, accessible content ensures the saga's legacy endures, even as debates over canon and viewing preferences persist among fans worldwide.