In an ideal world, you’d see everyStar Warsmovie before seeing the latest installment,The Rise of Skywalker. But not everyone is a die-hardStar Warsfan and there are currently ten previousStar Warsmovies. Do you really need to seeSolo: A Star Wars Story? Is that essential? (No. It is the definition of “inessential”). But if you’re only casually intoStar Warsbut you’re headed out to seeRise of Skywalker, there are five movies in the saga that you need to see so that you’re not totally lost and have some level of emotional investment in what’s happening on screen. Also, if you’re simply going along to get up to speed forRise of Skywalker, I recommend watching the films in the following order.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
You don’t really need to bother withThe Phantom MenaceorAttack of the Clones. Anakin Skywalker was a slave, he joined the Jedi Order as a young boy, he grew up, lost his hand, secretly married Padme, and now we’re up to speed. But the fall of Anakin Skywalker, which is the driving plot of this movie, isn’t what makes it essential toRise of Skywalker. While Palpatine was an important character in the first two movies, it’s inRevenge of the Siththat he really gets to shine and you understand who he is. Palpatine plays a major role inRevenge of the Sith(that’s not a spoiler, they’ve been using his voice in the marketing) and if you want to understand the character, then you should watchRevenge of the Sith.
Is it streaming: Yes, on Disney+
Star Wars: A New Hope
Yes, you need to see the movie that started it all. AlthoughRise of Skywalkerbelongs more to the new characters of the sequel trilogy, these legacy characters still matter. You need to care about who Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo are, especially because of their connection to the new characters. The sequel trilogy leans heavily on these legacy characters for big emotional moments that you need to share that emotional connection or the scenes won’t work. Also,A New Hopeis a great movie and a lot of fun, so unlikeRevenge of the Sith, it’s actually a joy to watch.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
How could I skip overEmpire Strikes Back?! Well, whileEmpireis a great movie, if you’re just watchingStar Warsmovies for essential plot, thenEmpiredoesn’t really help you out withRise of Skywalker.Empireis a terrific film and you should certainly watch it, but nothing happens in it that affects the plot ofRise of Skywalkerexcept for the introduction of Lando Calrissian, who’s also a major part ofReturn of the Jedi.Return of the Jediis probably the most important film to watch beforeRise of Skywalkersince it tells you what happened to Palpatine and what happened to the Second Death Star. Additionally,Return of the Jedihas some important story beats for Leia that get some payoff inRise of Skywalker.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
This one is absolutely essential since it introduces us to our new lead characters: Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren. You won’t care about these people unless you watchForce Awakensand this is where their journey begins. It also tells us about the state of the galaxy post-Return of the Jedi. This is all information you need if you’re going to be up to speed forRise of Skywalker, especially as this is the beginning of the question of “Who are Rey’s parents?” which is a major plotline that comes to a conclusion in this new installment. Thankfully, the film is flighty and fun. If you likedA New Hope, chances are you’ll likeThe Force Awakens.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
LikeThe Force Awakens, you need to know the plot ofThe Last Jedito have any investment and understanding ofRise of Skywalker. You may be surprised how muchRise of Skywalkerchooses to discard or ignore fromThe Last Jedi, but nevertheless, there are events inThe Last Jedithat are pivotal toRise of Skywalker, especially where Rey’s parents are concerned and what happened to Luke Skywalker. Also, as a fun bonus, you’ll understand whyThe Last Jediis so divisive! Join the discourse!
Is it streaming: Yes, it’s currently on Netflix but on August 23, 2025, it switches over to Disney+
