The Perfect Movie Order to Introduce Your Kids to Star Wars

How to introduce your kids to Star Wars can be a tricky question. We have to consider the chronological and release order, the elements that would appeal to younger viewers, and the overall quality of the movies, among other factors.

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, here we recommend a movie order that could be perfect for your kids. 

1. A New Hope

Starting with the original, break-through movie is the best way to introduce your kids to Star Wars. From the opening scene with a massive Star Destroyer filling the screen to the climactic one-in-a-trillion shot to destroy the Death Star, your kids will be enthralled.

Starting with A New Hope follows the “Release Order advocates” perspective and prioritizes Luke’s story over Anakin’s. Yet, this approach is more than that–it seeks to convey an awe-inspiring saga to another generation.

Climactic scenes like the Battle of Yavin are thrilling, while other ones like the Vader and Obi-Wan lightsaber battle elicit the emotional and well-planned story elements of Star Wars. Just by viewing these two scenes, we can see how going with the first movie released is the optimum route. 

2. The Empire Strikes Back

Next, you should introduce your kids to the excitement and unexpected plot twists in The Empire Strikes Back. We have Luke’s capture by a Wampa, the Battle of Hoth, and Yoda at Dagobah to capture a younger viewer’s attention. We see Luke and Vader’s first lightsaber fight and we discover Vader’s real identity.

The second original movie is also unique in how the Empire wins. Not only does Han Solo become carbon-frozen, but Luke loses his hand in his lightsaber duel and confronts the astonishing fact that Vader is his father. Mind-blowing at the time and now for younger viewers.

Let’s not forget about bounty hunters, AT-AT Walkers, the forcing-choking of Admiral Ozzel, Yoda’s levitation of Luke’s X-Wing, and how the Millennium Falcon and crew are almost swallowed by a space slug. 

By the end, the film leaves viewers astonished and a little sad, but also hopeful for the next installment. Going with these age recommendations, though, you may want to wait until your child is age 8 or 9 to introduce this movie. 

3. The Return of the Jedi

You should complete the original trilogy and allow your younger viewer to experience the triumph of the Rebellion. Jabba’s palace scene and the Battle over the Sarlacc captivate us in the early part of the movie, while the Battle of Endor brings us to the fulfillment of the fight against the Empire. 

Kids then and now should enjoy the Ewoks. Although they were originally meant to be Wookiees, and prompted debate among fans, Ewoks are clearly aimed at young viewers as a way to draw them in and stay true to the intentions of Star Wars. The Ewoks are central to the battle on their home planet and help the light side prevail over the dark. 

Coinciding with this post, older fans can appreciate how the Ewoks “symbolically” aided the Rebels, while younger ones can enjoy them defeating stormtroopers. There is something for everyone in the third original movie. 

4. Rogue One

If your kids are 11 to 12 or older, Rogue One is an excellent follow-up to the original trilogy. If not, see number 5 for the next movie. This film provides the backstory to A New Hope and is filled with intrigue and suspense, like the recent Andor series.

In contrast to the mixed reception to the sequels under Disney, Rogue One has been acclaimed for its realistic depiction of the Rebel’s struggle against the Empire.

As this review encapsulates, this movie, released a year after The Force Awakens, did not rehash “familiar ground” but instead provides a “fresh and distinctive” feel and “its own unique spot within the franchise.” That freshness is what will appeal to your kids, delivering A New Hope feeling with a different story and characters. 

With its balance of “adventure and emotion,” this spin-off captured “new and returning audience members alike,” something that many felt Solo failed to do.  

5. The Phantom Menace

We can sum up the reason why young viewers will like The Phantom Menace in one word (sometimes spelled with two)–podracing. Podracing stands out as one of the elements that reflects how George Lucas aimed this first prequel at children.

Your children will get to see a young Anakin meeting Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and how he takes on the despicable podracer Sebulba. This action sequence is reflective of the adventurous tone of the movie and the origins of Anakin as a slave boy from Tatooine. 

The CGI special effects and characters will also speak to younger audience members. Even Jar Jar Binks will probably be appealing, particularly for children age 8 and under. This article explores the visual effects behind Jar Jar that may change older viewers’ minds about the character. 

6. Attack of the Clones

Attack of the Clones is next in viewing order for its kaleidoscope galactic war narrative and kid-alluring characters like Jango Fett. For kids, they get to see what happens next in the Separatist movement and the First Battle of Geonosis that sparked the Clone Wars.

This video provides a good compilation of reasons why this movie is “better than you remember” and why your kids should enjoy it. Its merits include Obi-Wan and Anakin as Jedis, their action scenes, the creation of the clones, and Jango Fett taking on Obi-Wan, along with a young Boba.

7. Revenge of the Sith

In this movie, we get to see the culmination of the rise of Palpatine and Anakin’s turn to the dark side. It’s on the dark side, so some viewer discretion may be advised, but the film is alluring for young fans.

As this article conveys, some viewers may even “love” this movie the most. For those who went to see Phantom Menace at an early age, Revenge of the Sith “is so enthralling” because of its drama, angst, and emotional content. 

To those points, we have the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar and the wiping out of the Jedi with Order 66, along with the demise of Mace Windu. Like Empire Strikes Back, we leave with the good side down, but not completely out. 

8. The Force Awakens

Although fans have been divided over this film because of its similar format to A New Hope, we can remember how exciting it was to have the next installment of the Skywalker saga. And, we can pass that excitement and the chance for the Resistance to restore the galaxy on to our kids. 

Among the positives we can take away from the seventh film are the “fast-paced, character-driven” action, Rey as a compelling Jedi-in-the-making, and the return of Han Solo and Princess Leia. 

9. Wait on The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker

Let younger viewers imbibe the thrilling ride they just experienced in the original trilogy, prequels, and first sequel before moving into the last two movies. With time and some explanation, you could proceed with the last two movies and enjoy them for how they completed the Skywalker saga. Moving too quickly into them may result in a deflating experience. 

Yet, kids do like adventure, more heroes and villains, and sinister plots that are defeated. So, watching the last two sequels should happen at some point.