The guide to properly marathoning 'Star Wars' before seeing 'Rogue One'

Show Caption Hide Caption Where 'Rogue One' fits in the 'Star Wars' saga We chronicle the 'Star Wars' series in a two-minute timeline.

There's no right or wrong way to watch the Star Wars series.

If you're revisiting the iconic franchise before Rogue One hits theaters Thursday night, here's our suggestion for how to embark on a journey to a galaxy far, far away.

You will find people who argue for the chronological order, Episodes I-VII, or order of release, Episodes IV-VI followed by I-III, followed by last year's The Force Awakens. Or a couple hundred other ways that have Reddit theories behind them. But sometimes the original is the best way.



Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope

The groundbreaking 1977 sci-fi film launched a 30-plus year franchise for a reason. It told an epic story of a simple boy raised by his moisture farmer aunt and uncle who gets embroiled in a mission to save a princess from the captivity of Galactic Empire commander Darth Vader alongside former Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and roguish smuggler Han Solo.

Rogue One takes place directly before A New Hope, so if you only have time for this one, that's OK.

Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back

Puppet Yoda is just the best, man.

OK, that wasn't the only thing that happened in Empire Strikes Back, the thrilling space opera that had Luke, Leia and Han leading a Rebel Alliance contingent in the face of an ever-imposing hunt by Darth Vader. We meet Lando and Boba Fett, and there are traps and chases left and right, with prospects looking not too bright for our trio at the end of the film. Oh, and we got this twist reveal of the century.



Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi

The battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance comes to a head in Return of the Jedi, the 1983 conclusion to the original trilogy. Luke, Leia and Han survive several rescue attempts to join the final battle, where Luke finally gets to confront Darth Vader once and for all.

Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace

The first movie in the series chronologically, The Phantom Menace actually wasn't that bad, barring some confusing plotting and a certain CGI sidekick that will go unnamed.

The film takes place 32 years before A New Hope, following the story of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to escort and protect Queen Amidala as she attempts to negotiate an interplanetary trade dispute. They get stuck on desert planet Tatooine, where they meet the young Force-sensitive slave Anakin Skywalker, who helps them get off the planet through his killer pod-racing skills.

Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones

Set 10 years after The Phantom Menace and released in 2002, Attack of the Clones shows a galaxy on the brink of civil war. Anakin and Obi-Wan get reunited with Padme, now a senator, after an attempt is made on her life. While Anakin and Padme frolic on Naboo, Obi-Wan's investigation into her assassination leads to his discovery of an army of clones being made for the Galactic Republic, and later, to an opposing army of drones led by Separatists.

Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith

Anakin's fall to the Dark Side comes to a close in Revenge of the Sith. Because slaughtering a village after you learn about the death of your mother isn't enough.

Set three years after the start of the Clone Wars, 2005's Revenge of the Sith follows Anakin as he's torn between his growing friendship with secret Sith Lord, Chancellor Palpatine, and his love for his pregnant wife Padme. Anakin spends much of the movie being manipulated to the Dark Side by Palpatine, as Obi-Wan and Padme try to stop his fall and keep peace in the Republic.

Rogue One fits in the overall chronology in between this film and A New Hope.

Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens

It might be weird to skip from Episodes III to VII, but you should experience the order of the movies the way the creators and original viewers did. In many ways The Force Awakens is a direct response to fan complaints about the prequel trilogy, from its pared-down use of CGI to the fantastic quartet of young actors leading the way. The film picks up 30 years after Return of the Jedi, when an unlikely alliance between a scavenger and a rogue Stormtrooper brings us on a quest to find Luke Skywalker. It has no direct correlation to Rogue One, but is still an enjoyable ride.