It's safe to assume that most of us know the name "Star Wars," whether through first-hand viewing experience or cultural osmosis. However, there has always been a distinct and set storyline in play since George Lucas first put pen to paper.
Whether you take your galaxy far, far away with or without the Disney sequels, the original trilogy and the prequels have their cinematic value. While by no means a 100% perfect story, it's been the space opera gold standard for decades. However, fans might want to consider the "Machete Order."
Rethink how you watch Star Wars
On a personal note, I am one of those rare fans who will watch almost anything under the Star Wars banner and still find something to enjoy about it. Whether it's the divisive prequels or the semi-maligned Disney trilogy, I will watch it all. However, the Machete Order was a new concept that's simple, but brilliant.
If you, like me, had no idea what this was, @BrianFantastic on TikTok goes into detail here. It's essentially a reordering of both the prequels and the original three films that blend together in a unique, but almost seamless way.
Originally devised by Rod Hiltion, the order is as follows,
IV: A New Hope (1977)
V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
This viewing order maintains the core structure of the original storyline but incorporates the backstory of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi without having to fixate too much on the conflict with the Separatists (that's what the Clone Wars show is for). Joking aside, it makes things flow much smoother.
Even if you've been a longtime fan, maintained perceptions can still be altered from new perspectives. The Machete Order demonstrates how the same story can be seen with different eyes, but nothing is taken away.
In the words of Old Ben Kenobi, "Everything I told you was true... from a certain point of view." It's this "point of view" idea that should pique any fan's interest. In the Machete Order, we see perspectives shift from Luke to Vader as he makes the transition from Anakin Skywalker to Sith Lord, and it makes the conflict that much richer.
No matter how you watch Star Wars, it still maintains its presence as one of the most iconic modern epics. It's a big galaxy, and to say that there is only one way to experience it would be absolutely bananas.
All Star Wars movies, sequels, and series can be viewed on Disney+.