Should You Watch the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy, or Original Trilogy?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024

As die-hard fans of the galaxy far, far away, we've all faced the interstellar dilemma of which Star Wars trilogy to queue up for our movie marathon weekends. Should we start with the classic charm of George Lucas' original creation that kicked off the epic space opera? Or perhaps dive headfirst into the politically charged and special-effects heavy prequel trilogy? And then there's the action-packed, saga-concluding sequel trilogy that has sparked heated debates across the universe.

Debating which trilogy to watch is more intense than a lightsaber duel on Mustafar. The original trilogy brings us the legendary narrative of a ragtag group of rebels taking on the mighty Empire, with timeless characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and, of course, the ultimate baddie – Darth Vader. It also has the advantage of nostalgia, taking us back to a time when practical effects and a pulsing John Williams score were all the magic we needed.

On the flip side, the prequel trilogy immerses us in the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker, with a side of intricate political intrigue and, dare we say, podracing. And let's not forget the sequel trilogy, which introduces a new generation of heroes and villains battling amidst the stars, with a backdrop of legacy characters and plot twists. So, grab your favorite Star Wars-themed snack, and let's get ready to tackle the timeless debate: which trilogy will take us on the best hyperspace ride?

Analyzing the Star Wars Trilogies

In this starry analysis, we're comparing the heart-pumping galactic sagas that have shaped generations of fans and filmmakers alike. Whether you're drawn to the charm of the original cast or the shiny allure of the new blood, we've got the data to fulfill your fandom needs.

Original Trilogy: Nostalgia Strikes Back

When we think Star Wars, we're hurled back to the '70s and '80s when A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi hit the theaters, boasting about good versus evil with lightsabers drawn. Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and their merry band of Rebels took us on a whirlwind tour to bring down Vader and his Empire’s giant deadly golf ball (also known as the Death Star). These flicks were a jackpot—slaying box office records with their gripping space opera narrative.

• A New Hope introduced us to the Jedi, the Sith, the Force, and one of the most iconic villains ever, Darth Vader.
• The sequels gave us deeper character arcs, thrilling plot twists, and the profound wisdom of Yoda.

George Lucas's creative genius rendered the original trilogy an enduring feature in pop culture, netting a few shiny Oscars to boot.

Prequel Trilogy: Rise of the Backstories

Flash forward to the late '90s and early 2000s, and here comes the hi-res special effects and story backstory bonanza with the Prequel Trilogy. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith showed us how a little boy named Anakin Skywalker (spoiler alert!) grows up to be a less-chatty metallic version of himself. Ewan McGregor steps in as a fresh-faced Obi-Wan Kenobi, and we watch cities in the stars and underwater worlds that make us do double takes.

• The tale unfolds across three movies detailing the rise of Anakin Skywalker, the revelation of Emperor Palpatine, and the tragic fall of the Jedi Order.
• Despite mixed reviews for writing and performances, the trilogy did wonders at the box office and added layers to the Star Wars lore.

Sequel Trilogy: A New Hope or a False Start?

Fast forward to the 2010s, under the new management of Disney and Lucasfilm, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker sought to introduce a new generation to the galaxy far, far away. Our fresh-faced heroes—Rey, Finn, and Poe—confront Kylo Ren, a Sith fanboy with granddad issues, and a First Order that didn't get the memo on the Empire’s downfall.

• Critics and fans were divided over storytelling and character development, but the silver screen shone bright with renewed interest and bustling box office returns.

What About the Spin-Offs?

Lest we forget the standalone stories enriching the tapestry of Star Wars narrative—Rogue One, Solo, The Mandalorian, and the newcomer Andor. These offshoot tales dig deep into the spaces between the main trilogies, giving die-hards and new fans something to binge between the marquee releases.

• We must tip our hats to the spin-offs for diving into backstories of loveable scoundrels like Han Solo and noble rogues like Cassian Andor.

To Watch in Cinematic or Chronological Order?

The age-old debate among Star Wars aficionados—do you watch the films as they were released or shuffle them up to make Yoda's timeline comments less confusing? Our two cents:

• Watching the movies in release order keeps the reveals shocking and the nostalgia intact.
• Opting for chronological order serves up a seamless narrative that might just make you appreciate Anakin’s drama a bit more.

Now, intrepid Star Wars fans, debate amongst yourselves, and may the Force help you choose your viewing path wisely. Onward to our BrainFall quiz to discover which trilogy truly aligns with your Star Wars destiny! Grab your snacks and prepare for the jump to lightspeed!

The Force of Fandom: Characters, Fan Theories, and Extended Universe

In the cosmic dance of Star Wars fandom, characters become legends, fan theories spark debates, and the extended universe turns into a playground for the imagination. Now, grab your lightsaber and join us on this interstellar parade through the galaxy far, far away.

Galactic Hall of Fame: Iconic Characters and Quotes

• Luke Skywalker: The farm boy who became a hero, and his journey remains a cornerstone of the Star Wars saga.
• Leia Organa: A princess, a general, and an evergreen symbol of rebellion whose famous line, "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi," still echoes across the stars.
• Darth Vader: The menacing presence whose heavy-breathing still chills spines — "I am your father," anyone?
• Yoda: With quotable wisdom like “Do or do not, there is no try,” Yoda is a pint-sized powerhouse in pop culture.

Expanding the Universe: Lore, Canon, and Continuity

• The Mandalorian: This series introduced us to new corners of the Star Wars universe and the unforgettable 'The Child' - yes, Baby Yoda.
• The Clone Wars & Star Wars Rebels: Animated adventures that expanded lore and enriched our galactic tapestry.
• Spin-offs like Andor and The Acolyte: They promise deeper dives into the dark and light sides of the Force and the players in between.
• Ahsoka Tano: A character that leapt from animation to live-action, proving the boundless possibilities of storytelling in this universe.

Fan Theories and Speculations: What Ifs and Might-Have-Beens

• Rey's Origin: The who's-your-daddy scramble that had fans guessing till the end.
• Popular theories, like those about Kylo Ren and his moral compass, keep fan forums ablaze with speculation.
• Alternate realities, such as Lando being... well, let's just say a very smooth operator, continue to entertain and engage fans.

Ratings and Critical Reception: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Star Wars

• The Last Jedi: A polarizing chapter that split the fanbase quicker than a lightsaber through a Tauntaun.
• The Rise of Skywalker: Attempting to tie up cosmic loose ends, it drew a mixed bag of sighs and cheers.
• Cinematic landmarks, with the prequels and sequels leapfrogging in terms of box office and critical acclaim, while the originals keep their Oscar-polished glory intact.

Now, we're all about levity and good times here at BrainFall, but let's not forget that Star Wars isn't just a franchise; it's a part of our galactic identity. So, hop into our quiz-cockpit and find out which trilogy you should jet off to watch next! May the pop quizzes be with you!