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The original Star Wars Machete Order is Episode IV → Episode V → Episode II → Episode III → Episode VI. It starts with Luke’s story, pauses after the reveal in The Empire Strikes Back for Anakin’s prequel backstory, then returns to Return of the Jedi. It is an unofficial fan-created sequence, not Lucasfilm’s official viewing order.
The original Machete Order
- Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II)
- Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
Rod Hilton introduced the sequence in a post dated November 11, 2011, writing: “watch them in this order: IV, V, II, III, VI.” Hilton’s original Machete Order post explains the intended story structure.
Why the order places the prequels between Episodes V and VI
The first two films establish Luke’s journey and preserve the major reveal at the end of The Empire Strikes Back. Episodes II and III then act like an extended flashback: they show Anakin’s fall before the saga returns to Luke and the resolution in Return of the Jedi. Hilton’s rationale is an interpretation by the order’s creator, not an official Lucasfilm recommendation.
What the original order leaves out
Episode I is not part of the five-film core
The Phantom Menace (Episode I) is omitted. That means the sequence does not show Anakin as a child or include the film’s introductory material. Some context—including Anakin’s history with his mother, C-3PO’s origin, and references to prophecy—may be less clear without it.
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If you want the Machete structure but would rather see every Skywalker Saga film, watch Episode I after Episode VI as an optional extra. Hilton’s post suggests this placement; it is outside the original five-film sequence.
Episodes VII–IX are a separate extension
The original order predates the sequel trilogy, so Episodes VII–IX are not part of Hilton’s sequence. To continue through all nine Skywalker Saga films, add The Force Awakens (VII), The Last Jedi (VIII), and The Rise of Skywalker (IX) after Episode VI. This is a straightforward extension in release order, not part of the original Machete Order. Lucasfilm’s viewing guide lists the sequel films in that order.
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Machete Order, release order, or chronological order?
| Viewing approach | What it prioritizes | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Release order | The order audiences first encountered the films; it begins with Episode IV and proceeds through the original, prequel, and sequel films. | Anakin’s backstory arrives after the original trilogy, and spin-offs and series require separate placement choices. |
| Chronological order | In-universe timeline continuity, beginning with Episode I. | The Vader reveal comes later than it does when starting with Episode IV. |
| Original Machete Order | A flashback-style presentation of the original six-film saga: IV, V, II, III, VI. | It skips Episode I, leaves some details unexplained, and does not provide a comprehensive sequence for later films and series. |
Lucasfilm’s official viewing guide provides both release and chronological lists and leaves the choice to viewers. Choose release order to follow the films’ original arrival, chronological order to follow in-universe events, or Machete Order if you want the prequel backstory to interrupt the original trilogy after Episode V.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to watch the films
Disney+’s 2026 guide says Star Wars movies are available to stream on the service, but catalogues can vary by country and change over time. Check your local service listing before planning a watch-through. Disney+’s Star Wars movie guide identifies the Skywalker Saga as Episodes I–IX.
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For physical viewing, Lucasfilm has documented home-entertainment editions including Blu-ray and 4K UHD, and Disney’s Japan catalogue lists a Skywalker Saga 4K UHD Complete Box. Edition availability, stock, and regional compatibility can vary; check the product details for your market. Lucasfilm’s home-entertainment announcement and the official Japan catalogue entry provide edition information.
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