My first question is why haven't you seen the other films? It will probably be fine, but a lot of stuff will not make much sense if you haven't seen the original trilogy (the prequels, don't bother with them).
Because I don't know where to start, I don't know which one is first. Its daft because i think id really like them.
Technically the first one is The Phantom Menace, but the first one in terms of release was Star Wars (which is timeline-wise the fourth one). If you want to see them all, I would recommend watching them in this order: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, Return of the Jedi. Don't bother with Phantom Menace. Just don't. It's pointless. To be fair, you could easily ignore the prequels and you'd be fine.
Oh, and if you watch the original trilogy, try to find the truly original versions, rather than the 'special editions' from 1997 and afterward - they are full of pointless CGI filler that if anything ruin the films a bit. They are hard to find, but you'll probably be able to find them somewhere on the interweb.
I would disagree. Just watching III and not II as well leaves a lot of questions open. Also watching it after the original trilogy seems a bit silly. The Machete Order is still by far the best way to watch it. http://www.nomachetejuggling.com/2011/11/11/the-star-wars-saga-suggested-viewing-order/ (Read this all the way through if you haven't before)
My preferred order is IV-I-II-V-III-VI. IV because you can't start any other way. I to go back and see Anakin as a kid, introduced to Obi-Wan. II to see Anakin start to edge towards the Dark Side. V for the big reveal. III to see the downfall VI to see whether Luke will follow the same path in a similar setting.
If you're just normal and watch to watch movies normally, watch them in episode order. 1-6. Even if you hate the first one or two, they do get better and better. I never felt the need to hate even Jar Jar, so, my advice is just start with 1, and enjoy them for what they are. Movies.
Why would you watch I? II makes more sense after V. The prequel backstory comes at the perfect time, because Empire Strikes Back ends on a huge cliffhanger. Han is in carbonite, Vader is Luke's father, and the Empire has hit the rebellion hard. Delaying the resolution of this cliffhanger makes it all the more satisfying when Return of the Jedi is watched Surely it makes sense to see Anakin's turn in full after the reveal?
That doesn't follow the normal sequence of events though does it? I love Star Wars. I just don't get the need to over analyse it, or try to throw some purist bullshit on it. The story has a beginning, and that's episode 1.
Who wants to be normal? The problem with Episode Order is that it ruins the surprise that Vader is Luke's father. If you think that this reveal doesn't matter since it's common knowledge, I suggest you watch the looks on these kids' faces. This reveal is one of the most shocking in film history, and if a newcomer to the series has managed to avoid having it spoiled for them, watching the films in Episode Order would be like watching the ending of The Sixth Sense first. The other problem with Episode Order is that the prequels don't really have a story. They're just background for the real story, which is Luke's attempt to destroy the Empire and save his father. Watching 3 films of backstory is boring if you've never seen the films they're the background to. Hell, that's why George Lucas made A New Hope first, he knew if he started with Episode I he'd never be able to complete the series. Starting someone off with Episode I is a surefire way to ensure they don't make it through the entire franchise.
As much as you hate I, it's still one of the saga, and isn't all bad. Watching I-VI ruins the reveal about Vader, and the reveal about Leia. That'd be like saying that watching Lord of the Rings means you start with the first Hobbit movie because it happens first.
Aaaaand having read that link Quill gave, I'm gonna change my mind! Watch them in this order: IV, V, I, II, III, VI I get that now. Makes a lot more sense. Stop hating on 1 Quill ffs
My justification is someone watching for the first time will enjoy seeing Anakin be 'the best star pilot in the Galaxy' as Obi-Wan desribes him in IV, so seeing that right after IV makes sense. Watching II right after gives you development of the love story in isolation, you see Luke's parents fall in love, but you have no clue about the Anakin/Vader connection. Then Anakin starts going dark in II, and you start to wonder. Then you watch V and BANG.
No, episode 1 isn't all bad – it's ****ing terrible. I have to agree about the machete order making more sense (and a more enjoyable overall story). OBLIGATORY:
