Which Is The First Star Wars Film

So, there I was, standing in line at the local comic book store, waiting for my monthly fix of graphic adventures. The guy in front of me, let's call him Luke - because, you know, why not - turns around and asks, "You a Star Wars fan?" I nod, wondering where this is going. He grins, "Which one's your first?" I was taken aback. I mean, it's like asking a parent which kid is their favorite. But it got me thinking, which is the first Star Wars film?

Episode IV: A New Hope - The Original First?

Most of us, when we think 'first Star Wars film', we think Episode IV: A New Hope. It's the one that started it all, right? The one that introduced us to Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the rest of the gang. The one that gave us the iconic line, "No, I am your father." But is it really the first?

Here's where it gets a bit tricky. You see, when George Lucas made the films, he had a grand plan. He envisioned a saga that spanned nine episodes, telling the story of the Skywalker family. So, while A New Hope was the first one we saw, it wasn't the first one he made.

Episode IV or Episode IV: A New Hope?

Now, you might be wondering, "Why the sudden change from 'Episode IV' to 'Episode IV: A New Hope'?" Well, that's because when the original trilogy was released, the films didn't have subtitles. It was just 'Episode IV', 'Episode V', and 'Episode VI'. But when Lucas decided to re-release the films in 1997, he added the subtitles to differentiate them from the prequels.

So, which is it? Is it 'Episode IV' or 'Episode IV: A New Hope'? Well, that's up to you. If you're a purist, you might stick with the original. If you prefer the clarity, go with the subtitle. Either way, it's a fantastic film.

What year did the first Star Wars movie come out? Why is the original

The Prequels - The Real Firsts?

Now, let's talk about the prequels. When Lucas decided to make more films, he went back to the beginning. He told the story of how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. So, in chronological order, the first Star Wars film is actually Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

But wait, you might say, "I don't want to watch that! It's got Jar Jar Binks!" And I wouldn't blame you. But remember, this is about the order they were made, not the order you should watch them. Because, let's face it, watching the prequels first would spoil the whole point of the original trilogy.

Today in history: First Star Wars film premiers in theaters. - Gossip

So, Which Is It?

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're talking about the order they were made, the first Star Wars film is Episode I: The Phantom Menace. But if you're talking about the order they were released, it's Episode IV: A New Hope. And if you're talking about the order you should watch them, well, that's a whole other debate.

So, next time someone asks you which is the first Star Wars film, you can give them a little history lesson. And who knows, maybe they'll even thank you for it. Or maybe they'll just roll their eyes and walk away. Either way, you've got a great conversation starter.