Let’s be real: Your kids are going to be clamoring to watch Star Wars and Marvel movies. With characters from these franchises splashed across everything from lunch boxes to cereal boxes, a quick trip to the store will leave your little ones practically bouncing off the walls in anticipation of movie time.
But where do you even begin? Watching all the recent superhero films can take over 60 hours, and figuring out the right order can be a challenge. What you need is a streamlined approach that keeps the excitement without leaving your kids feeling like they’re missing out.
Star Wars Saga Viewing Order
Let’s kick things off with the Star Wars saga. Influencer Jade Thompson proposes a viewing order designed for maximum enjoyment:
- Episode IV (A New Hope)
- Episode V (Empire Strikes Back)
- Episode II (Attack of the Clones)
- Episode III (Revenge of the Sith)
- Episode VI (Return of the Jedi)
You may notice a familiar film missing from this list. Episode I—featuring Jar Jar Binks and that kid whose name we won’t even mention—has been cut, saving you two hours and a whole lot of convoluted space dialogue. This revised order tells a straightforward tale about a young boy named Luke Skywalker. Darth Vader remains an enigmatic villain until the jaw-dropping twist reveals he’s Luke’s father. Your kids will be eager to know what made him turn to the dark side, a query that the next two films will satisfy.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Viewing Order
Now, let’s dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While these films don’t follow a single narrative arc like Star Wars, they can still be organized for your viewing pleasure. Here’s a suggested Marvel lineup:
- Iron Man
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Thor
- The Avengers
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
I know what you’re thinking—seven movies amount to nearly 14 hours of action-packed fun. But consider this: you’ve been spared five additional films, two television series, and a Netflix show. Plus, instead of three different actors playing Bruce Banner, you’ve got just one. We’ve also eliminated two Iron Man films and the second Thor installment, along with the need to watch any TV shows. The 60 hours of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, Peggy Carter, and Daredevil are gone—thank goodness!
By trimming down the viewing list, you gain narrative clarity. Even without two Iron Man movies, the suggested order still illustrates Tony Stark’s journey from a wealthy, arrogant genius to a charming hero with a remarkable suit and a fun group of comrades. While Guardians of the Galaxy and Winter Soldier may not directly tie into Stark’s story, they are arguably the most entertaining films in the lineup. With the time you save, you can even watch them twice!
For more insights on family entertainment, check out this post for more tips.
In summary, navigating the vast universe of superhero and Star Wars films doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a carefully curated viewing order, you can enjoy the thrill of these epic stories without getting lost in the chaos. Just grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride!
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