Ultimate Star Wars Marathon: Viewing Order Guide for The Mandalorian & Grogu

5 min.

Lightsabers ready? May the 4th isn’t just a day for classic quotes and blue milk anymore… It’s the perfect excuse to dive into the galaxy far, far away with an epic Star Wars marathon. But this year is extra special. With The Mandalorian and Grogu movie dropping on May 20th, it’s time to rethink the ultimate viewing order, whether you’re marathoning solo, with friends, or building a UCS Razor Crest between episodes.

Why This Star Wars Marathon Matters in 2024

Forget just pressing play on A New Hope and calling it a day. The Star Wars universe is bigger, deeper, and more interconnected than ever. With live-action series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka now at the heart of the saga, prepping for The Mandalorian and Grogu means more than just catching up. It’s a full celebration of old legends and new heroes.

But what’s the best way to experience it all? Should you just binge the Mando-verse, or go full Jedi and dive into every movie, series, and maybe even the animated shows?

What to Expect from The Mandalorian and Grogu

The upcoming film is shrouded in classic Lucasfilm mystery, but here’s what we know (and what we can speculate):

  • Grogu, the galaxy’s favorite foundling, is front and center with Din Djarin. Expect more Force-wielding cuteness, but also a deeper look at his mysterious origins and destiny.
  • The film is set after the events of The Mandalorian Season 3, so those storylines matter.
  • Characters and lore from Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett are likely to play a role, making those shows essential viewing.
  • Jon Favreau is directing, so expect that signature blend of old-school Star Wars heart and new-school spectacle.

Want to get fully prepared? It’s time for a marathon that brings the whole saga (and your favorite Mando sets) together. This is the way.

Ultimate Star Wars Marathon Viewing Order (Movies & Series)

Ready to embark on your own Star Wars journey? Here’s how to watch everything in a way that builds context, honors canon, and gets you maximum hype for The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. For the full universe (including animated shows), check out our complete Star Wars universe viewing guide.

1. The Skywalker Saga (Episodes I-IX)

  • Episode I: The Phantom Menace (The beginning of Anakin’s story)
  • Episode II: Attack of the Clones (Rise of the Clone Wars)
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated series, optional but highly recommended for lore)
  • Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (The fall of Anakin and the Jedi Order)
  • The Bad Batch (Animated, post-Order 66, optional for deeper context)
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (Han Solo’s origin)
  • Star Wars Rebels (Animated, strong ties to Ahsoka and Mandalorian lore)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Leads directly into Episode IV)
  • Episode IV: A New Hope (The classic original entry)
  • Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (Darker, deeper, iconic)
  • Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (The fall of the Empire, the rise of hope)
  • Episode VII: The Force Awakens (The saga continues)
  • Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (Legends challenged, new heroes rise)
  • Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (The Skywalker story concludes)

2. The Mandalorian & New Republic Era Viewing Order

This is where it gets crucial for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Watch these in this order for maximum continuity:

  • The Mandalorian: Season 1 (Meet Din Djarin and Grogu, their bond begins)
  • The Mandalorian: Season 2 (Allies assemble, Grogu’s destiny revealed)
  • The Book of Boba Fett (Episodes 5-7 are essential, as they bridge Mando S2 & S3)
  • The Mandalorian: Season 3 (Mandalore, redemption, and new threats)
  • Ahsoka (Sets up the larger Mando-verse, connects Rebels and beyond)

3. Optional (But Highly Recommended) Animated & Anthology Content

  • Tales of the Jedi (Shorts exploring Ahsoka and Count Dooku’s backstories)
  • Star Wars Visions (Non-canon, but a fresh artistic perspective)

4. Get Ready for The Mandalorian and Grogu

  • The Mandalorian and Grogu (2024) (Release: May 20th)

For a straightforward list of all movies only, check our Star Wars movies in order guide.

May the 4th: Why We Celebrate

How did May the 4th become Star Wars Day? It’s all thanks to a pun “May the Fourth be with you” which fans have embraced since the late 1970s. The phrase first popped up in 1979, when a British newspaper congratulated Margaret Thatcher’s election win with “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie.” Since then, it’s become a global day of celebration, cosplay, and, of course, binge-watching.

Extra Ways to Level Up Your Marathon

  • LEGO Builds: Add some hands-on fun with UCS sets like the LEGO 75442 Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter or the massive LEGO 75331 Razor Crest. Build during slower episodes or race friends between movies.
  • Video Games: If you need a break from the couch, jump into Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or Survivor for more lore, or get ready for Star Wars: Outlaws.
  • Snacks & Drinks: Blue milk, Mandalorian helmet cookies, or Wookiee-shaped popcorn balls.

The Marathon Experience: Tips & Tricks

  • Disney+ is your all-in-one hub for streaming everything Star Wars.
  • Schedule breaks for building, gaming, or trivia rounds.
  • Invite friends to a virtual watch party, compare theories and spot Easter eggs together.

Final Thoughts: This Is The Way

Whether you’re a Padawan or a seasoned Jedi Master, there’s no wrong way to marathon Star Wars. But if you want to be fully prepped for The Mandalorian and Grogu, following this viewing order will give you every key moment, big reveal, and hidden connection.

Ready to plan your full Star Wars binge? Visit our ultimate Star Wars marathon page for printable checklists, deeper lore dives, and more marathon ideas.

Happy May the 4th and remember: This is the way.