Let’s face it: Your little ones are going to be eager to dive into the worlds of Star Wars and Marvel. With images of iconic characters adorning everything from lunchboxes to snack bags, a quick trip to the store will leave your kids buzzing with excitement to see these films.
But where should you begin? Watching every superhero film released in recent years is a hefty time commitment, exceeding 60 hours! Not to mention, figuring out the best order to watch them can be quite the puzzle. What you need is a streamlined list that allows your kids to enjoy the experience without feeling like they’re missing out on anything important.
Star Wars Viewing Order
Let’s kick things off with Star Wars. Blogger Sam Parker has a clever suggestion for optimal enjoyment and efficiency. Here’s the recommended viewing sequence for the Star Wars saga:
- 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 that Episode I, featuring Jar Jar Binks and the overly whiny Anakin Skywalker, is absent. This saves you two hours and a lot of convoluted plotlines. What you’re left with is the straightforward tale of a young space hero, Luke Skywalker. The mysterious nature of Darth Vader is preserved, and the shocking twist about his true identity will keep your audience engaged, prompting questions that are answered in the following films.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Viewing Order
Now, let’s tackle the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the Marvel films don’t follow a single narrative thread as seamlessly as Star Wars, they can still be enjoyed in a more digestible order. Here’s a suggested lineup for the Marvel movies:
- Iron Man
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Thor
- The Avengers
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
Yes, that’s seven films, totaling around 14 hours of superhero action and adventure. However, you’ve been spared the burden of five additional films, two TV shows, and a Netflix series. Plus, you’ll only need to keep track of one Bruce Banner instead of three different actors! The list conveniently leaves out two Iron Man films and the second Thor movie, as well as the 60 hours tied to Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD and other series.
By trimming the fat, you gain clarity in the narrative. Despite omitting those two Iron Man installments, this suggested order highlights the journey of Tony Stark, showcasing his transformation from a wealthy, arrogant inventor to a superhero with an impressive suit of armor and a team of friends. Yes, Guardians of the Galaxy and Winter Soldier don’t directly tie into his story, but they are arguably the best films in the lineup, and with all the time you’ve saved, you might find yourself watching them twice!
Additional Resources
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In summary, whether it’s Star Wars or Marvel, introducing your kids to these cinematic universes can be an enjoyable experience without the overwhelm. With a carefully curated viewing order, you can create memorable movie nights that engage and entertain the entire family.