‘Star Wars’ Marathon: Watch Films in Machete Order Before ‘The Force Awakens’ Release Date

Everyone is gearing up for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams, which is the latest film from the Star Wars series. The movies hold old and new faces like Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Issac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie, and Lupita Nyong'o. But until they actually get to watch The Force Awakens, fans will have to settle for the previous episodes of Star Wars. Obviously, there's no better way to do that than to do a marathon just in time for the latest film's release on December 18.

Now, before we remember the Star Wars of the olden days, let's take a look at what's to come:

According to TIME, the best way to watch a marathon of all six Star Wars feature films is to do it in the "Machete Order" rather than order of the films' release dates or the episode order.

Here's the right order to watch the Star Wars franchise, as detailed by computer software engineer and blogger, Rod Hilton, back in 2011.

1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

The 1977 film directed by George Lucas stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Alec Guinness. The Imperial Force, under Darth Vader's power, try to control the rebellion up against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker, along with Han Solo, use the iconic Millennium Falcon to save hostage Princess Leia and help the Rebel Alliance.

2. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Starting from the previous film, it's all about learning the basics when it comes to the Force. It is in this film where a secret regarding someone's paternal father is revealed, while the hero, Luke, attempts to save his friends.

The Empire Strikes Back was released in 1980, directed by Irvin Kershner. Lucas served as executive producer and the story writer. Ford, Hamill and Fisher reprise their roles as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia, respectively.

3. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

After that massive bomb of cliffhangers on Episode V, the next two films the provide evidence regarding the truth behind the paternity and how it is resolved.

Written and directed by Lucas, the film stars Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, and Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Mindu, a Jedi Master.

4. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

According to Independent UK, a great way of watching Episode II and III with regard to this order is to think of it as a flashback that gives you a background on Darth Vader - well, who he really was before Darth Vader - and what he's like after going to the Dark Side.

5. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Hilton regards Return of the Jedi as the film with "the most satisfying ending," which makes it a great conclusion to the whole series after getting an understanding of the Star Wars universe.

Directed by Richard Marquand, the screenplay from Lawrence Kasdan and executive producer Lucas, stars the original cast of the Star Wars series.

6. Skip Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Hilton aptly explains why The Phantom Menace should not be watched at all:

"The reason to skip Episode I isn't that it's bad, it's that it's irrelevant. If you accept my suggestion that Star Wars, the saga, is really not about Luke's journey and his decision to accept his hero's burden by saving not only the galaxy from the Empire, but his father from the dark side as well, then you'll find that everything that happens in Episode I is a distraction from that story."