Finding Your Way Into a Film Franchise
Walking into a long-running film franchise for the first time can feel overwhelming. Do you start with the original? The chronological beginning of the story? The film everyone says is "the best one"? There's no single right answer, but understanding your options makes the experience far more rewarding.
This guide walks you through the key approaches to franchise viewing and applies them to some of the most popular series in cinema.
The Three Viewing Order Approaches
- Release Order: Watch films in the order they were released to theaters. You experience the story the way audiences originally did, with all the surprises intact.
- Chronological Order: Watch films based on in-universe timeline. Best for viewers who already know the franchise and want a fresh perspective.
- Story Arc Order: Some franchises are best broken into phases or arcs. Watch one complete arc before moving to the next.
Popular Franchise Viewing Guides
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
The MCU is one of the most complex franchise ecosystems ever built. For first-timers, release order is strongly recommended. The films were designed to build on each other, with post-credit scenes and character arcs that reward sequential viewing. Once you've seen the whole saga, a chronological rewatch can be deeply satisfying.
Star Wars
Star Wars has sparked decades of debate about viewing order. Three popular approaches exist:
- Release Order (Episodes 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3): Preserves the original dramatic reveals and introduces the universe as Lucas intended.
- Machete Order (4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6): Skips Episode 1 and uses the prequels as a flashback between Empire and Return. Widely praised by fans.
- Chronological Order: Works best for viewers already familiar with the saga who want a story-focused rewatch.
The Alien Franchise
Start with Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) before anything else — these two films define the franchise's tone and are widely considered the strongest entries. The prequels (Prometheus, Alien: Covenant) can be watched after if you want to explore the mythology, but they are not essential viewing.
The Fast & Furious Series
Release order is recommended, but with one exception: Tokyo Drift (the third film) actually takes place much later in the timeline. Most fans suggest watching it between films 6 and 7 for better narrative continuity.
Tips for New Franchise Viewers
- Don't feel obligated to watch everything. Many franchises have weaker entries. It's fine to skip films that don't interest you.
- Check runtime before you commit. Marathoning a franchise can take 20+ hours. Plan accordingly.
- Read spoiler-free synopses for older films if you're jumping into a mid-series entry at someone's recommendation.
- Use franchise wikis carefully — they're great for context but full of spoilers.
When Chronological Order Actually Wins
Chronological order shines in franchises where the story is simple and linear, and where the prequels are genuinely strong films in their own right. The Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy (2011–2017) is a great example — watching Caesar's story from beginning to end in chronological order is an emotionally powerful experience that release order can't quite match.
No matter which approach you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. A franchise that's lasted multiple films clearly has something special to offer — dive in, pick your order, and let the story unfold.