I find it fascinating how much people debate the viewing order. Personally, I'm an incredibly simple man (and a very casual Star Wars fan) so I'd go 4-5-6-1-2-3 simply because that's the release order. The prequels can be watched first, but I think stuff from the originals helps give context. I don't say that as a criticism, either. That's just the nature of some prequels. The Hobbit movies are the same way.

Also because I kind of like Revenge of the Sith more than Return of the Jedi so for me it's a far more satisfying ending.

*dodges rotten fruit*

It's too bad Spock won't be in the new one.  U mad bro?

I just edit them all together randomly and drink whenever I think I see a coherent story forming.

6, 2, 4, 3, 5, 1.

The best way to watch Star Wars is to just put Sharknado on repeat instead.

the best viewing order is 6-5-4-3-2-1 because that is the best way to plunge the entire thing into complete chaos and confusion that could have simply been avoided by watching each trilogy in order, in whichever order you choose.

I've always been partial to the Machete Order.

The only problem I've ever had with Machete Order is that it cuts out the Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan vs. Darth Maul battle. Other than that, I'm all for it—and I've not found any order that works better.

I'll say it again: 4, then 5, then finally 6, and nothing else. 

(Alright, maybe 7 after that, if it actually ends up being good)

I just heard about the Machete Order. 4-5-2-3-6. The more I was told about it, the more it makes perfect sense. 

Think of 2 and 3 as a flashback, which makes sense as Luke just found out Vader was his father in 5. You get the back story right when it's relevant, and you don't wreck any of the spoilers/twists if you're new to the series. 1 lends absolutely no relevant information (other than a bit of detail about who Qui-Gon is, and the state of Anakin's mother when he left). Ending on 6 is a must because then you end it happily, the way things 'are' by the time 7 comes out (at which point I'm sure it'll tack on nicely). 

I'll be honest, as far as a movie on its own, I preferred 1 over 2 and 3. Which I'm probably the only person who ever says that. But it really doesn't lend much to the series, and like the previous linked article states, this order keeps Anakin's character consistent and the arc less muddled with other irrelevant affairs.

1 lends absolutely no relevant information (other than a bit of detail about who Qui-Gon is, and the state of Anakin's mother when he left).

I actually like all three prequels, but even so I always felt like Episode 1 would have been better of as a sort of 'prologue' movie. Attack of the Clones could become Episode 1, Episode 2 could be devoted to the Clone Wars, and Episode 3 stays the same. That way Anakin's turn to the dark side wouldn't be rushed. As it is we really only get one and a half movies of it.

At the same time, though, I do think The Phantom Menace is relevant to Anakin's character since it's where we see him first as an innocent boy before he starts succombing to anger in Ep. 2. It's important we see that side of him because it contrasts with the hot-tempered, irresponsible Anakin in 2 and 3, and it wouldn't be a good 'fall' (and redemption) story if the character didn't have potential for greatness in the first place. It's Ep. 1 where that potential for greatness is emphasized, giving us an explanation for why Anakin was taken on as a Padawan at all, and what the risks where of doing so.

It's also necessary for setting up the political story of the Empire's rise to power, but I admit that I'm probably one of the few people who really love the poltical elements of the prequels. They're great for expanding the universe, and give the prequels a unique flavor compared to the original trilogy.

I never knew that this was a debated topic amongst fans. This blog entry has opened my eyes.

I just heard about the Machete Order. 4-5-2-3-6. The more I was told about it, the more it makes perfect sense. 

 

Think of 2 and 3 as a flashback, which makes sense as Luke just found out Vader was his father in 5. You get the back story right when it's relevant, and you don't wreck any of the spoilers/twists if you're new to the series. 1 lends absolutely no relevant information (other than a bit of detail about who Qui-Gon is, and the state of Anakin's mother when he left). Ending on 6 is a must because then you end it happily, the way things 'are' by the time 7 comes out (at which point I'm sure it'll tack on nicely). 

 

I'll be honest, as far as a movie on its own, I preferred 1 over 2 and 3. Which I'm probably the only person who ever says that. But it really doesn't lend much to the series, and like the previous linked article states, this order keeps Anakin's character consistent and the arc less muddled with other irrelevant affairs.

Pretty much this for me. I have yet to actually watch the series in Machete Order, but it sounds like an utterly brilliant movie/story experience.