Star Wars is one of the most popular and beloved film franchises of all time, spanning over four decades and nine main films. The first six installments, commonly referred to as the “Original Trilogy” and the “Prequel Trilogy,” have a combined running time that varies depending on which version or edition you are watching. In this article, we will explore just how long all six Star Wars movies run when viewed in their entirety.
The Original Trilogy
The original trilogy consists of Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983). These three films are set approximately two decades after the events of Episode III and follow Luke Skywalker’s journey as he trains in becoming a Jedi Knight while opposing Darth Vader.
When watched back-to-back without any breaks, including credits for each movie but excluding extras like deleted scenes or commentary tracks, the entire original trilogy runs for 6 hours and 58 minutes. This runtime accounts for both theatrical cuts released in 1977-83 as well as special editions released years later with additional footage and updated effects.
Episode IV has an approximate runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes; Episode V runs around 2 hours and 7 minutes; while Episide VI finishes things off with a bit shorter runtime at about1 hour and36 minutes. Interestingly enough, according to IMDb.com trivia section,the opening crawl words from these titles can be read together to form one complete sentence – “It is a period of civil war.”
The Prequel Trilogy
While initially receiving mixed reviews upon release between1999–2005 ,the prequels Episodes I-III have achieved cult popularity by new generations through various memes such asthe creepy Jar-Jar Binks,Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber,and Ewan McGregor’s performance as young Obi-Wan Kenobi.These instalments explore the backstories of favourite characters like Anakin Skywalker-turned Darth Vader and add more political intrigue in intergalactic power struggles.
The prequel trilogy made up Episodes I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). If you’re planning to watch these films without any additional extras over a bingeable weekend, prepare for a cinematic experience bordering nine hours, or eight hours and 45 minutes precisely.
Episode I has an approximate runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes; Episode II runs around 2 hours and 22 minutes,but this includes howeveryou choose to sit through it all – theatrical release or another alternate version with added dialogueand deleted scenes ; while Episide III clocks in at about twohours and20minutes long. With its dark storyline that shows Anakin’s fall from grace after being seduced by thedark side,the final chapter is notablewith itsrecord bloodshed among Jedi Order members on screen.
Conclusion
The Original Trilogy accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score set many standards for sci-fi/fantasy thrillers generations past–while perhaps lacking in plot originality but nevertheless still captivating audience universally, whilethe Prequel Trilogy was admired mostfor high-octane action sequences with some nostalgia value attached. Of course if you view all six together,it continues to serve asto years to come serving asgreat escapism entertainment r quenchy thirsts for new storyline releases such as “Rogue One”or”The Force Awakens.”
When adding both trilogies together, we are left with a combined total running time of approximately15hoursand43minutes,give or take.Bottom line,you better grab your popcorn,a playlist featuring legendary soundtracks composed byJohnWilliams,andget readyfor some serious space battles .”May The Fourth Be With You!”
Star Wars has been an iconic and beloved film franchise for over four decades. It continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide while introducing new generations of fans to its timeless characters, epic space battles, and unforgettable music.
The first six films in the series are commonly referred to as the Original Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy. When viewed together, they form a complete narrative that spans decades in the galaxy far, far away.
The Original Trilogy began with Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). The story introduced audiences to farm boy Luke Skywalker, who discovers a hidden message from Princess Leia asking for help against the evil Empire. Along with smuggler Han Solo and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, he embarks on a journey across the galaxy that culminates in taking down the Empire’s ultimate weapon – The Death Star.
The follow-up sequel Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), sees Luke continuing his training as a Jedi Knight while leading his friends into battle against Darth Vader and his Imperial forces. The finale episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) finds our heroes returning to their heroic exploits through Jabbah’s planet,Jabba’s Palace rescue mission Final showdown against Darth,and destruction on Endor moon- ending all tracesof Sith domination over good side forces .
When watched back-to-back without any breaks or including extras like deleted scenes or commentary tracks,releasing cuts included ,the entire original trilogy runs for approximately 6 hoursand58 minutes .Fans can opt whether it is better not toringhtough special editions released years later with additional footage or effects based on their preferences.The opening crawl words from these titles can be read together to form one complete sentence- “It is a period of civil war.”
Meanwhile,the Prequel Trilogy takes place before events unfoldingin EpisodeIV–VIfeaturingcharacters Anakin Skywalker–who eventually transformsinto[the most infamous villain]Darth Vader,his mentor and friend Obi-Wan Kenobi,Queen Amidala,and other characters fans may recognize from the Star Wars universe.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)hadthe longest runtime of the prequel trilogy with 2hoursand16 minutes.Episode II: Attack of the Clones(2002)sequel/succeding had a slightly longer runtimewithadditional exposition running around atotal timeof two hours and22 minutes whileforeboding towardsAnakin’s darkcrisis . Finally,Epsiode III: Revenge of Obsessed sawthe establishment fall into darkness afterbeing seduced to bydeceptionthus forming Vader.There are varieties when watching this piece;you can optout for deleted scenes,plenty of alternate dialogue ,shortening it down.In itsactual runningtimelength is approximately twomusic-filledhours&20minuteslongpacking someattentive savageryin developingplot.
In total,the Original Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy together will take viewers on a nearly fifteen-hour cinematic adventurethrough all levels of Light vs Dark side narratives intersecting different generations. Both trilogies have set standards in various aspects for sci-fi/fantasy thrillerswithin world cinema such as timeless iconic characterselegant scoring,spectacular action sequences,tragic fall-from-grace story arcs,&intense R-rated bloodshed.The Star Warsextend still further with new storyline releases like Rogue OneorThe Force Awakens- providing fresh narrative journeysin unexplored realms far, far away from us!
So if you’re planning a weekend binge-watch session,you better grab plenty popcorn,a DVD/Blu-ray collection complete with John Williams’ legendary soundtracks,rent Disney+,squeezeinto those comfy pajamas.Your intergalactic trip awaits- get ready for some serious space battles!”May The Fourth Be With You!!”