How to Become a Star Wars Fan

Co-authored by Kyle Hall

Last Updated: August 20, 2022 References Approved

Star Wars has intrigued and fascinated people around the world since the first film premiered in 1977. If you’re looking to become a Star Wars fan, you have a lot of ground to cover. Fortunately, there's an abundance of online resources, movies, games, and memorabilia out there to help you become acquainted with the beloved franchise. If you're committed to learning about the Star Wars universe, you'll be able to call yourself a true Star Wars fan in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Watching the Star Wars Movies

1
Watch the original Star Wars trilogy. Buy or rent the first three films or watch them online. The original Star Wars trilogy sparked the global Star Wars craze, and there are many scenes and characters from the first three films that you need to know to be a true fan. As you're watching, take note of your favorite lines, costumes, and characters so you can reference them in your conversations with other Star Wars fans. The original trilogy includes:
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.^{[1]
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- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.^{[2]
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- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.^{[3]
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2
Watch the second Star Wars trilogy. Also known as the “prequel trilogy,” the second Star Wars trilogy takes place before the events of the original Star Wars films. Watch the second installment of films to learn about the events leading up to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Pay close attention to the characters; you’ll recognize some of them from the first three films.^{[4]
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Research source} The second trilogy includes:
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.^{[5]
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- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.^{[6]
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- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.^{[7]
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3
Catch up on the third Star Wars trilogy. The third Star Wars trilogy, also known as the sequel trilogy, is underway. Star Wars Episode IX came out on December 20, 2019. Buy or rent the first two films in the third trilogy or watch them online. Prepare to go see upcoming films in theaters, using the opportunity to express your newfound fandom. Dress up as one of your favorite Star Wars characters and have your other Star Wars-loving friends join you at the theater. The third Star Wars trilogy includes:
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.^{[8]
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- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.^{[9]
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- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker .^{[10]
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4
Watch the standalone Star Wars film Rogue One. Rogue one is the first live-action Star Wars film released outside of a trilogy. The film takes place in between the first two Star Wars trilogies. Watch Rogue One and pay close attention to how the plot paves the way for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.^{[11]
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5
Watch the films in chronological order for help understanding the series' timeline. Star Wars Episodes IV through VI came out before Episodes I through III (Episodes I through III are a prequel released after the success of the first trilogy), and fans traditionally watch the films in that order. However, you can also watch the events of the Star Wars films unfold chronologically, by watching the second trilogy first, starting with Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The films in chronological order are:
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story.
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
6
Watch the Star Wars animated series. There are two official Star Wars animated series': Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars The Clone Wars. Each movie expands on the plot threads introduced in the live-action Star Wars films.^{[12]
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Research source} Watch both movies so you don't feel lost when another Star Wars fan mentions characters or scenes from them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Learning Star Wars Trivia

1
Read up on all the Star Wars characters you can find. The Star Wars universe is filled with a diverse array of characters, some more important to the plot than others.^{[13]
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Research source} Search online for a list of all the Star Wars characters in the series canon and read up. Start fleshing out your understanding of the world Star Wars takes place in and how the characters shape it. Some of the major characters you want to know are:
- Luke Skywalker, a Jedi and the main character of the first trilogy.
- Princess Leia, a leader of the rebel alliance.
- Han Solo, pilot of the Millennium Falcon.
- Darth Vader, an evil Sith Lord and the main villain in the first trilogy.
- Yoda, a Jedi master and mentor to Luke Skywalker.
- Obi-wan Kenobi, a powerful Jedi that appears in the first and second trilogies.
2
Study the overarching plot lines of the series. A galactic democracy plunged into fascism by the evil Sith Lords. A mystical Jedi order destroyed and then reborn with the help of Luke Skywalker. A planet-sized weapon so powerful it can destroy entire planets; these are all major parts of the Star Wars story that you should be familiar with if you want to be a fan. Watch all of the films and read Star Wars books to help you learn about the series’ continuing storyline.
3
Memorize iconic lines from the films. A true Star Wars fan has a few memorized lines up their sleeve to pull out when they’re around other Star Wars lovers. Write down any lines from the films you find interesting or funny and work on memorizing them. Repeat them out loud or rewatch the scenes in which they appear. A few classic lines from the Star Wars films are:
- "May the Force be with you." - Han Solo in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.^{[14]
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- “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” Princess Leia in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.^{[15]
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- “No, I am your father.” - Darth Vader in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
- “Do, or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.^{[16]
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Read Star Wars fan websites online. There’s a vast selection of Star Wars-related websites on the internet where you can read up on interesting Star Wars trivia. Choose a couple that you like the best and visit them frequently. Visit the official Star Wars website (starwars.com) for daily blog posts, up-to-date news on the films, and fun facts about the series.^{[17]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Appreciating the Philosophy of Star Wars

1
Study the overarching philosophy of the Star Wars franchise. There are quite a few important lessons and messages in the Star Wars films that most Star Wars fans are aware of. Consider the following themes as you’re watching the films to help you develop a better appreciation for the philosophy of the series:
- Good vs Evil. This is a major theme in the Star Wars franchise. There is a constant battle between good and evil in all of the films. Most often, the evil characters get what they deserve, and the good characters are victorious. Bear in mind that Star Wars also shows that the concept of good and evil isn't quite so black and white.^{[18]
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- Destiny. No matter how much the characters in Star Wars resist, they always end up fulfilling their destiny, whether it leads them down the path toward good or down the path toward evil.
- The power of friendship. In Star Wars, friendships save the day, and working together with people you care about it is a strong weapon against evil.^{[19]
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Read about the beliefs of Star Wars creator George Lucas. There’s no better way to understand the philosophy behind the Star Wars franchise than to study the man who created it.^{[20]
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Research source} Read George Lucas’ biography or read about him online. Watch interviews where he discusses the Star Wars films. You’ll be more invested in the franchise if you know his life and motivations for making the series.
3
Read about the philosophy of Star Wars in online forums. Search "Star Wars philosophy forums" online and choose one that you like. Read other people's opinions on the themes you've picked up on in the films and respond with feedback. You'll get a better sense of what makes the Star Wars universe special and interesting to people so you can start to enjoy the same things about the series.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Immersing Yourself in Star Wars

1
Read the Star Wars novels and comic books. They introduce new characters and fill in a lot of the gaps from the movies. If you ever find yourself wondering about the backstory of a certain character from the movies or wanting to know more about the history of the galaxy, the Star Wars novels and comics are a great place to start.^{[21]
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Play Star Wars games. Look online or in your local game store for Star-Wars related video games and board games. Star Wars games will better acquaint you with the characters of the franchise and you’ll have a new medium to enjoy the series with.
3
Cosplay as characters from the Star Wars franchise. Attend the next comic book convention or cosplay event near you dressed up as your favorite Star Wars character. You can buy Star Wars costumes online or in-store, or you can get creative and make your own. If any of your friends are Star Wars fans, ask them to come along so you can do a group costume.^{[22]
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4
Wear Star Wars clothing. Shop for Star Wars-themed T-shirts, sweaters, hats, and other clothing online. Order something that features your favorite character or line from one of the films. Wear your new Star Wars clothing whenever you watch the films or hangout with your Star Wars-loving friends.
5
Start a Star Wars collection. The Star Wars franchise has been around for nearly four decades, so there’s a lot of memorabilia to be collected. Search at auctions, garage sales, and online shops to find items to add to your collection. Learn as much as you can about the items you find - what film they’re from, what characters they feature, what year they were made - so you can become knowledgeable in Star Wars history.

Community Q&A

Question

Am I still considered a fan if I can't afford merchandise, but I have seen all the movies?

Community Answer

You don't need to purchase anything to be a fan; as long as you have a strong interest, you should be fine.
Question

I skipped the Clone Wars part. Can I still be a fan?

AdorableSWChibi

Community Answer

Of course. However, it is a very good TV show if you ever get a chance to watch it.
Question

I discovered Star Wars recently and I feel like my dad and brother don't believe I'm a real fan since I started out late. How can I prove to them that I love Star Wars?

AdorableSWChibi

Community Answer

Your dad and brother are wrong if they think you can't be a Star Wars fan. Anyone who likes Star Wars enough can be a true fan. Work hard to show your love for Star Wars by talking about it and being enthusiastic when someone mentions it. Believe me, this will help more than you know.