George Lucas made the term "prequel" a common household word when he released "The Phantom Menace" on May 19, 1999. This movie takes place 32 years before episode four. It features a Jedi Order that has not yet been destroyed and a much younger Obi-Wan Kenobi (the Jedi Master that will later teach Luke Skywalker to use the Force). It is in this movie that Anakin Skywalker, then just a child, is introduced to the Jedi Order and the Force. The Jedi also realize that the galaxy is threatened by the evil Sith, an order they once thought to be extinct.
Ten years after the events of "The Phantom Menace," fans meet Anakin Skywalker again as a young adult. Under the guidance of his Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin has become skilled in the ways of the Force. The galaxy is thrown into chaos by the start of the Clone Wars. As the Republic battles the Separatist movement, Anakin Skywalker starts to feel torn between his allegiance to the Jedi Order, his friendship with Chancellor Palpatine and his love for Galactic Senator Padme Amidala.
The final installment of the prequel trilogy was released on May 19, 2005. The Clone Wars are still raging and the Republic faces continuing threats from the Separatists and the Sith, as well as a hidden threat from within. The Jedi Order is spread thin while commanding the clone army. Now a Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker is secretly married to Senator Amidala and faces the fear that he will lose her during the birth of their child. This movie is the final set-up for the original Star Wars trilogy -- fans will witness the downfall of the Jedi Order, the Republic and Anakin Skywalker.
When this movie was originally released in May 1977, it was simply called "Star Wars." It later became known as "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." In this film, fans are introduced to a galactic empire led by two Sith Lords, including the ruthless Darth Vader. This movie takes place 19 years after the events of "Revenge of the Sith." Obi-Wan Kenobi is now an aged Jedi Knight in hiding. He takes on a new apprentice, Luke Skywalker. The two set off to rescue Princess Leia and find themselves suddenly involved in a rebellion seeking to take down the Empire.
The second part of the original trilogy is famous for perhaps one of the biggest plot twists in movie history. It's only a surprise, however, for those who haven't seen the prequel trilogy. If you want to be surprised, watch the original trilogy first. If not, watch the movies in chronological order. Reeling from the destruction of its super weapon, the Death Star, the Empire launches a strike against a secret Rebel base. Instructed by his old Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker sets out to find Yoda, another Master of the old Jedi Order, and ends up confronting Darth Vader.
May 25, 1983 saw the release of the final chronological installment of the "Star Wars" saga. The Rebellion continues its harassment of the Empire, as it learns of a second Death Star and an opportunity to kill the Emperor himself. Returning to finish his training with Jedi Master Yoda, Luke Skywalker learns another secret from his past and accepts his fate as the last of the Jedi Order. He sets out to destroy the Empire and Darth Vader in a mission that ultimately brings about the final redemption of Anakin Skywalker.