I have the perfect order for newcomers :
- STAR WARS Despecialized Edition
- The Empire Strikes Back Despecialized Edition
- Return of the Jedi Despecialized Edition
- The Phantom Menace until Anakin appears (never watch more of the prequels and even The Clone Wars TV show)
- The Force Awakens legally
Confused on why such a terrible useless movie would ever be included in a Star Wars marathon?
Exactly because the Phantom Menace is terrible and useless. It helps explain many of JJ Abrams directing choices for the Force Awakens (practical effects). Ommiting Anakin and the other 2 prequels helps keep the mysteries that made the original trilogy so immersive.