Battlestar Galactica isn’t just a TV show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The reimagined series and movies deliver a compelling story with unforgettable characters that resonate deeply. Recently, I decided to revisit this epic space opera, and it was even more captivating the second time around!
However, diving back in wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped. Many online guides for viewing Battlestar Galactica felt incomplete. They often overlooked Caprica, a prequel series that, in my opinion, is significantly underrated and essential for a full understanding. Furthermore, most guides were geared towards physical media like DVDs, rather than today’s dominant streaming services.
So, I’ve taken it upon myself to create the definitive guide to watching the reimagined Battlestar Galactica. This guide provides the optimal order to experience all the TV series, movies, and webisodes, along with up-to-date streaming recommendations and links, ensuring you can access everything you need.
The Battlestar Galactica saga originally began in 1978, conceived by Glen Larson, who wove in elements of Mormon mythology into the narrative. This guide, however, focuses on the critically acclaimed reimagined version masterminded by Ronald D. Moore in 2003.
Spaceship in space with text overlay "So Say We All" – Battlestar Galactica artwork
The Best Way to Watch Battlestar Galactica
The viewing sequence presented here is largely chronological, starting with Caprica. Following Caprica, we include Blood and Chrome, a sequel to Caprica and a direct prequel to Battlestar Galactica. Finally, the guide progresses through all four seasons of Battlestar Galactica, alongside supplementary content that enriches the main storyline.
A key deviation from strict chronological order is The Plan, a TV movie. This film revisits the timeline of the first two seasons but from the Cylon perspective. To avoid potential spoilers, it’s best to watch The Plan after Season 4 Episode 15.
Another TV movie, Razor, contains a scene towards its conclusion that some viewers consider a spoiler. Personally, I find it more intriguing than revealing. However, for those wanting to eliminate any risk, you could watch the final ten minutes of Razor—specifically, from the moment the hybrid interacts with Shaw—after completing Season 3. This minor adjustment would maintain complete spoiler safety.
Where Can You Stream Battlestar Galactica?
While DVD and Blu-ray sets marketed as the “complete series” and even collections of deleted scenes are available, they often don’t include everything listed in this comprehensive guide. Therefore, even if you prefer physical media, you’ll likely need to turn to streaming to fill in the gaps.
Currently, Amazon Prime is the primary streaming home for nearly all Battlestar Galactica TV series and movies. Razor is an exception, available for streaming on Vudu. The Resistance and The Face of the Enemy, which are webisode compilations, can be found streaming on YouTube. Each item in the watch list below is linked directly to its recommended streaming source for your convenience.
Characters saluting with text overlay "By Your Command" – Battlestar Galactica artwork
Battlestar Galactica Watch Order: The Complete List
Now, settle into your most comfortable viewing spot. Prepare to journey to the Twelve Colonies, witness the early days of William Adama, and immerse yourself in the Cylon war. Relax, unwind, and get ready to experience one of the greatest science fiction narratives ever told. Battlestar Galactica enthusiasts, let’s begin!
Caprica (Amazon Prime)
- Episode 1, Pilot, Part 1
- Episode 2, Pilot, Part 2
- Episode 3, Rebirth
- Episode 4, Reins of a Waterfall
- Episode 5, Gravedancing
- Episode 6, There Is Another Sky
- Episode 7, Know Thy Enemy
- Episode 8, The Imperfections of Memory
- Episode 9, Ghosts in the Machine
- Episode 10, End of the Line
- Episode 11, Unvanquished
- Episode 12, Retribution
- Episode 13, Things We Lock Away
- Episode 14, False Labor
- Episode 15, Blowback
- Episode 16, The Dirteaters
- Episode 17, The Heavens Will Rise
- Episode 18, Here Be Dragons
- Episode 19, Apotheosis
Blood and Chrome (all parts combined, Amazon Prime)
The Mini-Series (Amazon Prime)
Season 1 (Amazon Prime)
- Episode 1, 33
- Episode 2, Water
- Episode 3, Bastille Day
- Episode 4, Act of Contrition
- Episode 5, You Can’t Go Home Again
- Episode 6, Litmus
- Episode 7, Six Degrees of Separation
- Episode 8, Flesh and Bone
- Episode 9, Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down
- Episode 10, The Hand of God
- Episode 11, Colonial Day
- Episode 12, Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part 1
- Episode 13, Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part 2
Season 2 (Amazon Prime)
- Episode 1, Scattered
- Episode 2, Valley of Darkness
- Episode 3, Fragged
- Episode 4, Resistance
- Episode 5, The Farm
- Episode 6, Home, Part 1
- Episode 7, Home, Part 2
- Episode 8, Final Cut
- Episode 9, Flight of the Phoenix
- Episode 10, Pegasus
- Episode 11, Resurrection Ship, Part 1
- Episode 12, Resurrection Ship, Part 2
- Episode 13, Epiphanies
- Episode 14, Black Market
- Episode 15, Scar
- Episode 16, Sacrifice
- Episode 17, The Captain’s Hand
Razor (extended version, including Razor flashbacks, Vudu)
Season 2 (continued)
- Episode 18, Downloaded
- Episode 19, Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1
- Episode 20, Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2
The Resistance (all parts combined, YouTube)
Season 3 (Amazon Prime)
- Episode 1, Occupation
- Episode 2, Precipice
- Episode 3, Exodus, Part 1
- Episode 4, Exodus, Part 2
- Episode 5, Collaborators
- Episode 6, Torn
- Episode 7, A Measure of Salvation
- Episode 8, Hero
- Episode 9, Unfinished Business
- Episode 10, The Passage
- Episode 11, The Eye of Jupiter
- Episode 12, Rapture
- Episode 13, Taking a Break From All Your Worries
- Episode 14, The Woman King
- Episode 15, A Day in the Life
- Episode 16, Dirty Hands
- Episode 17, Maelstrom
- Episode 18, The Son Also Rises
- Episode 19, Crossroads, Part 1
- Episode 20, Crossroads, Part 2
Season 4 (Amazon Prime)
- Episode 1, He That Believeth In Me
- Episode 2, Six of One
- Episode 3, The Ties That Bind
- Episode 4, Escape Velocity
- Episode 5, The Road Less Traveled
- Episode 6, Faith
- Episode 7, Guess What’s Coming to Dinner?
- Episode 8, Sine Qua Non
- Episode 9, The Hub
- Episode 10, Revelations
- Episode 11, Sometimes a Great Notion
The Face of the Enemy (all parts in playlist, YouTube)
Season 4 (continued)
- Episode 12, A Disquiet Follows My Soul
- Episode 13, The Oath
- Episode 14, Blood on the Scales
- Episode 15, No Exit
The Plan (Amazon Prime)
Season 4 (continued)
- Episode 16, Deadlock
- Episode 17, Someone to Watch Over Me
- Episode 18, Islanded In a Stream of Stars
- Episode 19, Daybreak, Part 1
- Episode 20, Daybreak, Part 2
- Episode 21, Daybreak, Part 3
