Your Complete Guide To Star Wars Movies Order For The Ultimate Galactic Experience

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Star | Definition, Light, Names, & Facts | Britannica

Your Complete Guide To Star Wars Movies Order For The Ultimate Galactic Experience

Star | Definition, Light, Names, & Facts | Britannica

Are you ready to jump back into a galaxy far, far away? With a new batch of upcoming Star Wars movies on the horizon, we decided to refresh our list of the Star Wars movies in order so you can see where all the existing films and stories fit. It's truly never been easier to catch up, now that all of these fantastic titles are readily available for fans to enjoy.

Maybe you're a long-time fan looking to revisit the saga before the next big screen adventure. Or perhaps, you're just starting your journey into this vast universe, and you're wondering where to begin. Figuring out the best Star Wars movies order can seem a bit tricky, what with so many films and shows now part of the grand tale.

This guide is your ideal trip into the heart of that iconic galaxy. We'll show you how to watch all the Star Wars movies and TV shows, whether you prefer seeing the story unfold as it happened in its timeline, or if you like to experience them the way they first came out. We've got you covered, you know, for whatever kind of fan you are.

Table of Contents

Why the Star Wars Movies Order Matters

For many, the way you watch Star Wars truly shapes your experience of the saga. It's not just about seeing the films; it's about how the story unfolds for you, in a way. The main Star Wars film series, for instance, is a trilogy of subtrilogies, which Lucasfilm eventually called the Skywalker Saga. This structure, along with all the additional stories, can make picking an order a bit of a decision.

Some folks really want to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order. They want to witness the separate rises of Anakin, Luke, and Rey as they unfolded in their timeline. This method gives you a clear sense of the history of the galaxy, seeing events play out exactly as they happened, which is pretty neat.

Others prefer the release order, which is how audiences first experienced these tales. This way, you get the original reveals and surprises as George Lucas intended, back when the first film hit screens in 1977. Both ways have their own special appeal, and we'll break down each one for you, so you can pick your preferred path, you know, through the stars.

Watching Star Wars in Chronological Order

If you're a Star Wars completist or just want to start at the beginning of the story, here is our guide to watching all of the Star Wars movies and series in chronological order. This method lets you follow the timeline of events from the very start, which can be really satisfying for those who like a continuous narrative. It's a comprehensive guide to how to watch all of the Star Wars movies and TV shows in chronological order, from The Phantom Menace up through The Rise of Skywalker, and beyond, too.

We have a list of all the current Star Wars movies and shows you can watch right now in chronological order. This includes every film and all the new ones coming soon, updated for Star Wars Day 2025. It also includes information if a title is considered canon or legend, which is a detail many fans appreciate. Basically, this list will have every Star Wars TV show and movie in their chronological order.

The Prequel Era

This period sets the stage for everything that follows, showing the Jedi Order at its height and the slow, insidious rise of the dark side. It's where the story of Anakin Skywalker truly begins, and it's quite a journey to witness. You get to see the political maneuvering and the early days of iconic characters, which is pretty cool.

  • Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999): This film introduces us to young Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the political struggles that begin to tear the Republic apart. It's the very first chapter in the Skywalker Saga's timeline, and it sets a lot in motion, you know.
  • Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): Ten years after the first film, Anakin is a Padawan, and tensions are rising across the galaxy, leading to the Clone Wars. We see the beginnings of his forbidden romance and the growing threat to the Jedi, too it's almost a pivotal moment.
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020): This animated series fills in the gaps between Episode II and III, showing the epic battles and character development during the Clone Wars. It's a huge part of the Star Wars story, expanding on many characters and events in a really significant way.
  • Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): The devastating conclusion of the prequel trilogy, where Anakin Skywalker finally falls to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader. This is a very emotional and powerful film, and it explains so much about the galaxy's future, you know.

The Rise of the Empire

After the fall of the Jedi and the Republic, the Galactic Empire takes hold, and resistance begins to form in the shadows. This era explores the consequences of Anakin's transformation and the harsh rule that follows. It's a darker time, but it also shows the sparks of hope that will eventually ignite a rebellion, which is quite inspiring, actually.

  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): This film takes us back to the early days of Han Solo, showing how he became the smuggler we all know and love. It's a fun adventure that gives us a glimpse into the criminal underworld, and it really adds to his character's background.
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022): This series follows Obi-Wan during his exile on Tatooine, years after the events of Revenge of the Sith. It's a very personal story that delves into his struggles and his continued connection to the Force, and it's quite moving, in a way.
  • Andor (2022-present): A gritty spy thriller that explores the early days of the Rebellion through the eyes of Cassian Andor. This show gives a realistic look at what it was like living under Imperial rule and the sacrifices made for freedom, so it's quite different from some other Star Wars stories.
  • Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018): An animated series that follows a small crew of rebels as they fight against the Empire, leading up to the events of A New Hope. It introduces many beloved characters and deepens the lore of the Force, and it's very popular among fans.
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): This intense film tells the story of the Rebel Alliance's desperate mission to steal the Death Star plans, directly leading into Episode IV. It's a powerful and tragic tale that highlights the bravery of ordinary people, and it really sets the stage for the original trilogy, you know.

The Original Trilogy

These are the films that started it all, introducing us to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, and their fight against the tyrannical Empire. They are the heart of the Skywalker Saga, and their impact on popular culture is, well, immense. They really defined what Star Wars means to so many people.

  • Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): The film that began it all, introducing us to Luke Skywalker's journey from farm boy to hero. It's the classic tale of good versus evil, and it captured the imaginations of millions, which is pretty amazing.
  • Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Often considered one of the greatest sequels ever, this film deepens the story, introduces new characters, and features shocking revelations. It's a darker chapter, but it's also incredibly rich in character development, you know, for everyone involved.
  • Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983): The grand finale of the original trilogy, where the Rebel Alliance makes its final stand against the Empire. It brings many story arcs to a satisfying close, and it's full of memorable moments, too it's almost a perfect ending for that era.

The New Republic and Beyond

After the fall of the Empire, a new era begins, but peace is hard-won and new threats emerge. These stories explore the rebuilding of the galaxy and the challenges faced by the heroes who fought for freedom. They show that even after a great victory, the struggle for balance continues, which is a pretty profound idea, really.

  • The Mandalorian (2019-present): This live-action series follows a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, years after Return of the Jedi. It's a very popular show that expands on the lore of the Mandalorians and introduces adorable new characters, and it's quite an adventure.
  • The Book of Boba Fett (2021): A spin-off from The Mandalorian, this series follows Boba Fett's attempts to establish himself as a crime lord on Tatooine. It gives us a deeper look into his character and the underworld, and it's quite interesting to see him in this new role.
  • Ahsoka (2023): This series continues the story of fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano, picking up after her appearances in The Mandalorian. It explores her quest to find Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger, and it's a big moment for fans of the animated shows, too it's almost a continuation of their stories.
  • Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020): An animated series set before and during the sequel trilogy, focusing on a young pilot recruited by the Resistance. It offers a different perspective on the conflict leading up to the First Order's rise, and it's quite a fun show for younger audiences, in a way.

The Sequel Trilogy

Set decades after the original trilogy, these films introduce a new generation of heroes and villains, continuing the Skywalker Saga. They explore the legacy of the past and the emergence of new challenges to peace in the galaxy. These films bring the main saga to a close, which is quite a significant event for fans, really.

  • Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015): This film introduces Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, as they join the fight against the First Order. It re-ignited the Star Wars saga for a new generation, and it's full of exciting new characters and mysteries.
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017): A divisive but thought-provoking film that challenges expectations and explores the nature of the Force and the Jedi. It pushes the story in unexpected directions, and it's quite a conversation starter among fans.
  • Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019): The final installment in the Skywalker Saga, bringing the epic story of generations to a conclusion. It aims to tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying end to the nine-film story, and it's a big, action-packed finale, you know.

Watching Star Wars in Release Order

For many, watching the Star Wars movies in release order is the true way to experience the saga. This is how the story unfolded for audiences around the world, starting with the groundbreaking original film. It allows you to feel the impact of each new movie as it was originally intended, with all the surprises and revelations as they happened. Here's how to watch the 'Star Wars' movies in order chronologically and by release date, from the original trilogy's opener with 'A New Hope' to the latest installment, 'The Rise of Skywalker', and even an update on all the new ones coming soon, too.

This method preserves the original storytelling flow, where certain plot twists and character backgrounds were revealed later, adding layers to the earlier films. It's a way to appreciate the evolution of the filmmaking and the expansion of the universe as it happened in real time. We have a list of all the current Star Wars movies and shows you can watch right now by release date, which is pretty handy.

The Original Vision

This is where the magic began, capturing the imagination of a generation and setting the standard for epic space opera. These films introduced the core concepts and characters that would become legendary. They truly laid the foundation for everything that followed, and their influence is undeniable, you know.

  • Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): The one that started it all, introducing us to the Force, lightsabers, and a galaxy in peril. It was a cinematic phenomenon, and it truly changed movies forever, in a way.
  • Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): A darker, more complex sequel that expanded the universe and delivered one of cinema's most famous twists. It's a film that many consider to be the best of the saga, and it really pushed the boundaries.
  • Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983): The thrilling conclusion to the original trilogy, bringing Luke's journey to a close and celebrating the defeat of the Empire. It's a very satisfying end to that particular story arc, and it has some iconic moments.

The Prequel Unveiling

Years after the original trilogy, George Lucas returned to tell the story of Anakin Skywalker's fall, offering a new perspective on the events that led to the Empire. These films filled in the backstory, providing context for the original films. They were a big event for fans, and they sparked a lot of discussion, too it's almost like a new beginning for the saga.

  • Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999): The long-awaited return to the Star Wars universe, showing the early life of Anakin Skywalker and the political climate before the Empire. It was a massive cinematic event, and it introduced a whole new generation to Star Wars.
  • Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): Continued the story of Anakin's training and the onset of the Clone Wars, revealing more about the galaxy's hidden threats. It expanded the scope of the prequels, and it set up a lot for the next film.
  • Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): The dramatic climax of the prequel trilogy, depicting Anakin's complete transformation into Darth Vader. It's a powerful and tragic film that connects directly to the original trilogy, and it's quite intense, really.

The Disney Era and Beyond

With Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, the Star Wars universe expanded significantly, with new films, spin-offs, and numerous TV series. This era brought new stories to the big screen and introduced the saga to streaming platforms. It's been a very exciting time for Star Wars fans, with so much new content, you know, to explore.

  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) (Film): A theatrical release that launched the animated series, bridging the gap between Episode II and III. It gave fans a taste of the animated adventures to come, and it was quite popular.
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020) (TV Series): The beloved animated series that truly fleshed out the Clone Wars era, adding depth to many characters. It's considered essential viewing by many fans, and it's very well-regarded.
  • Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018): Another animated series that chronicled the early days of the Rebellion, leading into Rogue One and A New Hope. It introduced a new cast of characters and expanded the lore, which was great.
  • Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015): The highly anticipated continuation of the Skywalker Saga, bringing Star Wars back to the big screen after a long hiatus. It was a huge success and brought new life to the franchise.
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): The first standalone film, telling the gritty story of the mission to steal the Death Star plans. It was a darker, more war-focused film, and it was quite impactful, you know.
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017): The second film in the sequel trilogy, continuing the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe, and challenging traditional Star Wars tropes. It sparked a lot of discussion among fans, and it's very memorable.
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): The second standalone film, exploring the origins of Han Solo and his early adventures. It was a fun romp through the criminal underworld, and it showed a different side of the galaxy.
  • Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020): An animated series set before and during the sequel trilogy, focusing on a young pilot in the Resistance. It offered a lighter tone and was aimed at a slightly younger audience, which was nice.
  • Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019): The conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, aiming to bring all nine films to a definitive end. It was a huge event for fans, and it tried to tie everything together.
  • The Mandalorian (2019-present): The first live-action Star Wars series, a massive hit that follows a lone bounty hunter. It introduced Grogu (Baby Yoda) and captured the hearts of millions, and it's quite a phenomenon.
  • The Book of Boba Fett (2021): A spin-off series from The Mandalorian, focusing on the legendary bounty hunter's new life as a crime lord. It expanded on his story and showed a different side of Tatooine.
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022): A highly anticipated limited series bringing Ewan McGregor back as Obi-Wan, set between Episode III and IV. It explored his time in exile and his connection to Darth Vader, and it was very emotional.
  • Andor (2022-present): A critically acclaimed series that delves into the origins of Cassian Andor and the early days of the Rebellion. It's a more grounded and realistic take on Star Wars, and it's very well-received.
  • Ahsoka (2023): A live-action series continuing the story of Ahsoka Tano, a fan-favorite character from The Clone Wars and Rebels. It brought many animated characters into live-action, and it was a big moment for fans.

Upcoming Star Wars Movies and Shows

With a new batch of upcoming Star Wars movies on the horizon, the galaxy continues to grow and evolve. Disney’s 2025 Star Wars timeline update offers a complete guide to watching every movie and show in chronological order, including what's next. There's a lot to look forward to, and it seems the future of Star Wars is very bright.

While specific release dates can shift, we know several exciting projects are in the works. These include new films that will expand the saga beyond the Skywalker story, as well as more streaming series that will delve into different eras and characters. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Star Wars that new stories keep coming, and fans are always eager for more, you know.

For instance, there's talk of a film focusing on Rey's new Jedi Order, set after The Rise of Skywalker. Also, projects exploring the ancient history of the Jedi, and stories that will bridge gaps between existing eras. It's quite exciting to think about all the new adventures that await us in that galaxy far, far away. Learn more about upcoming Star Wars projects on our site, and check out our deep dive into the Force for more lore.

Your Star Wars Marathon Made Easy

Planning a Star Wars movie marathon has never been easier, especially now that all of these titles are available on Disney+. Whether you want to stream every Star Wars film and series by release date or chronological order for the best experience, you have the choice. It's quite convenient, actually, to have everything in one place.

Given the countless Star Wars movies and TV shows dedicated to offering the saga’s complete story, there is a lot to catch up on. But here, then, is a brief rundown on how to watch the Star Wars movies in order of chronology on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services. Your guide to watching Star Wars in the right order includes every film and all the new ones coming soon, updated for Star Wars Day 2025.

So, gather your snacks, dim the lights, and prepare for an epic journey. No matter which Star Wars movies order you pick, you're in for a treat. The stories of courage, friendship, and the eternal struggle between light and dark continue to resonate with people around the globe. It's a saga that truly brings people together, and it's something special to share, you know.

Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars Movies Order

People often ask about the best way to watch Star Wars. Here are some common questions and their answers to help you decide, you know, what's right for you.

What is the best order to watch Star Wars movies?

There isn't one "best" order; it really depends on what you want from your viewing experience. If you want to watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order, witnessing the separate rises of Anakin, Luke, and Rey as they unfolded in their timeline, that's one great option. If you prefer to experience the story as audiences first did, then watching by release date is the way to go. Both offer a unique perspective on the saga, so it's really up to personal preference.

Should I watch Star Wars in chronological order or release order for a first-time viewer?

For a first-time viewer, many suggest starting with the release order (A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) to preserve the original twists and revelations. This allows you to experience the story as it was first revealed to the world. However, if you prefer a continuous story flow without jumping around in time, the chronological order is also a valid choice. It truly comes down to what kind of storytelling you enjoy more, you know, for your first time.

Are the Star Wars TV shows important to watch for the overall story?

Absolutely! Between the films and the TV series, there's a lot of Star Wars out there, and many of the TV shows significantly expand on the galaxy's history, characters, and events. Shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka add crucial context, develop beloved characters, and even set up future film projects. If you're a Star Wars completist or just want to start at the beginning of the story, including the series is very much recommended for a complete picture, so it's almost essential for some fans.

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