Star Wars Movies in Order: Looking for the correct order to watch Star Wars Movies, so that you can understand an epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. But you may have a dilemma that what is the correct order of the star wars movies or what order should I watch Star Wars Movies. There are 4 different order of Star Wars Movies to watch. 1) As per Release, 2) Chronological, 3) Ernst Rister Order, and 4) Machete order.
Non-chronologically produced, The Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for decades, evolving into one of the most influential and highest-grossing franchises in cinematic history. Created by George Lucas, this epic space opera began with the groundbreaking 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, which introduced audiences to an expansive universe filled with Jedi, Sith, droids, and intergalactic warfare. Over the years, the franchise expanded with multiple trilogies, spin-off films, animated series, novels, comics, and more, solidifying its place in pop culture. Understanding the Star Wars movies in order can be a daunting task, given the vast timeline and numerous releases.
The films can be watched in different sequences, including the release order, chronological order, and even fan-recommended variations like the “Machete Order.” Whether following the journey of Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader, the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire, or the Resistance’s battle against the First Order, each viewing order offers a unique perspective on the legendary saga. This guide will break down the Star Wars movies in order, helping both newcomers and longtime fans navigate the epic storyline across different eras of the galaxy far, far away.
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How to Watch The Star Wars in Chronological Order
1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Experience the heroic action and unforgettable adventures of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker set 32 years before the original trilogy, during the era of the Galactic Republic.
Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.
2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Watch the seeds of Anakin Skywalker’s transformation take root in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Ten years after the invasion of Naboo, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Under the leadership of a renegade Jedi named Count Dooku, thousands of solar systems threaten to break away from the Galactic Republic. When an assassination attempt is made on Senator Padmé Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, twenty-year-old Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect her. In the course of his mission, Anakin discovers his love for Padmé as well as his own darker side. Soon, Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are drawn into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is back! As a continuation of the previous Genndy Tartakovsky produced 2003 Clone Wars series.
Set during the Star Wars prequel trilogy era, taking place over a span of three years in between the films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. It focuses mainly on the Jedi characters of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as Anakin’s Padawan apprentice, Ahsoka Tano (an original character created by Filoni for the series), with other characters from the live-action films in supporting roles. The series marked the beginning of Dave Filoni’s involvement in Star Wars animation projects.
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.
5. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Discover the true power of the dark side in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights lead a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice – Darth Vader. The Jedi are decimated, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda are forced into hiding.
6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
7. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke’s Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire.
8. Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
Set between the events of the A New Hope (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Wars Holiday Special follow the events of the original film, Chewbacca and Han Solo attempt to visit the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk to celebrate “Life Day”. They are pursued by agents of the Galactic Empire, who are searching for members of the Rebel Alliance on the planet. The special introduces three members of Chewbacca’s family: his father Itchy, his wife Malla, and his son Lumpy.
9. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion’s defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap in the Cloud City of Bespin.
10. The Ewok Adventure (1984)
The Ewok Adventure (1984) is a family-friendly television film set in the Star Wars universe, showcasing the resourceful Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor. The story follows Mace and Cindel Towani, two stranded human children searching for their kidnapped parents. Rescued by the Ewok Deej, they form an alliance with the tribe, including Wicket and the warrior Chukha-Trok. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to confront the monstrous Gorax, culminating in a dramatic battle. Despite losses, the family reunites, choosing to stay with the Ewoks until they can repair their ship. The film was later retitled Caravan of Courage.
11. Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985) is an action-packed television film set in the Star Wars universe, continuing the story of Cindel Towani after the tragic loss of her family. The film follows Cindel and the Ewok Wicket as they escape a marauder attack led by the ruthless Terak and his sorceress Charal. Seeking refuge, they befriend the gruff yet kindhearted Noa Briqualon and his mischievous companion, Teek. As Terak seeks power from a stolen energy cell, the heroes launch a daring rescue mission, leading to an intense battle. Ultimately, Noa and Cindel depart Endor, leaving the Ewoks victorious.
12. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
After a quick trip back to Tatooine, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo are reunited and join up with the amassing rebel fleet to take down the evil Empire once and for all. But the Empire is plotting too. Emperor Palpatine commands his troops aboard his newly consturcted Death Star stationed above the forest moon of Endor, where the rebels – and some unlikely furry friends – make their stand against the Empire. While Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader on the Death Star once more, Han leads a team to take out a shield protecting the battle station so that the rebel fleet can destory it once more and finally put an end to the war…
13. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Thirty years since the destruction of the second Death Star, the sinister First Order, commanded by the mysterious Snoke and apprentice Kylo Ren, rise from the ashes of the Empire. The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, attempts to thwart the First Order’s threat, but they’re desparate for help. Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, find themselves joining forces wiiht Han Solo and Chewbacca in a desperate mission to return a BB-unit droid with a map to Luke Skywalker back to the Resistance.
14. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks new mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
The Resistance is in desperate need of help when they find themselves impossibly pursued by the First Order. While Rey travels to a remote planet called Ahch-To to recruit Luke Skywalker to the Resistance, Finn and Rose, a mechanic, go on their own mission in the hopes of helping the Resistance finally escape the First Order. But everyone finds themselves on the salt-planet of Crait for a last stand.
15. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once more to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the landmark Skywalker saga, in which new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
The Skywalker saga comes to a thrilling conclusion as the Resistance prepares for its final stand against the First Order–now under the command of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and a returned Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Strong with the Force, young Jedi Rey (Daisy Ridley) must summon every bit of power she can or else become a pawn in Palpatine’s twisted plot to rule the galaxy once more.
How many Star Wars movies are there?
There are a total of Fifteen (15) films (includes 3 Non-Theatrical Films) in the Star Wars film series. Discover how many Star Wars movies exist, from the iconic Skywalker Saga—a trilogy of trilogies spanning 1977 to 2019—to standalone films like Rogue One and Solo. Explore animated releases, spin-offs, and upcoming projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) in this ever-expanding galaxy of storytelling..
All Star Wars Movies in Order of Release Date
Here are the Star Wars Films in the order, they were released.
Skywalker Saga:
1. Episode IV – A New Hope — May 25, 1977
2. Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back — May 21, 1980
3. Episode VI – Return of the Jedi — May 25, 1983
4. Episode I – The Phantom Menace — May 19, 1999
5. Episode II – Attack of the Clones — May 16, 2002
6. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith — May 19, 2005
7. Episode VII – The Force Awakens — December 18, 2015
8. Episode VIII – The Last Jedi — December 15, 2017
9. Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker — December 20, 2019
Spin-off films:
1. Star Wars: The Clone Wars — August 15, 2008
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story — December 16, 2016
3. Solo: A Star Wars Story — May 25, 2018
Animated series:
1. Droids — September 7, 1985—November 30, 1985
2. Ewoks — September 7, 1985—December 13, 1986
3. The Clone Wars — October 3, 2008—May 4, 2020
4. Rebels — October 3, 2014—March 5, 2018
5. Resistance — October 7, 2018—January 26, 2020
6. The Bad Batch — May 4, 2021—March 29, 2023
7. Visions — September 22, 202—May 4, 2023
8. Tales of the Jedi — October 26, 2022
9. Young Jedi Adventures — May 4, 2023
Live-action series:
1. The Mandalorian — November 12, 2019 — Present
2. The Book of Boba Fett — December 29, 2021 — February 9, 2022
3. Obi-Wan Kenobi — May 27, 2022 — June 22, 2022
4. Andor — September 21, 2022 — Present
5. Ahsoka — August 22, 2023 – present
6. The Acolyte — June 4 – July 16, 2024
7. Skeleton Crew — December 2, 2024 – present
Ernst Rister order of Star Wars movies
As per mister-s. Ernst Rister involves watching the films in the following order:
1. A New Hope (1977)
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. The Phantom Menace (1999)
4. Attack of the Clones (2002)
5. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
6. Return of the Jedi (1983)
7. The Force Awakens (2015)
8. The Last Jedi (2017)
9. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
By watching the films in order, we can see Luke develop from a young farmer into a lieutenant commander in the Rebel Alliance, studying the ways of the Force, in the span of two films (A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back). After the shocking reveal of Darth Vader’s true identity to Luke at the end of Episode V, the story can then shift to a flashback of Vader’s younger years. The prequel trilogy is introduced at this point as a sort of extended flashback before Episode VI picks up where it left off. This viewing order of the saga allows for a more direct comparison of Luke and Anakin’s stories and culminates in the thrilling conclusion of Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars Order as per Machete order
As per mister-s. Machete involves watching the films in the following order:
1. A New Hope (1977)
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Attack of the Clones (2002)
4. Revenge of the Sith (2005)
5. Return of the Jedi (1983)
6. The Force Awakens (2015)
7. The Last Jedi (2017)
8. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
It’s very similar to the Ernst Rister Order, with one key difference: Episode I is left out entirely. Rob Hilton, creator of Absolutely No Machete Juggling and the order in question, explains why the first episode of the series is superfluous. Characters established in The Phantom Menace who are crucial to the story are either killed off or replaced; intricate but ultimately irrelevant plot threads, such as trade disputes and midi-chlorians, are eliminated; and, best of all, there is significantly less Jar Jar in Episode II. There’s no more equitable way to put it.
About Star War Universe
Star Wars films take place “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” in a universe where humans and various alien species (often humanoid) coexist with robots (commonly referred to in the films as “droids”), who may assist them in their daily lives; space travel between planets is common thanks to lightspeed hyperspace technology.
While the Star Wars universe shares many similarities with our own, the lenient physics allow for more fantastic tales to be told. As a result, “an energy field created by all living things… [that] binds the galaxy together” (from the original film’s description of the Force) emerges as a mysterious power. There are two major knightly orders that wield the aforementioned powers, and they are at odds with each other: the Jedi, who maintain peace in the Galactic Republic through detachment and mediation, and the Sith, who use the dark side of the Force through the manipulation of fear and aggression.
Due to its incorporation of both sf and ff elements, Star Wars is able to tell stories that can appeal to a wide audience.
Conclusion:
The Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for decades with its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and expansive universe. Understanding the Star Wars Movies in Order allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the epic battles between the Jedi and Sith, the rise and fall of empires, and the enduring fight between light and dark. Whether watching in release order or chronological sequence, each film contributes to the grand narrative of the Skywalker Saga and beyond. With continued expansions in film and television, Star Wars Movies in Order remains an evolving journey, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations of fans. For More: Wikipedia.org
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