If you want to watch Star Wars movies in order, there are two main ways: chronological order (the story timeline) and release order (how the films were originally released). Below you’ll find both lists so you can pick the best viewing experience.
This guide shows the complete list of Star Wars movies in order, including both the timeline order and the official release order.
Quick answer: For first-time viewers, release order is usually the best. For rewatches, try chronological order.
The best way to watch Star Wars movies in order is release order for first-time viewers and chronological order for rewatches.
Star Wars Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order
- Star Wars Movies in Release Order
- Star Wars Movies Checklist (Printable PDF)
- Upcoming Star Wars Movies
- FAQ
Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the story timeline inside the Star Wars universe. (This is best for rewatches.)
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I)
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II)
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- A New Hope (Episode IV)
- The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
- The Force Awakens (Episode VII)
- The Last Jedi (Episode VIII)
- The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX)
Note: Star Wars stories expand through series and animation too, but this page focuses on the main theatrical movies (plus the two standalone films).
Star Wars Movies in Release Order
Release order is the recommended way for first-time viewers.
- A New Hope (1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars Movies Checklist (Printable)
This checklist helps you track all Star Wars movies in order while watching the saga.
- ☐ The Phantom Menace
- ☐ Attack of the Clones
- ☐ Revenge of the Sith
- ☐ Solo
- ☐ Rogue One
- ☐ A New Hope
- ☐ The Empire Strikes Back
- ☐ Return of the Jedi
- ☐ The Force Awakens
- ☐ The Last Jedi
- ☐ The Rise of Skywalker
Download printable checklist (PDF):
Upcoming Star Wars Movies
Star Wars release plans can change. This section is updated when official dates are confirmed.
- Upcoming Star Wars film (upcoming)
- Another announced Star Wars project (upcoming)
For official updates, you can check the official Star Wars website.
FAQ
Should I watch Star Wars in chronological order or release order?
If it’s your first time, choose release order. Chronological order is great for rewatches and helps you follow the timeline smoothly.
Do I need to watch the Star Wars series too?
Not required to understand the main movies, but series add extra context and characters. If you want, we can publish a separate guide for movies + Disney+ series.
How many Star Wars movies are there?
This page covers the main saga films (Episodes I–IX) plus the two standalone movies (Rogue One and Solo). The total can change as new films release.
Why Watching Star Wars Movies in Order Matters
- You follow the Skywalker saga without confusion.
- You understand how the Republic, Empire, and Resistance eras connect.
- You catch callbacks and references across trilogies.
- You experience the Star Wars movies in order with the intended story flow.
Star Wars Movies in Order Explained (Quick Guide)
This section explains every Star Wars movie in order with a short spoiler-free description so you can understand where each film fits in the story.
The Phantom Menace (1999)
The beginning of the prequel era, introducing the Republic’s final years and the early sparks of a larger conflict.
Viewing note: Sets up key characters and themes that pay off in Episodes II–III.
Attack of the Clones (2002)
The galaxy moves toward war as political tensions rise and the Clone Wars begin.
Viewing note: Important for understanding the Clone Wars era.
Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The turning point of the saga, where the Republic falls and the Empire begins.
Viewing note: A key bridge between the prequels and the original trilogy.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
A standalone adventure that explores Han Solo’s early life before the original trilogy.
Viewing note: Works best after you already know Han from the classic films.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A war-focused standalone film that directly leads into the events of A New Hope.
Viewing note: Perfect to watch right before Episode IV.
A New Hope (1977)
The start of the original trilogy, introducing Luke Skywalker and the Rebellion against the Empire.
Viewing note: Release order preserves the original storytelling experience.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The saga expands with deeper character stakes and the Rebellion’s toughest challenge.
Viewing note: Often considered the strongest film of the original trilogy.
Return of the Jedi (1983)
The original trilogy concludes with the final battle between the Empire and the Rebellion.
Viewing note: Closes the classic arc before jumping to the sequels.
The Force Awakens (2015)
A new generation of heroes rises as the galaxy faces a new threat after the original trilogy.
Viewing note: This begins the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII–IX).
The Last Jedi (2017)
The conflict escalates as the Resistance fights for survival and old legends are challenged.
Viewing note: Best watched immediately after Episode VII.
The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Skywalker saga concludes with the final chapter of the sequel trilogy.
Viewing note: Finishes Episodes I–IX as one complete movie saga.
Final Thoughts
Watching Star Wars movies in order helps you follow the full story across all eras. Whether you choose chronological order or release order, this guide makes it easier to experience Star Wars from beginning to end.