The Star Wars Movies In Chronological And Release Order

The world of Star Wars has been an inescapable cultural phenomenon for decades. This intricately interlaced space saga following the rise and fall — and rebellions against — a despotic empire through the perspectives of rebels and their allies. With multiple entries in the best sci-fi movies list, it has captured the imaginations of billions and inspired hope with stories that often relate back to struggles in our Earthly realm. But if you’re a newcomer to the franchise, or you’re just looking for a way to keep it all organized, you might be wondering exactly how all the movies piece together. So, let’s step through how to watch all the Star Wars movies in order, starting with listing them according to when they first hit theaters.

Star Wars Movies In Order Of Release

• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
• Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Chronological Order Of All Star Wars Movies

The Star Wars movies introduce us to an interconnected space-faring civilization with unique locales, cultures and complex political happenings that our protagonists get caught in as they fight for the side of light. The main canon of the franchise currently stands at twelve films, with the first one having come out in 1977.

The franchise is generally critically well-received, with only three of its films falling out of Rotten Tomatoes’ “fresh” designation. But you may have noticed how the films, in release order, oddly begin with an entry titled as the fourth. This was not the film’s original title, because the films chronologically follow a different watch order. So below, let’s walk through the films according to where they sit on the timeline.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

We begin with episode one, which begins the prequel trilogy. This first film is directed by George Lucas and produced by Rick McCallum, and stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman. The film was generally poorly received, being one of the franchise’s few “rotten” entries on Rotten Tomatoes. It is currently streaming on Disney+.

The story begins with the Trade Federation implementing a blockade on the planet of Naboo. So, in response, the Galactic Republic’s Chancellor sends Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi to settle things. Along the way these peacekeepers ally with Jar Jar Binks and Queen Padmé Amidala, and also take in the child Anakin Skywalker, whom Qui-Gon believes is the prophesied “Chosen One.” Things ultimately lead to a battle between our heroes and enemy forces, including Darth Maul, whose presence makes clear that the Jedi’s old foe, the Sith, have returned.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

The story continues with episode two, again directed by George Lucas and produced by Rick McCallum. The movie stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Ian McDiarmid and Temuera Morrison. Critics and fans met this entry more favorably, with Rotten Tomatoes holding a 65% score. The movie is currently streaming on Disney+.

Set ten years after the events of episode one, the film reveals that a separatist movement, led by the villainous Count Dooku, threatens to break up the Galactic Republic. As Obi-Wan investigates mysteries surrounding this enemy, the older Anakin meanwhile falls for Padmé. The film eventually erupts into a large scale battle between the Republic’s clone army and the separatists’ droids. And while the matter is temporarily allayed, the threat of the Sith still looms.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

The animated film The Clone Wars briefly interrupts the prequels for an entry directed by Dave Filoni and produced by Catherine Winder. The movie stars voice actors Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein and Christopher Lee. The film stands out as the lowest-scoring canon movie in the overall franchise on Rotten Tomatoes, holding a 19%.

In the movie, the Clone Wars rage on as more planets are poised to leave the Galactic Republic amid growing chaos. Meanwhile, when Count Dooku covertly kidnaps Jabba the Hutt’s son, Obi-Wan, Anakin and the latter’s new Jedi apprentice Ahsoka Tano move in to help. But while continuing on with the mission at hand, the situation across the galaxy seems to be getting worse.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Episode three returns us to the prequels, with director George Lucas and producer Rick McCallum finishing the story. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen. It saw a brighter audience response, being the first “certified fresh” film in our order, with a 79% score. The film is streaming on Disney+.

Set three years after episode two, the film begins with Anakin and Obi-Wan rescuing Chancellor Palpatine from the clutches of General Grievous. However, we then learn that Palpatine is in fact a Sith Lord. Worrying over visions that the pregnant Padmé may die, Anakin then allies with Palpatine and aids in his scheming. In the end, the status quo of the Star Wars world as we knew it is undone. However, Padmé ultimately gives birth to twins Leia and Luke, who are hidden from the Sith.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Separated from the numbered entries, this prequel, directed by Ron Howard and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, brings us a character who will soon become crucial. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson and Donald Glover, and earned a 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, though it did leave fans wanting something better. The movie is streaming on Disney+.

The movie introduces us to young pilot Han Solo, who joins a criminal crew led by Tobias Beckett. Along the way Han also befriends the wookiee Chewbacca. As Beckett has a debt to the criminal Dryden Voss, the team plans to rob a mine to pay it. As the plan rolls out Han reunites with his childhood friend Qi’ra, who is working for Voss, and also allies with the smuggler Lando Calrissian. However, this puts them at odds with Enfys Nest. In the end, allies and enemies cross each, after which Han and Chewbacca go off to seek their next venture.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is another non-numbered title, this time directed by Gareth Edwards and produced by Kathleen Kennedy. The film stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna and Mads Mikkelsen. The movie also stands within the top five most well-recieved films in the franchise, holding an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is streaming on Disney+.

In the film, the rebels convince Jyn Erso to find her father, Galen Erso, who is being coerced into building the Empire’s planet-destroying weapon the Death Star. On this dangerous journey Jyn picks up allies including Rebellion officer Cassian Andor, the droid K-2SO, Chirrut Îmwe, Baze Malbus and defected imperial pilot Bodhi Rook. The team eventually learns that Galen has built a vulnerability into the Death Star, the blueprints of which are hiding on the planet Scarif. And so the rogue crew embarks on a dangerous mission to bring this information to the Rebellion before the Empire can stop them.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

And then we arrive at the movie that began it all, directed again by George Lucas and produced by Gary Kurtz. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. The film also proudly sits with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the third highest in the franchise. It is now streaming on Disney+.

In the movie, Rebellion leader Leia Organa secretly sends off the blueprints from Rogue One with droids R2-D2 and C-3PO with a message seeking help from Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia is then captured by the cruel Imperial enforcer Darth Vader, while the droids find Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker. Luke then learns from Obi-Wan that Luke’s father was also a Jedi until Darth Vader killed him. The group then hires the smuggler Han Solo and his co-pilot Chewbacca to help them flee the planet, rescue Leia and deliver the blueprints to the Rebellion. The Rebel Alliance then stages a large scale attack on the Death Star to thwart the Empire’s growing power.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The story continues with the series’ first sequel, directed by George Lucas and produced by Gary Kurtz. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams. This currently stands as the highest rated film in the franchise on Rotten Tomatoes with a 95% score. The movie is now streaming on Disney+.

Three years after the prior film’s events, the Empire and Darth Vader ruthlessly search for the Rebels. So, Han, Leia, C-3PO and Chewbacca take refuge with old friend Lando Calrissian, while R2-D2 and Luke go to the Jedi Master Yoda to train under him. However, Vader then forces Lando to surrender the group, leading Luke to come to their rescue. In a final confrontation, Vader tells Luke to join him in ruling the Empire, right before revealing a chilling truth.

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

We come to the close of the original trilogy with a finale directed by Richard Marquand and produced by Howard Kazanjian. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams and Ian McDiarmid. The movie’s score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at 83%. It is streaming on Disney+.

The film, taking place a year after the last entry, begins with the group executing a daring escape from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. Later, we understand that Luke and Leia are in fact the twins hidden from the Sith years ago. But then, the Rebels learn that the Empire is building a second Death Star, so the team mobilizes to thwart it. Then, Luke is brought before Vader and Emperor Palpatine, with the latter urging Luke to join him. Things end again with another climactic showdown at the Death Star, with the finale changing the political status quo of this universe once again.

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

Next comes the sequel trilogy. The first entry in this trio is directed by J. J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy. The film stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, and sits at a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, the second highest in the franchise. This movie is streaming on Disney+.

Thirty years after our last entry, the New Republic is now running the galaxy. However, the Resistance, under General Leia, now battles the despotic First Order, with both sides searching for Luke Skywalker, who is missing. Then the First Order’s Kylo Ren, the estranged son of Han Solo, captures Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, but not before Poe is able to send a map of Luke’s location away with his droid BB-8. BB-8 then befriends the scavenger Rey and the defected First Order soldier Finn, and this trio joins forces with Han, Chewbacca and the rest of the Resistance. All forces ultimately collide as the Resistance aims to thwart the First Order’s new, planet-sized weapon in a climactic final battle.

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Then came the movies that split the fandom. The Last Jedi is directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, and stars Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver and Carrie Fisher. Despite the split fanbase, critics more favorably sent it to a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie is currently streaming on Disney+.

Picking up shortly after the last entry, this film shows Resistance forces fleeing from the First Order across space. Then, when Leia is injured, Holdo takes over command. But Poe disapproves, and so helps send Finn, the mechanic Rose, and BB-8 to ally with hacker DJ to secretly hinder the First Order. Meanwhile, Rey finds a disillusioned Luke traumatized after a recent past that created Kylo Ren’s villainy. Later, Rey confronts Kylo, but this only leads to him doubling down in his ways. In the end, Kylo Ren’s forces face our heroes at an abandoned their base in a desperate last stand from the Resistance.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The sequel trilogy finishes with The Rise of Skywalker, directed by J. J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy. The film stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and Billy Dee Williams. The film is also the third worst-scoring entry in the franchise with a score of 52%. The movie is streaming on Disney+.

After a seemingly resurrected Emperor Palpatine reveals himself to be behind the First Order, the Resistance races to find him. Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewbacca, BB-8 and C-3PO go on the search, allying with Lando Calrissian, Babu Frik and the smuggler Zorii to uncover Palpatine’s location. During this, Kylo Ren confronts Rey, battles her, and also reveals a disquieting truth about her lineage. However, these confrontations ultimately push Kylo to rethink who he is. In the finale, Rey finds and confronts Palpatine, with the rest of the Resistance present to face his armada in this dramatic last stand against The First Order.

Upcoming Star Wars Movies To Look Out For

While Disney’s long-term plans for Star Wars have clearly changed over the years as audience reception has fluctuated, those in charge have every intention to keep serving us more stories from this world. So, presently, there are eight announced upcoming movies in various stages of development that we might look out for.

Disney has told us that three of these films are aiming to release on the dates May 22, 2026, December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027, but we don’t know which one will fall where. Below is what we do know so far.

James Mangold’s Distant Past Movie (Release Year TBA)

Director James Mangold (who also directed the X-Men film Logan) is set to direct a Star Wars film, but one set in the very distant past. Said to take place around 25,000 years before the original trilogy, Mangold’s entry seeks to shed light on lingering mysteries about the Force and the nature of this world.

This would make the entry, when it comes out, the first in our chronological watch order.

Lando (Release Year TBA)

Lando Calrissian has been a very popular character in the Star Wars franchise, and with the celebrated artist Donald Glover coming on to play a younger version of him in Solo: A Star Wars story, things were looking good for the announced project Lando telling more of this character’s story.

The project was, though, earlier described as a television show. But more recently we got the news that it is now being re-envisioned as a film, with Donald Glover and his brother Stephen Glover (from the TV show Atlanta) taking on the writing themselves. We’ll need to wait for further details from them to know what the full plan is for this entry.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (Release Year TBA)

Patty Jenkins, the director behind the DC Extended Universe’s Wonder Woman films, was also announced some time back to have her own Star Wars project in the works as a writer and director. The story here is said to center around fighter pilots, in a tale inspired by World War 2 history.

However, due to apparent creative differences as well as Jenkins’ busy schedule, for a while this project was thought to have fallen away. But in early 2024 Jenkins said that she was officially back on the title, and is eager to finally be able to tell this story.

The Mandalorian & Grogu (Release Year TBA)

After the success of the Pedro Pascal-led Star Wars TV show The Mandalorian, Disney has announced that we’ll soon be getting a movie that brings this beloved duo to the big screen. The film will be directed by Jon Favreau (director of The Lion King) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy.

While we don’t know much about the movie beyond that, this entry seems to be filling in the desire for the TV show’s fourth season, and will likely at least see the return of Pedro Pascal.

Dave Filoni’s New Republic Movie (Release Year TBA)

Also in the queue is a movie from director Dave Filoni, the mind behind much of Star Wars’ TV efforts. The film will focus on the New Republic that arose after the Empire’s fall, and answer some of the questions about what happened in the gap between the original and sequel trilogies.

The movie is also expected to tie together many of the storylines from Filoni’s previous Star Wars projects.

Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie (Release Year TBA)

After Taika Waititi’s Marvel success, he’s now being given a shot at Star Wars, too. Waititi is set to direct and co-write along with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (who co-wrote Last Night in Soho). Waititi hasn’t said much about the project, apart from expressing how different it will be, and at one point discussing it with Star Wars veteran Natalie Portman.

Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Movie (Release Year TBA)

Shawn Levy, who is currently helming Disney and Marvel’s highly anticipated Deadpool 3, also has a Star Wars movie in the works. But we might know the absolute least about this project out of everything said to be coming in the future, and it’s not entirely clear whether this is even still in the works.

However, with such a celebrated director, it would be fascinating to see his take on things as well.

New Jedi Order Daisy Ridley Movie (Release Year TBA)

Last year, Disney made the exciting announcement that Daisy Ridley will return as Rey in a new film set after the events of Rise of Skywalker. The film will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel), with Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) set to write, though discourse around this news has generated some controversy.

Notably, this spot appears to be taking over what was before Damon Lindelof’s new Star Wars movie, but now the expected sequel is going in a new direction.

Other Star Wars Media

While we focused on the movies here, there are also an immense number of other Star Wars media entries. Apart from the movies, Star Wars has been rapidly expanding on television, with shows such as Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Rebels, Andor, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka and Star Wars: Resistance. Also on the way are the shows Star Wars: The Acolyte and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, as well as new seasons for Andor and Ahsoka.

And from there is also a bewildering number of other movies, books, comics, and more (both canon and not) that will provide for hours and hours of further Star Wars immersion if you’re ever looking for an even deeper dive.

The Star Wars movies straddle three trilogies and more to tell us an epic tale of heroes against tyrants. For decades that storyies captivated our imaginations and will continue to do so. So, this guide can come handy as you explore this world from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.