If you’re a newcomer to the Star Wars universe or simply want to revisit the series, you might be wondering, “What are the Star Wars movies in order?” With the release of numerous films, spin-offs, and animated series, understanding the chronological order can be a bit confusing.
This comprehensive guide will break down the entire Star Wars saga, covering the main films, anthology movies, and even suggested viewing orders to make your Star Wars experience as enjoyable as possible.
Part 1: The Main Star Wars Films
- Chronological Order
The chronological order of the Star Wars films is based on the in-universe timeline. Here’s the list, beginning with the prequels and moving through the original and sequel trilogies:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Release Order
If you prefer watching the movies in the order they were released in theaters, follow this sequence:
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Part 2: Anthology Films
In addition to the main episodic films, there are two anthology movies that provide insight into the Star Wars universe’s characters and events. These standalone films are:
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – This film takes place just before Episode IV: A New Hope and provides the backstory for the events leading up to the original film.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – A prequel to the original trilogy, this movie tells the story of a young Han Solo and his early adventures.
- Obi Wan Kenobi (2022) – The story of Obi Wan Kenobi and his struggles with his greatest defeat, his “failing” to mentor Anakin Skywalker
Part 3: Suggested Viewing Orders
For a comprehensive Star Wars experience, consider these suggested viewing orders that incorporate both the main films and anthology movies:
- Ultimate Chronological Order:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Obi Wan Kenobi
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
- Release Order with Anthology Films:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Obi Wan Kenobi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
In conclusion, now that you know the order of the Star Wars movies, you can choose the viewing sequence that best suits your preferences.
Whether you’re experiencing the saga for the first time or re-watching these beloved films, the Star Wars universe offers an epic adventure filled with memorable characters, thrilling battles, and captivating stories.
Keep in mind that the Star Wars franchise also includes several animated series, such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch. These series provide further insight into the galaxy far, far away and can be added to your viewing experience if you wish to delve deeper into the lore.
So grab your lightsaber, buckle up in your Millennium Falcon, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Star Wars galaxy.
And as always, may the Force be with you!
