How do you watch Star Wars in order? A long time ago, in a desert not so far away, George Lucas set out to make a sci-fi epic in the spirit of the Flash Gordon serials he watched as a kid. Little did he know he was about to kick off one of the biggest film series in history.
Since then, Star Wars has gone on to become a phenomenon. Arguably the best science fiction movies ever made and certainly the most popular, the films and the Star Wars cast have legions of fans all over the world.
It’s probably no surprise then that the Star Wars timeline has become very complicated. There have been 11 feature films and 12 Star Wars series so far, and there are new Star Wars movies on the way. All this means it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on in a galaxy, far, far, away. Well, to help you out, we’ve broken down the complete saga to give you the definitive way to watch Star Wars in order.
The best way to watch Star Wars in order:
Normally, we recommend watching movies in chronological order if you’re new to a franchise, but when it comes to watching Star Wars, the best way to experience the franchise is by release order.
Why? Well, it comes down to two reasons. The first is that chronologically the timeline now spoils Darth Vader‘s identity (yes, we’re really worried about 40-year-old spoilers), and also, there’s just so much Star Wars now that you have to wait a very long time to get to the best movies.
How to watch Star Wars in chronological order:
As mentioned above, we recommend watching these films in order of release. But if you’ve ever wanted to experience both the Star Wars movies and the Star Wars series in chronological order, here’s the information you need.
Star Wars movies and TV series in chronological order:
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The Bad Batch (2019-present)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
- Andor (2022-present)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- 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)
- The Mandalorian seasons 1-2 (2019-2021)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
- The Mandalorian season 3 (2023)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Star Wars: Resistance (2018-2020)
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
How to watch the Star Wars movies in release order:
Watching the Star Wars movies in order of release may not be the most coherent way to enjoy the Skywalker Saga, but it will give you some insight into what the filmmakers wanted for the series.
We begin with the Original Trilogy, A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. These movies showcase the evolution in sci-fi filmmaking and show how George and Marcia Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, Lawrence Kasdan, and Leigh Bracket all wrote the handbook on big-budget production sequels.
Then we move to 1999 for the grand return of George Lucas and Star Wars for the Prequel Trilogy. All three were written and directed by Lucas, and it shows. Lots of playful CGI and strange designs, pulpy scripting, and exaggerated performances. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith may not be good, but they are memorable.
One Disney acquisition later, we have the sequel trilogy, kickstarted by director J.J. Abrams with The Force Awakens, a movie that worships at the altar of what came before and pushes the treasured franchise into a new era.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives the year after, filling in the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and then we have Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi. The following year, 2018, is Solo: A Star Wars Story, giving Han Solo that backstory he was so obviously lacking, and then 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker caps off the Star Wars cinematic saga.
All the Star Wars movies in release order:
- 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 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)
How to watch the Star Wars machete order?
A fun way to combine the best of the Original Trilogy and the Prequel Trilogy is to watch the so-called Machete order, which maintains the surprise of Vader’s identity but uses Episodes II and III as extended flashbacks for the former Jedi Knight.
The Phantom Menace ends up completely cut in this viewing order, which might be a deal-breaker for your decision.
The Star Wars machete order:
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Upcoming Star Wars movies and TV series
You didn’t think we were done with Star Wars, did you? Oh no, there’s plenty more to come from the galaxy far, far away, and to prove it, here’s a list of every new Star Wars movie and TV show currently in production.
All the upcoming Star Wars movies and TV series:
- Skeleton Crew (2023)
- The Acolyte (2024)
- Andor season 2 (2024)
- The Bad Batch season 3 (2024)
- Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Movie (TBC)
- Untitled James Mangold Star Wars movie (TBC)
- Untitled Dave Filoni Star Wars movie (TBC)
- Lando (TBC)
- The Mandalorian season 4 (TBC)
- Untitled Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Star Wars movie (TBC)
- Lando (TBC)
Star Wars movie timeline
Finally, let’s break down the entire Star Wars movie timeline, just so you have a complete overview come movie night.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
After several decades away from cinemas, Star Wars returned with the first of the prequels, introducing some of the best Star Wars characters in their younger days. Yes, it’s partly about trade blockades, but we also get to meet the Jedi council and explore the crumbling edifice of the galaxy’s pre-Empire political equilibrium.
We get our first introduction to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), and Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd). We also get to meet Darth Sidious and his ultra-cool protégé Darth Maul (Ray Park), who remains one of the best Star Wars villains.
Some parts of The Phantom Menace don’t altogether gel with the rest of the franchise (midichlorians remain thoroughly silly), but pod-racing and the final duel are top-tier Star Wars.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé’s story continues into Attack of the Clones, where it turns out Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) is working with the elusive Sidious to lead an insurgency using an army of the best Star Wars droids. There’s also loads more space politics, which is obviously what we all love about Star Wars. Right?!
Attack of the Clones is goofy in parts and at times seems to stretch on for ages without much happening. However, the massive set-piece in the back half always makes it worthwhile, firing the starting pistol on the Clone Wars. You also get to see Yoda somersaulting around with a lightsaber, which has to be worth a few hours of your time.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Revenge of the Sith is arguably the masterpiece of the Prequel Trilogy. Anakin is manipulated by Emperor Palpatine to turn to the dark side, helping to wipe out the Jedi in Order 66. Although, if the wider Star Wars universe since has taught us anything, it’s that loads of Jedi survived.
All of this takes place in wildly operatic fashion before Anakin loses a truly top-tier lightsaber battle with Obi-Wan and becomes the evil Darth Vader in the crushing end scene. Excellently performed and well-scripted, Anakin’s decline into the greatest Sith in the galaxy worked so we’ll you’d nearly forgive the shakiness of the other prequels. Nearly.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Revenge of the Sith ends on quite a downer. Padmé died after having Anakin’s children, and their twins are separated for protection. Yoda and Obi-Wan retreat to the shadows as the Empire rises to power.
We see some of the fallout in Solo: A Star Wars Story, where plucky upstart Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) spends a little time fighting in the trenches of the Galactic Empire‘s ongoing crusades before resigning himself to a life of crime. Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) is by his side, and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) is knocking around, too.
We have a lot of time for Solo but, given how much time it spends introducing us to beloved characters, it probably ought to have been a lot more fun.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story takes a different and very refreshing angle, showing the Rebellion‘s master plan to put a real dent in the Empire. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) lead a misfit group that includes blind Force believer Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) and K-2SO (Alan Rudyk).
Nobody survives to live on into the Original Trilogy. However, our heroes do manage to get hold of the plans for the Empire’s new weapon, the Death Star, and transmit them to a grown-up Leia. That leads right into where everything began way back in 1977.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Now we have the Star Wars we’re all the most familiar with: A New Hope. We meet Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Darth Vader (David Prowse and James Earl Jones), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Some plucky robots named R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) are involved, too.
An older Obi-Wan (Alec Guinness) brings them together for their combined stand against Vader’s efforts to rule the galaxy. Iconic, joyful filmmaking that changed pop culture as we know it. These are the droids (and the thrills) you’re looking for.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
The Empire Strikes Back, top of the best Star Wars movies for many fans and critics, deals our heroes some major losses. Luke starts his Jedi training under master Yoda, and Lando (Billy Dee Williams) proves he’s still as tricky as ever. Losing the Death Star in A New Hope brings out Vader’s vengeful side, and he captures Han.
Luke’s then hit by one of the all-time great cinematic revelations, all setting another great battle for the fate of the galaxy. Some would argue Star Wars peaked here, and they aren’t completely wrong. Certainly, this stands among the best sequels ever made, and it played a big role in kick-starting our love for this franchise.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
On to Return of the Jedi, for good to triumph over evil. Lots of Star Wars iconography comes in here — mainly involving some of the best Star Wars aliens — like the Sarlacc Pit, Jabba the Hutt, and the Ewoks. Speaking of the fluffy critters, they help the Rebel Alliance stop another Death Star from being built, putting an end to the Empire’s plans once and for all.
On a more personal note, Luke fights the Emperor, leading to Vader’s redemption. After years of tyranny, the once-Jedi makes his way back to the Light.
It’s heartfelt and momentous, as you can read about in our Return of the Jedi review. Yes, the Ewoks are a bit childish, and no, it’s not as accomplished as Empire Strikes Back. But when it comes to bringing one of the greatest cinematic trilogies to an end, Jedi does exactly what it needs to do, while making us punch the air in the process.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
We jump forward to the 2010s now for The Force Awakens, the franchise’s big screen return in 2015 after Disney acquired Lucasfilm and the rights to traverse this particular galaxy. We didn’t really know what to expect, but the end result was a joyful burst of nostalgia that reminded all of us why this franchise made us so giddy when we first experienced it as kids.
New faces Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac) are introduced, and the First Order, a fascistic resurgence of the Dark Side, led by the Vader-worshipping Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).
Han, Leia, R2-D2, and C-3PO lend a hand to efforts, creating a lively blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. The First Order uses a giant laser to attack other planets, but the weapon is destroyed by the rebels. The cycle repeats!
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Almost immediately afterward, we get into The Last Jedi. The Rebel Alliance, now calling themselves the Resistance, are outmanned and outgunned against the First Order, and everyone’s getting desperate. Finn and newcomer Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) go on a wild goose chase, and Rey begins appealing to Kylo. In hiding out of fear, Luke makes a triumphant return in the nick of time.
Easily the most divisive installment, The Last Jedi still sparks fierce debate among devoted fans even today. Ultimately, the bold choices and characterization make The Last Jedi one of the best action movies in the entire franchise. We love it, and we won’t apologize for that.
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Lastly, there’s The Rise of Skywalker, a film that’s truly the nadir of the franchise. Emperor Palpatine makes one last gasp at restoring the dark side and taking over the galaxy. This is Star Wars, so you can guess how that went for him. Lando shows up for the save, and that’s the Skywalker Saga, and the Star Wars timeline, finished for now.
From beginning to end, the discovery of Anakin Skywalker and the re-emergence of the Dark Side, through to a new ethos created around the Force by a new generation, that’s the complete arc thus far. It’s just a shame we had to end on such a sour note. Rey Skywalker? No, thank you.
There’s plenty more Star Wars stuff that’s new on Disney Plus soon, with The Acolyte release date and the Andor season 2 release date on the way, and we have a full account of all the new content coming to the galaxy thanks to our trip to Star Wars Celebration 2023. Alternatively, learn more about lovable characters like Din Djarin, or dive into our list of the best Star Wars scenes and the best Star Wars bounty hunters.
We’ve also got some great pieces explaining why Star Wars nearly ruined an Oscar winner’s career, why Ahmed Best’s return isn’t redemption, and how The Mandalorian season 3 stuck the landing.