Keeping track of the Star Wars timeline has become much more complicated than it was decades ago. What began with a single trilogy has now expanded into animated series, standalone films, Disney+ shows and stories spanning multiple generations of Jedi, Sith, rebels, bounty hunters and smugglers. Between the Skywalker Saga, the rise of the Empire and newer projects exploring completely different parts of the galaxy, figuring out the right order to watch everything can quickly become confusing for both first-timers and veteran fans.
That’s exactly why we created this complete guide to watching every Star Wars movie and series in order. From The Acolyte and the High Republic era all the way to The Rise of Skywalker and the newest Disney+ projects, this guide breaks down the entire franchise through both chronological order and release order, helping you experience the galaxy far, far away in the best way possible.
So, without further ado, here’s your Ultimate Guide to Star Wars.
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Watching the Star Wars films in chronological order completely changes the experience. Instead of jumping between generations and timelines, the story develops smoothly from the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Sith to the Empire’s grip on the galaxy and the next generation of Jedi trying to rebuild what was lost. It also makes many of the newer Disney+ series easier to follow, particularly when characters and events constantly cross between films and shows.
The list below follows the timeline of the Star Wars universe rather than release dates, so you’ll experience the galaxy as the story unfolds. From young Anakin Skywalker and the Clone Wars to Luke Skywalker, Din Djarin, Ahsoka Tano, and beyond, this is the complete order of every major Star Wars movie and series to date.
- Release Date: 4 June 2024
- Timeline Placement: Around 100 BBY
- Director: Leslye Headland
The Acolyte takes place many years before the fall of the Republic, decades before the Skywalker Saga. The story happens during the final years of the High Republic era, when the Jedi Order is at its strongest. Over eight episodes, it follows a former Padawan who teams up with her old Jedi Master to solve a string of mysterious crimes. As they investigate, they find that darker forces are at work. Unlike most Star Wars stories that center on big wars and rebellions, The Acolyte focuses on mystery, political intrigue, and the rise of the dark side while the Jedi still believe the galaxy is safe. The series also offers one of the first live-action glimpses of the Sith’s influence, long before The Phantom Menace and Palpatine’s rise.
- Release Date: 19 May 1999
- Timeline Placement: 32 BBY
- Directed by: George Lucas
If you just started watching the Star Wars Saga, ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ is the best place to begin. The story takes place during the last years of the Galactic Republic and introduces key characters such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Padmé Amidala, and a young Anakin Skywalker before he becomes Darth Vader. One of the best scenes is the duel between Sith and Darth Maul, whose double-bladed lightsaber fight is one of the series’ most memorable. Which is why watching the movies in order makes it easier to follow the story, especially if you’re new and want to understand the Jedi, the Republic, and how Palpatine comes to power. You’ll also meet Jar Jar Binks here, so you get to know him from the start.
- Release Date: 16 May 2002
- Timeline Placement: 22 BBY
- Directed by: George Lucas
Set ten years after The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones takes place during a period where the Republic is slowly beginning to fall apart. Anakin Skywalker is now older, more confident, and training under Obi-Wan Kenobi, while Padmé Amidala returns as a senator dealing with growing unrest across the galaxy. As political tensions increase, the discovery of the Clone Army and the emergence of Count Dooku reveal that something much bigger is unfolding behind the scenes. The film also marks an important turning point for Anakin, whose fear, anger, and attachment slowly draw him towards the dark side. While the romance between Anakin and Padmé often divides fans, the film is a major piece of the timeline, especially given its strong connections to The Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith, and the eventual collapse of the Jedi Order.
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Taking place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars explores a key era in the Star Wars universe. Over seven seasons, the animated series explores the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists while deepening the character arcs of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Count Dooku. The show also introduces Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s Jedi apprentice, who has become one of the franchise’s most important characters in both animation and live-action. It also continues Darth Maul’s story after ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’, explores Mandalore in greater detail, and adds important background to the events leading up to ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’. Many fans consider The Clone Wars to be some of the best storytelling in Star Wars.
- Release Date: 3 October 2008
- Timeline Placement: 22–19 BBY
- Created by: George Lucas
- Developed by: Dave Filoni
Taking place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars explores a key era in the Star Wars universe. Over seven seasons, the animated series explores the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists while deepening the character arcs of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Count Dooku. The show also introduces Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s Jedi apprentice, who has become one of the franchise’s most important characters in both animation and live-action. It also continues Darth Maul’s story after ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’, explores Mandalore in greater detail, and adds important background to the events leading up to ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’. Many fans consider The Clone Wars to be some of the best storytelling in Star Wars.
- Release Date: 19 May 2005
- Timeline Placement: 19 BBY
- Directed by: George Lucas
For a lot of fans, ‘Episode III-Revenge of the Sith’ was the one where the series trilogy finally delivered what was promised. After watching Anakin Skywalker grow from a talented child to a troubled Jedi Knight, this movie delivers the heartbreaking fall that everyone expected. In the last days of the Clone Wars, as Anakin comes under Chancellor Palpatine’s influence, the Republic begins to fall apart. The film features some of the series’ best moments, including Order 66, the destruction of the Jedi Order, and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Let’s not forget the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, a battle that changes the galaxy’s future and transforms Anakin into Darth Vader. ‘Episode III-Revenge of the Sith’ shows much its darker and more intense side compared to the earlier series. It not only changes the Star Wars timeline forever, but it also lays out its first trilogy.
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- Release Date: 4 May 2024
- Timeline Placement: 19–9 BBY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
Following the events of Revenge of the Sith, Tales of the Empire shifts the focus toward the darker side of the galaxy during the rise of Imperial rule. The animated anthology series is split between two major storylines, following Morgan Elsbeth’s rise within the Empire and Barriss Offee’s life after betraying the Jedi Order during The Clone Wars. Across six episodes, the series explores how fear, power, and survival shaped different characters during a period when the Empire was tightening its grip across the galaxy. While smaller in scale compared to the main films and series, Tales of the Empire adds important layers to several characters already connected to projects like Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and The Clone Wars, while also showing how quickly the Jedi’s influence disappeared after Order 66.
- Release Date: 4 May 2025
- Timeline Placement: 19–3 BBY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
Set during the rise of Imperial rule, ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld’ explores the darker, more dangerous corners of the galaxy, far from the Jedi Order and the Senate. The animated series follows bounty hunters, smugglers, assassins, and criminal organizations as they try to survive as the Empire expands its control across the galaxy. Much like ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, the series tells smaller character-focused stories that help fill in the gaps between larger events in the timeline while giving more attention to figures who usually remain in the background. The show also continues Lucasfilm’s growing interest in exploring the criminal side of Star Wars, adding more depth to the underworld operating beneath Imperial rule during the years leading up to the original trilogy.
- Release Date: 4 May 2021
- Timeline Placement: 19–18 BBY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ starts off right after the events of ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’ and follows Clone Force 99, a group of elite Clone Troopers trying to survive as the Republic becomes the Galactic Empire. Unlike the rest of the Clone army, they begin to question the rise of the Empire’s power, and the galaxy they fought for is changing. Throughout the 3 seasons, the show lays out the events that happened to the clones after Order 66 and how the Empire began replacing them with Stormtroopers. Main characters from ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars,’ such as Captain Rex, Fennec Shand, and Emperor Palpatine, appear and help tie the story to the Star Wars universe. The series delves deeper into the early days of the Empire and the fate of the clone army after the Clone Wars.
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- Release Date: 6 April 2026
- Timeline Placement: Around 18–15 BBY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
- Developed by: Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz
Darth Maul returns in ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’, a new animated series that dives into the darker parts of his life during the early Empire. Instead of the usual Jedi fights or wars, this story explores the criminal underworld where crime, corruption and survival are more important than politics. The show, set on the dangerous planet Janix, follows Maul as he works in secret to regain his power while the Empire rises. Sam Witwer is back as the voice of Maul, continuing his role from The Clone Wars and the Rebels. The series also introduces new characters, including Devon Izara, a young Jedi Padawan trying to survive after Order 66. With its focus on crime, a darker tone and a closer look at Maul’s life after the Republic, Shadow Lord gives fans a new take on the Star Wars universe.
- Release Date: 25 May 2018
- Timeline Placement: 13–10 BBY
- Directed by: Ron Howard
Before Han Solo became a Rebel hero, he was just trying to survive. Set about ten years before A New Hope, the movie follows a young Han as he leaves Corellia and gets involved in the galaxy’s criminal underworld, filled with smugglers, thieves, and crime syndicates, while the Empire is growing. Alden Ehrenreich steps into the role that was made famous by Harrison Ford, and Donald Glover’s take on Lando Calrissian. Fans get to see how Han meets Chewbacca, pilots the Millennium Falcon for the first time, and begins to earn the reputation seen in the original trilogy. Although the film struggled at first, many fans now enjoy its smaller-scale story, especially its connections to Crimson Dawn and Darth Maul. This is also when Star Wars Rebels starts to fit into the larger timeline, just a few years before A New Hope.
- Release Date: 27 May 2022
- Timeline Placement: 9 BBY
- Created by: Joby Harold
Broken, isolated, and hiding from the Empire, Obi-Wan Kenobi is no longer the confident Jedi audiences knew during the Clone Wars. Set roughly ten years after ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’, the series follows Obi-Wan as he lives in exile on Tatooine, secretly watching over a young Luke Skywalker from afar. His quiet life is interrupted when Princess Leia is kidnapped, forcing him back into a galaxy still controlled by fear, Imperial power, and surviving Inquisitors hunting the last remaining Jedi. The series also marks the return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, bringing Obi-Wan and Darth Vader face-to-face once again, years after their devastating duel on Mustafar. More emotional and character-driven than many other Star Wars projects, the show fills the gap between the prequel and original trilogies while exploring the lasting consequences of Anakin Skywalker’s fall and Obi-Wan’s struggle to move forward under Imperial rule.
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Before becoming one of the Rebel Alliance’s most important spies in Star Wars: Rogue One, Cassian Andor was simply trying to survive under Imperial rule. Andor follows him over the years before the Rebellion, showing how ordinary people across the galaxy began to fight back against the Empire long before Luke Skywalker joined the battle. Instead of focusing solely on Jedi or lightsabers, the series explores political tension, spying, rebellion, and the growing fear under Imperial control. Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor, joined by a cast that includes Stellan Skarsgard, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, and Andy Serkis, to tell one of the franchise’s most realistic and mature stories in years. Over its two seasons, the show shows how rebellion is built step by step through sacrifice, secrecy, and ordinary people pushed too far. Darker, slower, and much more political than most Star Wars projects, Andor has been praised for adding a new level of depth to the galaxy far, far away while leading directly into the events of Star Wars: Rogue One.
- Release Date: 3 October 2014
- Timeline Placement: 5–1 BBY
- Created by: Simon Kinberg, Dave Filoni, and Carrie Beck
A small rebel crew aboard a ship called the Ghost becomes one of the Empire’s biggest problems in Star Wars Rebels. Set only a few years before ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, the animated series follows Ezra Bridger, a Force-sensitive orphan who is pulled into the growing rebellion alongside Hera Syndulla, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, and the endlessly chaotic droid Chopper. What started as a small adventure series slowly grows into one of the franchise’s most important stories, especially as familiar faces from ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ begin to appear throughout the timeline. Darth Maul, Ahsoka Tano, Captain Rex and Obi-Wan Kenobi all play major roles across the series, helping to connect the prequel era directly to the original trilogy. Over four seasons, Rebels expanded the early days of the rebellion while also laying the major foundation for projects like ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ and the wider future of the franchise.
- Release Date: 16 December 2016
- Timeline Placement: 0 BBY
- Directed by: Gareth Edwards
Set just before the events of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, ‘Rogue One’ follows Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and a small group of rebels as they try to steal the Death Star plans from the Empire before the super-weapon can be used. Their mission starts with little hope of success. Unlike most Star Wars movies, this film focuses on regular soldiers, spies, and rebels rather than Jedi or Force users, as it depicts the fight against the Empire. The story also ties closely to ‘Star Wars: Andor’, showing how risky and costly the early rebellion was under Imperial rule. With big battles, darker themes, and one of Darth Vader’s most memorable scenes, Rogue One stands out as one of the best modern Star Wars films and leads right into the beginning of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’.
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- Release Date: 25 May 1977
- Timeline Placement: 0 ABY
- Directed by: George Lucas
‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ is where the Star Wars universe began. The movie introduces Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader as the Rebel Alliance fights the Galactic Empire. The story picks up right after ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ and follows Luke as he goes from a farm boy on Tatooine to a key player in a much bigger conflict. The film created one of the most iconic characters, creative planets, and impressive visual effects for its era. It also introduced ideas such as the Force, lightsabers, stormtroopers, and the Death Star, all of which became pop culture icons. Almost 50 years later, ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ remains one of the most influential science fiction movies and set the stage for everything that followed in this universe.
- Release Date: 21 May 1980
- Timeline Placement: 3 ABY
- Directed by: Irvin Kershner
Many fans think ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ is one of the best films in the series. The story becomes darker as the Empire fights back against the Rebel Alliance after the Death Star is destroyed. Luke Skywalker trains with Master Yoda, while Darth Vader chases the Rebels across the galaxy, creating some of cinema’s most iconic scenes. The film also explores the bonds among Luke, Leia, and Han Solo and adds more detail about the Force and the Jedi. From the Battle of Hoth to the emotional fight between Luke and Vader on Cloud City, ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ made the story more intense and gave one of the most famous plot twists ever. Even after many years, it remains an important part of both Star Wars and science fiction movies.
- Release Date: 25 May 1983
- Timeline Placement: 4 ABY
- Directed by: Richard Marquand
The original trilogy comes to an end in Return of the Jedi, with the Rebel Alliance preparing for one final fight against the Empire while Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The film begins with the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, then builds toward the battle over the second Death Star above Endor. Luke has grown far beyond the farm boy first seen in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope’, returning calmer, stronger and fully committed to becoming a Jedi. The movie also delivers an emotional ending to Darth Vader’s story, bringing the conflict between father and son to its final chapter as the Empire begins to collapse around them. From the throne room confrontation to the Battle of Endor, ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’ remains one of the most important moments in the Star Wars timeline and the final chapter of the first trilogy.
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- Release Date: 12 November 2019
- Timeline Placement: 9 ABY
- Created by: Jon Favreau
A lone bounty hunter travelling across the galaxy helped launch a new era for Star Wars on Disney+. Set between the fall of the Empire and the rise of the First Order, ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ follows Din Djarin, a quiet, armoured warrior whose life changes when he takes on a mission involving a mysterious Force-sensitive child named Grogu. What begins as a small western adventure soon grows into a larger story tied to Mandalore, the remains of the Empire and several familiar faces from the franchise. Throughout the series, characters like Ahsoka Tano, Bo-Katan Kryze, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett appear, tying the show to both animated and live-action Star Wars stories. ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ became one of the most important Star Wars series and helped bring the franchise back into the spotlight for a new generation.
- Release Date: 29 December 2021
- Timeline Placement: Around 9 ABY
- Created by: Jon Favreau
Boba Fett, one of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunters, finally gets his own story in ‘Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett’. The series takes place after ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’ and runs alongside the ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ timeline. It follows Boba Fett as he returns to Tatooine and tries to take over Jabba the Hutt’s old criminal empire, with help from mercenary Fennec Shand. Instead of focusing solely on action, the show examines how Boba survived the Sarlacc Pit and his efforts to rule by earning respect rather than fear. This approach puts him in conflict with rival gangs and crime syndicates across Tatooine. The series also introduces characters such as Din Djarin, Grogu, Luke Skywalker, and Ahsoka Tano, while setting up larger events for the franchise’s future. For longtime fans, the show finally adds more depth to a character who became a Star Wars cult favourite, despite having little screen time in the original trilogy.
- Release Date: 22 August 2023
- Timeline Placement: Around 9 ABY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
After years as a fan favourite in animated shows, Ahsoka Tano finally takes center stage in live-action. The series picks up after ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ and ‘Star Wars: Rebels’, following Ahsoka as she looks into a new threat tied to Grand Admiral Thrawn and searches for Ezra Bridger, who vanished years ago. The show brings back key characters from ‘Star Wars: Rebels’ like Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, and Chopper, making it feel like a direct follow-up to the animated series. With lightsaber duels, ancient Force legends, and new dangers beyond the known galaxy, Ahsoka also looks at the lasting impact of war, the idea of legacy, and what the future holds for the Jedi after the Empire’s fall. Rosario Dawson stars as Ahsoka, and with Dave Filoni guiding the story, the show has become an important part of The Mandalorian’s expanding timeline.
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- Release Date: 2 December 2024
- Timeline Placement: Around 9 ABY
- Created by: Jon Watts and Christopher Ford
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ follows a group of kids who get lost in the galaxy, starting a fresh kind of Star Wars adventure. The story happens at the same time as ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Ahsoka.’ Four children find a mysterious secret on their home planet and end up far from home. Along the way, they run into smugglers, pirates, dangerous worlds, and a force-sensitive character played by Jude Law. Instead of focusing on darker themes, ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is about exploration and excitement, drawing inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies while remaining true to the Star Wars universe. The show also looks at the New Republic era and shows parts of the galaxy that haven’t appeared much in earlier movies or Disney+ series.
- Release Date: 22 May 2026
- Timeline Placement: Around 9–11 ABY
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
The galaxy’s favourite duo is heading to the big screen. ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu’ continues the story of Din Djarin and his Force-sensitive companion following the events of ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ series and the expanding New Republic timeline. While Lucasfilm is still keeping most story details secret, the film is expected to build further on the growing connections between projects like ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’, ‘Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett’ , and ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. Jon Favreau returns to direct, with Pedro Pascal once again leading the story as Din Djarin alongside Grogu, whose popularity has become one of the franchise’s biggest modern success stories. The film also marks an important moment for Star Wars, becoming the franchise’s first theatrical release since ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019’.
- Release Date: 7 October 2018
- Timeline Placement: 34 ABY
- Created by: Dave Filoni
A young pilot caught in the middle of a growing galactic threat sits at the centre of ‘Star Wars: Resistance’. Set shortly before ‘Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens’, the animated series follows Kazuda Xiono after he is recruited by the Resistance to secretly monitor the First Order as its influence quietly spreads across the galaxy. Much of the story takes place aboard the Colossus, a massive station packed with racers, mechanics, smugglers, and travellers trying to stay clear of the brewing conflict. Although the series has a lighter, more adventurous tone than ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ or ‘Star Wars: Rebels’, it still connects closely to the sequel trilogy through appearances by characters such as Poe Dameron, Captain Phasma, Kylo Ren, and General Leia Organa. Across two seasons, Resistance offers a closer look at how the First Order slowly rose to power before the galaxy fully understood the danger ahead.
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- Release Date: 18 December 2015
- Timeline Placement: 34 ABY
- Directed by: J.J. Abrams
The galaxy changes once again in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, introducing a new generation of heroes and villains decades after the fall of the Empire. A new order threatens to destroy the New Republic as the First Order rises from the remains of the old Imperial regime, forcing the Resistance into another fight for the galaxy’s future. Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron soon find themselves at the centre of the conflict while searching for Luke Skywalker, the last surviving Jedi. Rey begins the story as a scavenger, surviving alone on Jakku, before discovering a connection to the Force that changes her life completely. Kylo Ren emerges as one of the franchise’s most conflicted new villains. The film also brings back familiar faces like Han Solo, Leia Organa, Chewbacca, and Luke Skywalker, helping connect the original trilogy to a new era of Star Wars. Filled with classic adventure, practical effects, and emotional callbacks to earlier films, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ becomes one of the biggest movie releases of its generation and introduces the sequel trilogy to a whole new audience.
- Release Date: 15 December 2017
- Timeline Placement: 34 ABY
- Directed by: Rian Johnson
The battle between the Resistance and the First Order grows far more desperate in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’. Picking up immediately after ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, the film follows Rey as she finally meets Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To while the Resistance struggles to survive against Supreme Leader Snoke and the growing power of Kylo Ren. Unlike earlier movies in the series, this one spends much of its time exploring ideas about legacy, failure, and what it truly means to be a Jedi in a galaxy shaped by endless war. Luke Skywalker returns older, alone, and deeply uncertain about the Jedi Order, while Rey continues to seek her place in the Force. At the same time, Kylo Ren grows more dangerous as his connection with Rey pushes both of them in surprising ways. Divisive among fans but impossible to ignore, ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ is one of the series’ most daring entries, taking bold risks with characters, story, and the future of the sequel trilogy.
‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ wraps up the Skywalker Saga, bringing Rey, Finn, Poe, and the Resistance into a final fight against the First Order and the surprising return of Emperor Palpatine. The story picks up after ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, and follows Rey as she trains to become a Jedi and faces tough truths about her past and her connection to Kylo Ren, who is torn between the dark side and his former self. Meanwhile, the Resistance faces huge challenges as a new Sith threat emerges, threatening to plunge the galaxy back into fear and war. The film also serves as a goodbye to Star Wars characters and stories that started over forty years ago with ‘A New Hope’. Many familiar faces return, connecting the prequels, original trilogy, and sequels for one last adventure. With lightsaber battles, space fights, heartfelt farewells, and long-awaited answers, ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ brings the nine-movie Skywalker story to a close and marks the end of one of the most famous film franchises.
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Watching Star Wars in the order the movies came out lets you experience the series just like the original audiences did over many years. From the exciting release of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ in 1977 to the latest Disney+ shows that add to the galaxy today, watching in release order shows how the story, characters, special effects, and world-building have changed over almost 50 years. It also keeps some of the saga’s biggest surprises and character moments as they were first shown to fans everywhere.
- Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) (1977)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) (1980)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983)
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999)
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) (2002)
- Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie) (2008)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Series) (2008)
- Star Wars: Rebels (2014)
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) (2015)
- Star Wars: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) (2017)
- Star Wars: Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars: Resistance (2018)
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2019)
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019)
- Star Wars:The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
- Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Star Wars: Andor (2022)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022)
- Star Wars: Ahsoka (2023)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024)
- Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024)
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld (2025)
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (2026)
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
Even after all these years, Star Wars continues to expand far beyond the first Skywalker Saga. With animated series, standalone stories, and new Disney+ releases, the galaxy has become bigger and more interconnected than ever before. Watching everything in release order not only shows how the franchise has developed over time but also highlights how each generation of stories has helped shape the future of Star Wars for longtime devotees and novices alike.
With almost fifty years of movies, animated shows, spin-offs and Disney+ releases, the Star Wars timeline is much more complicated than simply watching the first trilogy in order. With overlapping stories, different time periods and new projects continually adding to the galaxy, it’s easy to lose track of how everything fits together. That’s why this guide was carefully put together using both the official timeline and release order from Lucasfilm, while also considering modern storytelling. Shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels, Andor, Ahsoka, and The Mandalorian are no longer side stories separate from the main saga — they play a big part in shaping the larger story across the galaxy. Instead of separating movies and shows, this guide combines them into a single, clear viewing experience that makes the Star Wars universe feel more connected from start to finish.
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Still have questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
What is the best way to watch Star Wars for the first time?
For first-time viewers, many fans still recommend watching Star Wars in release order because it preserves the earliest reveals, character introductions and the overall progression of the franchise. However, chronological order offers a more direct experience by following the galaxy’s timeline from the fall of the Republic to the rise of the Empire and beyond.
Do I need to watch the animated Star Wars series?
Chronologically, The Acolyte is the earliest entry in the timeline, set in the final years of the High Republic, long before The Phantom Menace. The series explores a period when the Jedi Order was at the height of its power, decades before the rise of Darth Sidious and the fall of the Republic.
What comes first in the Star Wars timeline?
Chronologically, The Acolyte is the earliest entry in the timeline, set in the final years of the High Republic, long before The Phantom Menace. The series explores a period when the Jedi Order was at its height, decades before the rise of Darth Sidious and the fall of the Republic.
Is the Star Wars timeline complicated?
The timeline has grown significantly over the years with the addition of animated series, standalone films, and Disney+ shows. While the original trilogy was fairly straightforward, modern projects now connect multiple eras and characters across different points in the timeline.
Where can I watch every Star Wars movie and series?
Most Star Wars films and series are available to stream on Disney+, including the animated shows, standalone movies, and newer live-action projects.
