Star Wars, the iconic space opera franchise created by George Lucas, has had numerous films and TV shows spanning multiple eras. So many that it can be challenging to navigate the Star Wars timeline. The recommended viewing order for Star Wars movies is chronological, starting with Episode I: The Phantom Menace and ending with Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.
This order allows viewers to follow the complete saga of the Skywalker family, from Anakin’s childhood to the rise and fall of the Empire. It also provides context for the various spin-off films and TV series that expand the Star Wars universe. Alternatively, some fans prefer to watch the films in release order, beginning with the original trilogy from 1977.
Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 led to the production of new Star Wars content, including the sequel trilogy and standalone films. These additions have further enriched the franchise’s lore and introduced new characters to the galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: Chronological Release Order
Release order presents the Star Wars saga as audiences originally experienced it, starting with A New Hope in 1977. This approach preserves the impact of major plot twists, such as the Darth Vader reveal in The Empire Strikes Back. It also allows viewers to appreciate the evolution of special effects and filmmaking techniques across the decades. However, watching in release order can be jarring in terms of narrative flow. Jumping back in time for the prequels after experiencing the original trilogy creates a shift in tone and visual style. It also means experiencing the story out of chronological sequence, which can be confusing for some viewers.
Here’s a table showing the Star Wars films in release order:
Episode Title | Release Date |
---|---|
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | May 25, 1977 |
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 |
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 |
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | May 19, 1999 |
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 |
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 |
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens | Dec 18, 2015 |
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | Dec 15, 2017 |
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | Dec 20, 2019 |
Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 25, 2018 |
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | Dec 16, 2016 |

The Best Order To Watch Star Wars
Our favorite way to watch the Star Wars movies is in chronological Star Wars Universe order – how the events occur in the Star Wars timeline.
- 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)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- 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)
- 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)
Star Wars: Machete Order
The Machete Order is a suggested way to watch the Star Wars movies that aims to keep plot twists a surprise and introduces Anakin Skywalker before the end of Return of the Jedi. This viewing order is designed to enhance the overall narrative experience of the Star Wars saga, especially for newcomers. It focuses on Luke Skywalker’s journey and frames the prequel trilogy as a flashback, providing context for Darth Vader’s character.
The Machete Order begins with A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, then transitions to Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith to explain Anakin’s fall. It concludes with Return of the Jedi. A notable aspect of this order is the omission of The Phantom Menace, which is viewed as less essential to the central story of the Skywalker family. The anthology films, Solo and Rogue One, are placed at the end.
This approach offers several advantages. It preserves the surprise of Darth Vader’s parentage revealed in The Empire Strikes Back, which is considered one of cinema’s greatest twists. Additionally, it provides a more coherent narrative structure by using the prequels as a backstory rather than a preceding chapter.
However, the Machete Order has its drawbacks as well. Skipping The Phantom Menace means missing the introduction of key characters such as Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul, along with some important world-building elements. Furthermore, some viewers might find the shift in tone and visual style between the original trilogy and the prequels to be jarring, even within the context of the flashback structure.
Here’s a table showing the Star Wars films in Machete Order:
Episode Title | Release Date |
---|---|
Episode IV – A New Hope | May 25, 1977 |
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 |
Episode II – Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 |
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 |
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 |
Episode VII – The Force Awakens | Dec 18, 2015 |
Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | Dec 15, 2017 |
Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | Dec 20, 2019 |
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | Dec 16, 2016 |
Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 25, 2018 |

Star Wars: Ernest Rister Order (Flashback Order)
The Ernest Rister Order, also known as the Flashback Order, is a variation that, like the Machete Order, aims to enhance the impact of the Darth Vader reveal in The Empire Strikes Back. It presents the prequels as a flashback sequence after this pivotal moment, focusing solely on the core six episodic films. This approach allows viewers to experience the surprise of Vader’s identity and then immediately delve into the story of how he became the dark lord. This order is specifically for the original six films and does not include the sequel trilogy or anthology films.
The primary advantage of the Rister Order is its emphasis on the emotional weight of Vader’s reveal. By presenting the prequels as a flashback, it creates a powerful emotional arc, showcasing the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker directly after the audience learns his true connection to Luke. However, this order also has drawbacks. It omits the newer films entirely, which may be undesirable for viewers interested in the complete saga. Additionally, like the Machete Order, it requires a shift in tone and visual style between the original trilogy and the prequels mid-viewing, which some might find disruptive.
Here’s a table showing the Star Wars films in Ernest Rister Order:
Episode Title | Release Date |
---|---|
Episode IV – A New Hope | May 25, 1977 |
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 |
Episode II – Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 |
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 |
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 |
Star Wars: Rey Order
The “Rey” Order is a viewing approach that begins with the sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker) before delving into the previous films. This order aims to replicate the experience of Rey, the main protagonist of the sequels, who enters the Star Wars universe with limited knowledge of its history. By starting with the sequels, viewers are introduced to the current state of the galaxy and the new generation of heroes before exploring the events that shaped it. After the sequels, viewers then watch the prequel and original trilogies to understand the full Skywalker saga. The standalone films Solo and Rogue One are placed at the end.
This approach offers a fresh perspective for newcomers, allowing them to connect with the new characters and their struggles before becoming immersed in the established lore. It creates a sense of discovery similar to Rey’s own journey. However, there are also potential drawbacks. Starting with the sequels means encountering some spoilers for the original trilogy, as certain plot points and character fates are referenced. Additionally, some viewers might find it jarring to jump back in time so significantly after experiencing the more modern filmmaking style of the sequels.
Here’s a table showing the Star Wars films in “Rey” Order:
Episode Title | Release Date |
---|---|
Episode VII – The Force Awakens | Dec 18, 2015 |
Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | Dec 15, 2017 |
Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | Dec 20, 2019 |
Episode I – The Phantom Menace | May 19, 1999 |
Episode II – Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 |
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 |
Episode IV – A New Hope | May 25, 1977 |
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 |
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 |
Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 25, 2018 |
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | Dec 16, 2016 |
Key Takeaways
- Chronological order provides the most cohesive Star Wars viewing experience
- The Skywalker saga spans nine main films, with additional spin-offs expanding the universe
- Star Wars content continues to grow with new movies and TV shows in development
Exploring the Star Wars Cinematic Universe
The Star Wars saga spans multiple trilogies, standalone films, and television series. This expansive universe has captivated audiences for decades with its epic storytelling and iconic characters.
The Skywalker Saga
The Skywalker Saga forms the core of the Star Wars franchise. It consists of three trilogies released over four decades.
The Original Trilogy began in 1977 with A New Hope, followed by The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). These films introduced audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo.
The Prequel Trilogy, released from 1999 to 2005, explored the backstory of Anakin Skywalker. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith showed his transformation into Darth Vader.
The Sequel Trilogy, starting with The Force Awakens in 2015, continued the story 30 years after Return of the Jedi. The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker completed this final chapter of the Skywalker story.
The Anthology Movies and Spinoffs
Beyond the main saga, Star Wars expanded with anthology films and spinoff series. These productions explored new characters and storylines within the universe.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) depicted the mission to steal the Death Star plans. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) provided a backstory for the young Han Solo.
Television series like The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett have further enriched the Star Wars universe. These shows introduced new characters while connecting to the larger narrative.
Animated series such as The Clone Wars and Star Wars: The Bad Batch have also contributed to the expanding lore.
The Evolution of Star Wars Storytelling
Star Wars storytelling has evolved significantly since its inception. The franchise has adapted to changing audience expectations and technological advancements.
Early films relied heavily on practical effects and models. Later productions incorporated more advanced CGI, allowing for more spectacular visuals.
Storytelling approaches have also changed. Recent entries have explored more diverse characters and complex themes, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
The expansion into streaming series has allowed for more in-depth character development and exploration of the Star Wars universe.
Era | Key Features |
---|---|
Original Trilogy | Practical effects, classic hero’s journey |
Prequel Trilogy | CGI advancements, political themes |
Sequel Trilogy | Blend of practical and digital effects, diverse cast |
TV Series | Expanded storytelling, character-focused narratives |
Key Elements and Characters of Star Wars
The Star Wars universe is built on a foundation of mystical powers, galactic conflicts, and memorable characters. These elements combine to create an epic saga that has captivated audiences for decades.
The Force and the Jedi Order
The Force is a mystical energy field that connects all living things in the Star Wars galaxy. Jedi and Sith harness its power, using it to perform extraordinary feats. The Jedi Order, guardians of peace and justice, train Force-sensitive individuals from a young age.
Jedi Masters like Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi guide apprentices in the ways of the Force. They teach control, wisdom, and the importance of resisting the dark side. The Sith, in contrast, embrace anger and hate to fuel their powers.
The Clone Wars, a galaxy-spanning conflict, saw the Jedi leading clone armies against Separatist forces. This war ultimately led to the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
The Galactic Empire and Rebellion
The Galactic Empire, formed from the ashes of the Republic, rules through fear and oppression. Its ultimate weapon, the Death Star, can destroy entire planets. The Empire’s forces include Stormtroopers and TIE fighters.
The Rebellion fights against Imperial control, seeking to restore freedom to the galaxy. Key figures like Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo lead daring missions against overwhelming odds. Rebel pilots fly X-wings and other starfighters in space battles against Imperial fleets.
The conflict between Empire and Rebellion forms the backdrop for much of the original Star Wars trilogy. It showcases themes of hope, sacrifice, and the struggle against tyranny.
Iconic Star Wars Characters
Character | Affiliation | Notable Traits |
---|---|---|
Luke Skywalker | Rebel Alliance/Jedi | Force-sensitive, heroic |
Darth Vader | Galactic Empire/Sith | Fallen Jedi, intimidating |
Princess Leia | Rebel Alliance | Strong leader, fearless |
Han Solo | Rebel Alliance | Smuggler, charming rogue |
Luke Skywalker, a farm boy turned Jedi, is central to the original trilogy. His journey from naive youth to powerful Jedi Knight drives much of the story. Darth Vader, Luke’s father and fallen Jedi, serves as the saga’s primary antagonist.
Other beloved characters include the Wookiee Chewbacca, Han Solo’s loyal co-pilot, and droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. The prequels introduce Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in their younger years.
Later films and series expand the cast with characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. Each brings new dimensions to the ongoing struggle between light and dark sides of the Force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Star Wars fans often have questions about the best order to watch the movies and shows. The viewing sequence can impact the overall experience and understanding of the story.
What is the recommended viewing order for a first-time Star Wars audience?
For newcomers, the release order is often suggested. This starts with the original trilogy, followed by the prequels, and then the sequels. It allows viewers to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences over time.
This approach preserves key plot twists and reveals. It also showcases the evolution of special effects and filmmaking techniques used throughout the franchise.
How do the Star Wars movies align on the timeline of the story?
The chronological order of Star Wars movies begins with the prequel trilogy. It then moves to the original trilogy, and concludes with the sequel trilogy.
This sequence follows the in-universe timeline from the rise of the Empire to its fall and aftermath. It provides a linear narrative of the Skywalker saga and related events.
Which order of Star Wars movies should be followed based on release dates?
The release order starts with “A New Hope” (1977) and ends with “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). This sequence includes all main saga films and standalone movies in the order they premiered in theaters.
Following the release order allows viewers to witness the expansion of the Star Wars universe as it developed over time. It also reflects the cultural impact of each film during its initial release.
Can you provide a chronological order of all the Star Wars movies and shows?
The chronological order includes both movies and TV series. It starts with “The Phantom Menace” and incorporates animated series like “The Clone Wars” and live-action shows such as “The Mandalorian.”
This comprehensive timeline offers the most complete picture of the Star Wars narrative. It integrates all official canon content into a single, cohesive storyline.
What sequence of viewing the Star Wars movies incorporates the spin-offs and standalone films?
A viewing order that includes spin-offs often places them between the main saga films. For example, “Rogue One” can be watched just before “A New Hope,” while “Solo” fits between the prequel and original trilogies.
This approach enriches the main storyline with additional context and background information. It allows viewers to explore the wider Star Wars galaxy while following the core narrative.
Is there a suggested order for playing the Star Wars games in relation to the movies?
While there’s no official order, many fans suggest playing games that align with the era of movies they’re currently watching. For instance, “Jedi: Fallen Order” can be played after “Revenge of the Sith.”
This method enhances the immersive experience by connecting gameplay to familiar film events. It also helps players understand game storylines within the broader Star Wars context.
Movie/Show Type | Example | Suggested Viewing Position |
---|---|---|
Main Saga | A New Hope | Start with original trilogy |
Prequel | The Phantom Menace | After original trilogy |
Spin-off | Rogue One | Before A New Hope |
Animated Series | The Clone Wars | Between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith |
Live-action Series | The Mandalorian | After Return of the Jedi |