Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
A farm boy, a princess, and a space station in 1977. Start here even if you know the episode numbers — this is how the saga was designed to begin.
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This guide lists all eleven major Star Wars theatrical films in release order — the way audiences first experienced the saga in cinemas from 1977 to 2019. Release order is the best starting point for newcomers: the original trilogy surprises land as intended, the prequels fill in the backstory, and the sequels continue decades later with a new generation of heroes.
Star Wars Films in Release Order
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Hoth, Cloud City, and the reveal that still works if you have only seen A New Hope. The 1980 film most people mean when they say the series peaked.
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Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Jabba’s palace, Endor, and the second Death Star. It closes the original trilogy; watch IV and V first.
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Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
The 1999 prequel: trade disputes, podracing, and a boy named Anakin. Released 16 years after Jedi — watch the originals first unless you are doing chronological order.
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Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Anakin and Padmé, the clone army, and the start of the Clone Wars. Middle prequel; it needs The Phantom Menace behind it.
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Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Anakin falls and the Empire is born. The 2005 prequel that actually connects to A New Hope — watch I and II first, or jump here after the originals if you only want that link.
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Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
A new trio 30 years after Jedi. Released in 2015; it assumes you know Luke, Leia, and Han.
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
A 2016 war film about stealing the Death Star plans. Sit it after Revenge of the Sith and immediately before A New Hope if you want story order; after The Force Awakens if you want release order.
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Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
Rian Johnson’s 2017 middle sequel. Watch The Force Awakens first; this is not a standalone.
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Solo: A Star Wars Story
Han and Chewie before A New Hope. A 2018 prequel you can watch anytime after the original trilogy; it is optional for the sequels.
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Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
The 2019 close of the Skywalker saga. Watch VII and VIII first. This list is theatrical films only — Andor and the other series are separate.
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What is the best order to watch Star Wars movies?
Release order is the most popular choice. Watch the films in the order they premiered — original trilogy, prequels, sequels, with Rogue One and Solo placed where they were released. This preserves the saga's biggest twists and mirrors how most fans first discovered the story.
Release order vs chronological order — which should I pick?
Choose release order for the classic experience. Chronological order starts with The Phantom Menace and ends with Rise of Skywalker, which spoils Darth Vader's identity for first-time viewers. Chronological works better on a rewatch.
Where do Rogue One and Solo fit in?
In release order, Rogue One sits between the prequel era and The Force Awakens. Solo was released after The Last Jedi. This list follows cinema release dates.
Should I watch The Clone Wars movie or TV series?
This list covers the eleven live-action theatrical films only. The Clone Wars animated movie and series add depth between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith but are optional for following the main Skywalker story.
How long does it take to watch all Star Wars movies?
All eleven films run roughly 25 hours total. Plan a multi-day marathon or split by trilogy — originals first, then prequels, then sequels plus the standalone films.
Is this every Star Wars title?
No — only the eleven theatrical movies. The Mandalorian, Andor, and the animated series are not on this list.
