Whether you are new to the saga or revisiting it, the Star Wars film ecosystem is best approached as a set of distinct yet interconnected stories. The core saga includes nine live‑action episodes released between 1999 and 2019, organized chronologically as prequels, a middle trilogy, and a sequel set. Outside the main continuity are standalone films and animated features, which expand the universe without altering the central Skywalker arc. This guide offers an evergreen, fact‑based roadmap to every feature film, focusing on canonical status, release order, and narrative context so you can choose the path that fits your goals.
The Nine Skywalker Saga Films In Release Order
For most viewers, the simplest and most durable path is the release order of the Skywalker Saga. These nine films were designed as a complete episodic arc and remain the most consistently referenced core set across official materials, marketing, and general audience familiarity.
| Release # | Title | Year | Primary Protagonist | Canonical Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Anakin Skywalker (shared) | Canonical |
| 2 | Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Anakin Skywalker | Canonical |
| 3 | Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader | Canonical |
| 4 | Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 1977 | Luke Skywalker | Canonical |
| 5 | Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Luke Skywalker | Canonical |
| 6 | Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Luke Skywalker / Leia Organa | Canonical |
| 7 | Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens | 152015 | Rey (shared) | Canonical |
| 8 | Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | 2017 | Rey, Finn, Poe | Canonical |
| 9 | Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Rey (shared) | Canonical |
Chronological Timeline For Lore Purposes
If your interest is story chronology rather than release dates, the saga unfolds as follows. The High Republic works exist outside this core list as multi‑media events rather than feature films. This ordering reflects in‑universe events and is the framework most often used by writers and continuity guides when discussing character development and galaxy‑spanning cause and effect.
| In‑Story Era | Feature Film(s) | Year (Release) | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre‑Republic / Legends baseline | none (films begin here) | — | Reference point for Jedi history |
| The Fall of the Jedi (Old Republic) | Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Transformation of Anakin to Vader; Republic to Empire |
| The Clone Wars | Episode II – Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Conflict escalation; key battles and political shifts |
| The Prequel Republic | Episode I – The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Introduction of the Republic, Jedi, and the Chosen One mythos |
| Imperial Rise & Rebellion | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 | Live‑action, canonical, bridges to Episode IV |
| The Original Trilogy Timeline | Episode IV – A New Hope | 1977 | Luke’s origin, Death Star destruction |
| The Original Trilogy Timeline | Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | 801980 | Revelations on parentage and defeat at Hoth |
| The Original Trilogy Timeline | Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Death of Vader; balance restored |
| New Republic / First Order Emergence | Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | Live‑action, canonical, origins of key figures |
| The Sequel Era | Episode VII – The Force Awakens | 2015 | Rise of the Resistance; legacy characters return |
| The Sequel Era | Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | 2017 | Ideological conflict; expansion of the galaxy |
| The Sequel Era | Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Conclusion of the Skywalker bloodline arc |
Defining Canon In This List
Canon in the Star Wars context refers to material sanctioned by Lucasfilm as part of the official continuity. The nine Skywalker Saga films are universally treated as canon. Certain animated features and series occupy adjacent continuity or exist as separate canons (for example, the 2008 Clone Wars animated film is treated as canon within its series but not as a primary film). This guide sticks to feature films for clarity and long‑term durability.
Live‑Action Standalone Films
Outside the numbered Skywalker Saga, a handful of live‑action films expand the timeline without directly continuing the main arc. Their canonical standing is consistent with official licensing and narrative integration, though they are not required viewing to understand the central story.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — Directly links to Episode IV; canonical.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) — Explores origins within the established universe; canonical.
- Other announced or in‑development standalone projects are subject to Lucasfilm’s future plans and are not included here as established feature films.
Animated Features And Extended Media
While the primary film list focuses on theatrical features, it is useful to note that the franchise includes notable animated works. These are generally considered non‑canonical to the main continuity or exist in distinct story branches, but they contribute substantially to worldbuilding and character exploration.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 animated film) — Serves as a pilot for the series; treated as canonical within that animated continuity.
- Star Wars: Visions (2021) — An anthology of short films by multiple studios; generally non‑canonical and intended as separate ‘what‑if’ explorations.
- Young Jedi Adventures (2023) — A new animated series aimed at younger audiences; canonical within its designated timeline.
How To Use This Guide
You can approach the movies in several durable ways depending on your goals. Chronological viewing delivers a linear understanding of the fall of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire. Release order preserves the cultural and cinematic experience intended for general audiences. Thematic or character‑based paths—such as focusing on Anakin’s arc, the Skywalker legacy, or the journey of Rey—allow deeper narrative analysis. For continuity‑sensitive objectives, prioritize the nine Skywalker Saga films and treat standalone titles as complementary context.
Quick Reference: Viewing Paths
- Release order (recommended for most viewers): Episodes I → II → III → IV → V → VI → VII → VIII → IX.
- Chronological order (lore focus): Episode I → II → III → Rogue One → IV → V → VI → Solo → VII → VIII → IX.
- Character arcs (example): Anakin’s arc (I → II → III), Luke’s arc (IV → V → VI), Rey’s arc (VII → VIII → IX).
- Standalone essentials: Rogue One and Solo for key worldbuilding and origin stories.
Final Notes On Scope And Evolution
This guide reflects the established film lineup as of 2025 and intentionally excludes speculative future titles, streaming‑first releases, or projects whose status remains unconfirmed. The Star Wars franchise occasionally revises continuity through new editions, remasters, or reinterpretations; when those changes are formally adopted in official sources, this overview will be updated accordingly. For now, the nine Skywalker Saga films plus the two canonical standalone features provide a complete and durable foundation for exploring the saga.