How Many Movies Are in the Star Wars Series
The Star Wars film series includes three trilogies, independent standalone films, and animated features that expand the saga. The core Skywalker saga consists of nine episodic theatrical films released between 1977 and 2019. Outside this main arc are spin‑offs, animated projects, and compilations that contribute to the overall on‑screen timeline but are typically grouped separately when counting Star Wars movies. This guide breaks down each category and explains how they fit together.
The Nine‑Film Skywalker Saga
The central Star Wars story is structured as a nine‑film saga that follows three generations of the Skywalker family. Often labeled Episodes I–IX, these movies present a continuous chronology from Anakin’s fall to Ben Solo’s redemption. The episodes were released across four decades and anchor the franchise’s primary continuity.
Featured Table: Main Skywalker Saga Episodes
| Episode Title | Release Year | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Origin |
| Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Origin |
| Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Origin |
| Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 1977 | Foundation |
| Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Foundation |
| Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Foundation |
| Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens | 2015 | Sequel |
| Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | 2017 | Sequel |
| Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Sequel |
Standalone Films Outside the Saga
Beyond the nine‑episode saga, several standalone theatrical movies are set in the Star Wars universe. These stories focus on individual characters, planets, or eras and are generally considered part of the broader canon, though they are not numbered as episodes.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — Direct prequel to Episode IV, focused on the theft of the Death Star plans.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) — Explores the early life of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian.
Animated Features and Compilations
The franchise includes several animated and reedited releases that some audiences count among Star Wars movies, though they are often treated as supplemental material.
- The Clone Wars (2008) — CGI theatrical feature that bridges story arcs between The Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — Expanded Edition (2020) — A reedited version of Episode IX with restructured scenes.
- Visions (2021) — Anthology of short films that explore alternate timelines, not framed as a single movie.
What Counts as a “Movie” in Star Wars
Definitions vary by context. For most global box office records and series counts, official sources and databases treat the nine episodic films as the core theatrical franchise. Standalone features are usually added for broader totals, while animated projects and reedited releases are noted separately to avoid confusion over continuity and commercial rankings.
Relationship of Films Within the Timeline
The Star Wars timeline sequences events from ancient history to the far future. The saga episodes present a linear arc, while standalone films like Rogue One sit directly adjacent to the main story, and animated works often explore side narratives. Understanding this structure helps viewers and analysts distinguish between canonical movies that advance the central plot and supplementary content that enriches the universe.
Summary of Key Movie Counts
Below is a concise reference that distinguishes commonly counted categories and their totals.
Featured Table: Star Wars Movies by Category
| Category | Number of Movies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skywalker Saga (Episodes I–IX) | 9 | Core episodic releases from 1977–2019 |
| Standalone Theatrical Films | 2 | Rogue One (2016), Solo (2018) |
| Major Animated Features | 1 | The Clone Wars (2008) |
| Reedited or Expanded Editions | 1 | Expanded version of Episode IX (2020) |
| Total Feature-Length Movies (Primary Canon) | 13 | Episodes, standalone features, and significant animated releases |
Counting the nine Skywalker episodes plus major standalone and animated features yields approximately 13 feature-length movies widely recognized by studios and databases. Smaller shorts, series episodes, and promotional content are typically excluded from movie counts to maintain clarity around narrative features.
Where to Watch and Explore
The main saga and standalone films are available on licensed streaming platforms and physical media. Regional availability and ordering may vary by provider, so it’s best to check local catalogs for the most current access options. Including these films in a viewing plan offers a comprehensive look at the franchise’s evolution across decades.
Closing Overview
When people ask how many movies are in the Star Wars series, the direct answer is nine episodic films in the Skywalker saga. Including major standalone features and landmark animated projects brings the widely accepted total to about 13 feature-length movies. This framing captures the franchise’s primary narrative while acknowledging supplemental content that enriches the universe.