How many Star Wars movies are there in total depends on how you define a "movie" and where you draw the line between theatrical features, streaming originals, and animated projects. This guide breaks down the live-action saga, the anthology films, and the canon TV and animated entries, so you can count the full galaxy with confidence.
The Nine Live-Action Skywalker Saga Films
The core theatrical saga consists of nine live-action episodes released between 1977 and 2019. These films anchor the timeline and represent what most people mean when asking about the number of Star Wars movies.
The Original Trilogy (1977–1983)
- 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)
The Prequel Trilogy (1999–2005)
- 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)
The Sequel Trilogy (2015–2019)
- 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)
Anthology and Spin-Off Films
These are standalone movies set in the Star Wars universe but outside the main Skywalker lineage. Not every fan counts these as part of a personal tally because they are neither numbered episodes nor direct sequels to the saga.
Released Anthology Films
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Upcoming and Development
As of now, no new anthology films have been announced or released beyond Solo, though development has been rumored for various stories. Because these projects move in and out of active development, the count can change over time.
Canonical TV Series by Format
The definition of "movie" rarely includes series, but it is useful to understand how Star Wars extends into long-form storytelling. The following table summarizes notable animated and live-action series, their formats, and their canonicity status under current Lucasfilm policy as overseen by the Lucasfilm Story Group.
Key Animated Series
| Series Title | Premiere Year | Animation Style | Canon Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: The Clone Wars | 2008 | CGI | Canon |
| Star Wars: The Bad Batch | 2021 | CGI | Canon |
| Star Wars: Rebels | 2014 | CGI | Canon |
| Star Wars: Resistance | 2018 | CGI | Canon |
| Star Wars: Visions | 2021 | Anime anthology | Canon (Creative Canon) |
Key Live-Action Series
- The Mandalorian (2019–present)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Andor (2022–2023)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
How to Count the Movies: Practical Definitions
When people ask how many Star Wars movies there are, they usually fall into one of three counting methods. Clarifying the definition removes confusion and aligns expectations.
- Theatrical Feature Count: 9 saga films + 2 anthology films = 11 theatrical features.
- Solo Feature Count: 9 saga films only, excluding anthologies.
- Canon Feature Count (official): 9 saga films; anthology films are labeled as "Star Wars stories" rather than numbered movies, though they remain part of the official canon.
Streaming and Extended Formats
Streaming has expanded what counts as a "movie" in casual conversation. Limited series on Disney+ such as The Mandalorian often feel cinematic in scope, even if they are technically episodic. Understanding the distinction between film and television helps keep tallies accurate when comparing across sources.
Common Points of Confusion
Several titles generate repeated questions about whether they belong in a movie count. Clarity here helps prevent double-counting or missing entries.
- Mortis trilogy: A three-episode sub-arc within The Clone Wars series; not a standalone movie.
- LEGO Star Wars specials: Animated parodies released direct-to-video; generally not considered canonical features.
- Droids and Ewoks: Early animated series; not movies.
- Visions: An anthology of self-contained anime stories; each episode is short, and the series is not structured as a feature film.
Quick Reference
Use this summary to quickly identify what counts in each common interpretation.
Counting Approaches Compared
| Approach | Includes | Total Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saga Only | Episodes I–IX | 9 | Most common when people ask about movies |
| Theatrical Features | Saga + Anthologies | 11 | All released in cinemas |
| Official Canon Features | Saga films only (anthologies vary in labeling) | 9 | Lucasfilm treats anthologies as stories, not numbered movies |
Where to Watch and Availability
The primary catalog lives on Disney+, with regional variations due to licensing. Some earlier films occasionally appear on other broadcasters or premium channels, but Disney+ remains the central hub for binge-watching the full collection.
Final Count Summary
There is no single number that fits every definition, but the most common answers are: 9 theatrical saga films, 11 theatrical features when anthologies are included, and a growing catalog of canonical series that expand the galaxy far, far away. For a consistent, evergreen answer, clarify whether you are counting episodes, animated stories, or only standalone features.
As a rule of thumb, if someone asks how many Star Wars movies there are without further context, nine feature films is the default expectation, with two additional anthology films available for viewers who seek the broader cinematic universe.