Since the 1977 debut of Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope), the franchise has produced a mix of main saga films, episodic adventures, and standalone features. This guide provides a verified, evergreen count and explains how to distinguish theatrical movies from series content, re-releases, and spinoffs. Below you will find the definitive list, release years, and notes on what qualifies each title as a core Star Wars movie.
Main Skywalker Saga Films
The core episodic saga consists of nine feature films released across three trilogies. These films follow Anakin Skywalker’s lineage and the fate of the galaxy, framed by numbered episodes. Each entry is a multi-hour theatrical event produced as a chapter in the continuous Skywalker narrative.
Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The first chronological chapter of the Skywalker saga, introducing Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the political backdrop of the Republic.
Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Explores the rise of separatism, clone armies, and the complex romance that sets the war in motion.
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Concludes the prequel trilogy with the fall of Anakin, the birth of the Empire, and the rise of the Sith.
Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The original film that launched the phenomenon, introducing Luke, Leia, Han, and the Rebel Alliance.
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
A darker, pivotal chapter featuring iconic revelations and the Empire’s counteroffensive.
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Brings the Skywalker saga to a close with the defeat of the Emperor and the redemption of Vader.
Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The start of a new continuity, following a new generation while honoring the legacy of the original cast.
Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
A continuation that redefined heroism, legacy, and the nature of the Force.
Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The concluding chapter of the Skywalker bloodline and the sequel era’s narrative arc.
| Episode | Title | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Theatrical feature |
| II | Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Theatrical feature |
| III | Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Theatrical feature |
| IV | A New Hope | 1977 | Theatrical feature |
| V | The Empire Strikes Back | 1997 (re-release) | Re-release modified |
| V | The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Theatrical feature |
| VI | Return of the Jedi | 2005 (re-release) | Re-release modified |
| VI | Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Theatrical feature |
| VII | The Force Awakens | 2015 | Theatrical feature |
| VIII | The Last Jedi | 2017 | Theatrical feature |
| IX | The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Theatrical feature |
Standalone and Spinoff Features
Beyond the Sky saga, several standalone films expand the universe with self-contained stories. These films do not follow the numbered episodic structure but are full-length theatrical movies.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): A direct prequel to Episode IV that follows a rebel mission to steal the Death Star plans.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): Explores the early adventures of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian.
Together with the nine Skywalker episodes, this brings the total count of feature-length Star Wars movies to 11 theatrical releases.
What Qualifies as a Star Wars Movie
When counting Star Wars movies, the definition typically includes:
- Theatrical feature films released under the Star Wars banner.
- Re-releases of existing films when materially altered or re-presented (e.g., special editions).
- Standalone narratives that are canonical and intended as part of the franchise continuity.
Note that series such as The Mandalorian or Obi-Wan Kenobi are serialized television shows, not movies, and are not counted in the film total. Short films, documentaries, and making-of features are also excluded from the movie count.
Why Episode Numbering Can Be Confusing
The distinction between episodes and chronological order often causes confusion. Episodes I–III were produced and released after the original trilogy but depict earlier events. Episodes IV–VI were released first but are narratively the middle of the saga. Episodes VII–IX continue the timeline after the original and prequel trilogies. Standalone films like Rogue One occur immediately before Episode IV but carry their own numbering distinct from the main saga.
Key Milestones in the Franchise
Understanding the timeline helps clarify what counts as a movie and how re-releases fit into the broader history.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Release of Episode IV: A New Hope | Launched global franchise and defined the modern blockbuster. |
| 1999 | Release of Episode I: The Phantom Menace | Marked the beginning of the prequel trilogy. |
| 2015 | Release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens | Revived theatrical interest and bridged classic and new generations. |
| 2016 | Release of Rogue One | First canonical Star Wars standalone feature. |
| 2018 | Release of Solo | Second standalone feature, exploring Han’s origins. |
Common Misconceptions
- Only 9 movies: This counts only the numbered Skywalker episodes, omitting the two standalone films.
- Counting re-releases as new movies: Re-releases are versions of existing films, not new stories.
- TV series as movies: Limited series and long-form storytelling on streaming are not feature films.
Summary
There are 11 theatrical Star Wars movies: 9 episodes of the main Skywalker saga and 2 standalone features (Rogue One and Solo). This count reflects feature-length theatrical releases intended as part of the franchise’s primary continuity. Television series, documentaries, and re-releases of existing films are not counted as additional movies.