The main Skywalker saga release order
The core Star Wars saga was released in chronological story order across three original films followed by three prequel films and a sequel trilogy, concluding the nine-film Skywalker arc.
| Episode | Title | Theatrical release | Story chronology |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV | A New Hope | 1977 | 0 |
| V | The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | 1 |
| VI | Return of the Jedi | 1983 | 2 |
| I | The Phantom Menace | 1999 | 3 |
| II | Attack of the Clones | 2002 | 4 |
| III | Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | 5 |
| VII | The Force Awakens | 2015 | 6 |
| VIII | The Last Jedi | 2017 | 7 |
| IX | The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | 8 |
Standalone and spinoff releases
Outside the main Skywalker saga, several live-action features and one key animated film extend the universe with self-contained stories or ensemble casts. Their releases do not follow saga chronology.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
A war story set near the events of Episode III and leading into Episode IV, released as a standalone film in December 2016.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
An origin story for Han Solo, released in May 2018.
The Clone Wars film
An animated bridge set between Episode II and Episode III, released in 2008 to introduce the series and characters preceding the TV show of the same name.
Best approaches to watching Star Wars
Viewing order depends on your goals. Introductory order eases new viewers in; release order preserves cultural impact; publication order aligns with creator timelines; and saga order follows the central storyline.
| Approach | Recommended sequence | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | IV → V → VI → I → II → III → standalone animated → VII → VIII → IX → Rogue One → Solo | Accessible pacing for new viewers |
| Release | 1977 → 1980 → 1983 → 1999 → 2002 → 2005 → 2016 → 2008 animated film → 2015 → 2017 → 2019 → 2018 | Historical context and event viewing |
| Saga | 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → standalone animated films directly tied to the arc | Strict chronological narrative of the Skywalker family |
Animated series and TV films
Several animated features and series carry narrative weight, but for the question of what order the main Star Wars movies were released, focus the first viewing on the nine Skywalker saga films, adding the animated feature and standalones after as interest expands.
Special releases and restorations
The original and prequel trilogies have undergone multiple theatrical and home edits. Notable restorations and special editions may adjust presentation format, but the core nine-film release structure above remains the canonical order of initial theatrical launches.
Where the standalone films fit
Rogue One and Solo are narrative extensions adjacent to the saga. They explore specific eras and characters without altering the established timeline of the main nine-film sequence. The Clone Wars animated film serves as a precursor to the TV series and slots between Episodes II and III in story time.
How to choose a path
If you are new to Star Wars, the introductory path minimizes friction and maximizes enjoyment. If you are revisiting as a fan, release order captures the cultural moment-by-moment, while publication order suits deep continuity followers tracking creator intent across decades.
Continuity notes and further content
The Star Wars universe has expanded across film, television, comics, games, and novels. The table and sequences above center theatrical features, which remain the primary backbone of the shared saga for most long-term fans and cultural touchpoints.