Star Wars Film Titles in Order
The Star Wars saga is best understood through two orderings: release order and chronological narrative order. This guide lists every live-action feature film from the Skywalker saga and anthology series, clarifies their in-universe timeline placement, and explains how these titles relate across the main nine-film core and standalone anthology films. Use this map to plan your viewing by narrative progression, release history, or production sequence.
Primary Nine-Film Skywalker Saga (Main Story Arc)
These nine films represent the core Skywalker saga, designed as a single overarching narrative. Watching in release order preserves the intended mystery, reveals, and cinematic evolution, while chronological order emphasizes in-universe continuity and generational arcs.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order Quick Reference
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) — 32 BBY; earliest in timeline, released first.
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) — 22 BBY; follows Episode I in both timeline and release.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) — 19 BBY; concludes the prequel trilogy.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) — 13–10 BBY; standalone anthology set between III and IV, released after The Force Awakens.
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) — 0 BBY; original trilogy start, released before prequels.
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 3 ABY; midway in timeline and release.
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) — 4 ABY; ends the original trilogy.
- The Force Awakens (2015) — 34 ABY; launches the sequel trilogy, released after Solo.
- The Last Jedi (2017) — 34 ABY; direct sequel to The Force Awakens.
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019) — 35 ABY; concludes the sequel trilogy and Skywalker saga.
Chronological Narrative Order (In-Universe Timeline)
For viewers who prefer a timeline-driven approach, the saga can be watched as it occurs in-universe. This places the prequel films first, followed by the Clone Wars content (films, series, and novels), the original trilogy, the anthology film Solo, and finally the sequel trilogy.
| Order | Title | Date in Universe | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode I: The Phantom Menace | 32 BBY | 1999 |
| 2 | Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 22 BBY | 2002 |
| 3 | Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 19 BBY | 2005 |
| 4 | Solo: A Star Wars Story | 13–10 BBY | 2018 |
| 5 | Episode IV: A New Hope | 0 BBY | 1977 |
| 6 | Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back | 3 ABY | 1980 |
| 7 | Episode VI: Return of the Jedi | 4 ABY | 1983 |
| 8 | The Force Awakens | 34 ABY | 2015 |
| 9 | The Last Jedi | 34 ABY | 2017 |
| 10 | The Rise of Skywalker | 35 ABY | 2019 |
Anthology and Standalone Films
Anthology films explore stories outside the central Skywalker lineage. They are not numbered episodes and are largely independent of the main saga’s protagonist arc, though some connect to specific eras or characters within the larger continuity.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Released in 2016, Rogue One is a near-direct prequel to Episode IV, set immediately before A New Hope. Its timeline placement is 0 BBY to approximately 0 ABY, focusing on the Rebel Alliance’s acquisition of the Death Star plans. Unlike the main saga, it carries a darker, war-focused tone and concludes with a direct crossover into the opening of A New Hope.
Where to Begin Depending on Your Goals
Your starting point should match what you want from the series:
- Narrative Chronology: Start with Episode I, proceed through Episode III, then continue through the saga, followed by Solo and Rogue One as they fit.
- Cinematic Experience & Surprise: Begin with the original 1977 release order: Episode IV, V, VI, then continue with I, II, III, and finally the sequel trilogy and anthology films.
- Production History: Follow release order across both the classic and prequel trilogies, then the sequel trilogy, and finish with anthology films to see how the franchise expanded.
Key Notes on Continuity and Canon
Canon in Star Wars includes all televised and filmed projects endorsed by Lucasfilm. The sequel trilogy and core saga films hold primary continuity, while some older Legends-material storylines are now considered non-canonical. Anthology films like Rogue One are canon and integrate directly into the main timeline, whereas Solo is a self-contained character study with limited crossover impact.
Summary at a Glance
| Category | Films | Typical Viewing Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Core Saga | Episodes I–IX | Follow the Skywalker family journey |
| Anthology | Rogue One, Solo | Explore specific eras and characters outside the main arc |
| Best for First-Time Viewers (Narrative) | I → II → III → Solo → IV → V → VI → The Force Awakens → The Last Jedi → The Rise of Skywalker | Experience plot chronologically |
| Best for Cinematic Mystery | IV → V → VI → I → II → III → The Force Awakens → The Last Jedi → The Rise of Skywalker | Preserve reveals and surprises |
Final Guidance
Use this ordering reference to align the Star Wars films with your viewing intent—whether you are approaching the material for the first time or re-examining the saga with context in mind. The titles and their placement across eras are stable; your chosen sequence can vary to suit narrative clarity, nostalgia, or simple preference.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is there an official 'correct' order to watch Star Wars movies?
There is no single official order mandated by Lucasfilm. The saga is designed to be experienced as released for most viewers, but chronological and thematic orderings are valid alternatives depending on your goals.
Where do animated series and books fit in relation to these films?
Canonical animated series such as The Clone Wars and Rebels take place within the timeline, filling gaps primarily between Episode II and III and around the early Rebellion era. Their events are considered canon but are not direct substitutes for the narrative provided in the films.