Release order versus story order
The most reliable answer to "what is the correct order of the Star Wars movies" depends on whether you prioritize theatrical release or continuous timeline. Release order preserves creative context; story order follows linear chronology. Both paths are valid, and your goal determines which is correct for you.
Canonical saga arcs
Star Wars is organized into three major arcs: the Skywalker saga (episodes I–IX), the standalone anthology films, and the sequel trilogy. Episodes I–IX trace a continuous narrative from the fall of the Republic through the rise of the New Republic, while anthologies and sequels expand the timeline with new protagonists and eras.
The Skywalker saga in story order
In narrative terms, the core saga follows Anakin, Luke, and Rey across generations. Episodes I–IX proceed chronologically as: The Phantom Menace, The Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
The Skywalker saga in release order
Theatrical history reshapes expectations and influences visual evolution. Episode I debuted in 1999, Episodes II and III followed in 2002 and 2005, Episodes IV and V arrived in 1977 and 1980, Episodes VI and VII premiered in 1983 and 2015, and Episodes VIII and IX released in 2017 and 2019.
| Episodic number | Title | Theatrical release | Primary era in timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | The Phantom Menace | 1999 | 32 BBY |
| II | Attack of the Clones | 2002 | 22 BBY |
| III | Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | 19 BBY |
| IV | A New Hope | 1977 | 0 BBY |
| V | The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | 3 ABY |
| VI | Return of the Jedi | 1983 | 4 ABY |
| VII | The Force Awakens | 2015 | 34 ABY |
| VIII | The Last Jedi | 2017 | 34 ABY |
| IX | The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | 35 ABY |
The standalone films
Rogue One and Solo are anthology films that slot into specific years without following the Skywalker bloodline. Rogue One precedes Episode IV by a brief gap, depicting the theft of the Death Star plans. Solo explores a young Han Solo roughly a decade before A New Hope. Both are optional but enrich the universe for dedicated fans.
The High Republic and other eras
Disney+ has expanded Star Wars into The High Republic, set roughly two centuries before The Phantom Menace, along with animated series that further contextualize the Jedi and Sith. These materials are valuable for lore but not required to understand the main film sequence.
How to choose the order that fits you
If you want the cinematic experience as audiences originally encountered it, follow release order: Phantom Menace through The Rise of Skywalker. If you prefer uninterrupted chronology, watch in story order, inserting anthology films where they temporally belong. Consider starting with the original trilogy if you favor immediate impact, or the prequels if worldbuilding appeals most.
- Release order: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, plus Rogue One and Solo positioned around IV
- Story order: I, II, III, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, Solo, VII, VIII, IX
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Number of episodic films | 9 | Lucasfilm/Disney canon |
| Number of main-episode Skywalker films | 9 episodes (I–IX) | Lucasfilm/Disney canon |
| First theatrical release | Episode IV: A New Hope, 1977 | Box office history |
| Time gap between Episodes V and VI | 3 years (1980–1983) | Release records |
| Time gap between Episodes VI and VII | 32 years (1983–2015) | Release records |
| Rogue One calendar placement | Directly precedes Episode IV | Lucasfilm synopsis |
| Solo approximate setting | ~10 years before A New Hope | Lucasfilm narrative notes |