The Star Wars franchise comprises eleven live-action films spanning three narrative eras, with multiple watch orders available to suit different viewing preferences. Whether approaching the saga for the first time or revisiting the galaxy far, far away, understanding the distinction between release dates and in-universe chronology proves essential.
This guide examines the complete filmography, from the Original Trilogy that began in 1977 to the Disney+ integration of modern spin-offs. We address the optimal viewing sequence for newcomers, the box office performance of each instalment, and the confirmed upcoming releases scheduled through 2026.
What Order Should You Watch the Star Wars Movies?
| Era | Key Films | Year Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prequel Trilogy | Episodes I–III | 1999–2005 |
| Original Trilogy | Episodes IV–VI | 1977–1983 |
| Sequel Trilogy | Episodes VII–IX | 2015–2019 |
| Anthology/Spin-offs | Rogue One, Solo | 2016–2018 |
- Total catalogue: Eleven live-action feature films constitute the current canon.
- Commercial peak: The Force Awakens generated $2.07 billion worldwide, the highest gross in the franchise.
- Narrative structure: Three distinct trilogies cover the fall and redemption of the Skywalker family.
- Streaming integration: Disney+ hosts the entire film library alongside interconnected television series.
- Beginner recommendation: Release order preserves plot twists and cultural impact as originally experienced.
- Expanded universe: Two standalone anthology films explore events outside the central saga.
- Future releases: The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for theatrical release in May 2026.
| Film | Release Year | Era | Worldwide Gross (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Prequel | $1.03 billion |
| Star Wars: Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Prequel | — |
| Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | Prequel | — |
| Star Wars: A New Hope | 1977 | Original | — |
| Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | Original | — |
| Star Wars: Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Original | — |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | 2015 | Sequel | $2.07 billion |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 | Anthology | $1.06 billion |
| Star Wars: The Last Jedi | 2017 | Sequel | $1.33 billion |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | Anthology | — |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | Sequel | $1.08 billion |
How Many Star Wars Movies Are There and What Are They?
The current canon contains eleven theatrical releases. These divide into nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga and two standalone anthology pictures.
The Skywalker Saga
The central narrative consists of three trilogies. The Original Trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) established the conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. The Prequel Trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith) depicts the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Sith. The Sequel Trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker) concludes the family saga three decades after the Empire’s defeat.
Anthology Films
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) details the theft of the Death Star plans immediately preceding A New Hope. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) explores the early career of the smuggler Han Solo. Both films operate outside the episode numbering system whilst maintaining canonical status.
Disney+ streams the core Star Wars movies and TV shows, including spin-offs like The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, with integration across its library for easy access to the franchise. Source
Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order
In-universe chronology differs significantly from theatrical release order, presenting the story across distinct historical periods.
The Fall of the Republic
The narrative begins with The Phantom Menace, followed by Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. These document the political collapse of the Galactic Republic and the transformation of Anakin Skywalker. Solo follows during the early years of the Empire.
The Galactic Civil War
Rogue One leads directly into A New Hope, which continues through The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This era covers the Rebel Alliance’s successful campaign against Imperial forces.
The Rise of the First Order
Decades later, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker depict the emergence of the First Order and the final confrontation between the Jedi and Sith. Complete film listings provide additional production details.
Star Wars Movies Ranked from Best to Worst
Critical and Audience Reception
Aggregate rankings from critics and viewers consistently position The Empire Strikes Back as the highest-rated instalment, followed by A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One typically occupy the next tier. The sequel trilogy generates more divided reactions, with The Last Jedi proving particularly polarising despite its $1.33 billion box office performance. Critical aggregates reflect these divergent assessments.
Box Office Performance
Financial success does not always correlate with critical acclaim. The Force Awakens remains the top earner at $2.07 billion, whilst the Original Trilogy films, though lowest in absolute gross due to inflation and era-specific markets, maintain the strongest reputational standing. Box office data provides unadjusted global figures.
Release order is recommended for beginners to preserve twists and cultural impact, mirroring how audiences first experienced the saga.
No major 2025 theatrical releases are confirmed in available data; focus shifts to Disney+ expansions including Andor Season 2 and Skeleton Crew.
When Were the Star Wars Movies Released?
- : Star Wars: A New Hope IMDb reference
- : Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- : Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
- : Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
- : Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
- : Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
- : Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- : Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- : Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- : Solo: A Star Wars Story
- : Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
- : The Mandalorian & Grogu (scheduled)
Which Star Wars Projects Are Confirmed for 2025 and Beyond?
| Established Information | Uncertain or Unconfirmed |
|---|---|
| The Mandalorian & Grogu film releases May 2026 | Status of the Rey-focused film (rumoured, not confirmed) |
| Andor Season 2 premieres on Disney+ | Any additional theatrical releases for 2025 |
| Ahsoka Season 2 in production for Disney+ | Specific premiere dates beyond confirmed windows |
| Skeleton Crew releasing on Disney+ | Future anthology film slate details |
Where Can You Watch Star Wars Movies?
Disney+ currently serves as the exclusive streaming home for the complete Star Wars filmography, including the Skywalker Saga and both anthology entries. The platform integrates these films with related television content such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka, positioning the movies within a broader narrative timeline that spans from the fall of the Republic through the rise of the First Order.
The Disney Movies – Legacy Of Innovation And Storytelling contextualises the franchise within the studio’s broader production history. Official Star Wars resources provide additional viewing guides and supplementary materials.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Franchise?
The Skywalker Saga comprises nine main films: Original Trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), Prequel Trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith), and Sequel Trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker).
— Disney Fandom Wiki, referencing Disney+ content categorisation
Spin-off Films: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), both available on Disney+.
— Disney Fandom Wiki
What Is the Best Way to Start Watching Star Wars?
First-time viewers should follow theatrical release order, beginning with A New Hope (1977) and proceeding through the Original Trilogy before advancing to the Prequels and Sequels. This approach preserves the saga’s major narrative revelations and cultural impact. For comprehensive sequencing including television series, consult the Star Wars Movies – Complete Release and Chronological Order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any new Star Wars movies in 2025?
No major theatrical releases are confirmed for 2025. The next confirmed film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, releases in May 2026. Disney+ series including Andor Season 2 and Skeleton Crew premiere during 2025.
How do the Star Wars TV shows fit with the movies?
The Mandalorian slots between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. Obi-Wan Kenobi follows Revenge of the Sith. Andor leads into Rogue One. Ahsoka connects to The Mandalorian timeline. Disney+ integrates these via shared timelines and character crossovers.
Which Star Wars trilogy is considered the best?
Critical and audience consensus favours the Original Trilogy (1977–1983), particularly The Empire Strikes Back. The Prequel Trilogy has gained retrospective appreciation, whilst the Sequel Trilogy remains more divisive among viewers.
What is the Machete Order?
Machete Order presents Episodes IV and V, then II and III, then VI, skipping The Phantom Menace initially to preserve narrative reveals. It is designed for rewatches rather than first-time viewing.
How many hours of Star Wars movies are there?
Eleven films with an average runtime of approximately two hours and fifteen minutes each provide roughly twenty-five hours of theatrical content, excluding television series and animated features.
Is Solo: A Star Wars Story essential viewing?
Whilst not essential to the Skywalker Saga narrative, Solo provides backstory for the character and connects to The Clone Wars and Rebels animated series through secondary characters.
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