What are the 12 Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order?

The galaxy far, far away has expanded significantly since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. With new movies, spin-offs, and an array of Disney+ series, it can be overwhelming for new fans or the “Star Wars curious” to figure out where to begin. Should you watch the films in release order or follow the chronological, in-universe timeline? Let’s break it down for you and dive deeper into the legacy of Star Wars, along with what’s on the horizon.

The 12 Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order

For those who prefer to experience the story as it unfolds within the galaxy’s timeline, here’s the chronological order:

1. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
   • The beginning of Anakin Skywalker’s journey and the rise of the Sith.
2. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
   • The start of the Clone Wars and the deepening mystery of the Sith’s plans.
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008, plus the animated series)
   • An animated exploration of the events between Episodes II and III, adding depth to characters like Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka Tano.
4. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
   • The tragic transformation of Anakin into Darth Vader and the fall of the Jedi.
5. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
   • Han Solo’s origin story, including his first meeting with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian.
6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
   • The daring mission to steal the Death Star plans, directly leading into Episode IV.
7. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
   • The classic that started it all: the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.
8. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
   • The darker sequel that introduces Yoda and reveals Darth Vader’s shocking secret.
9. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
   • The conclusion of the original trilogy with the downfall of the Emperor and redemption of Darth Vader.
10. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
    • The saga continues with Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren taking center stage.
11. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
    • A bold, controversial entry that challenges traditions and expectations.
12. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
    • The culmination of the Skywalker saga, bringing Rey’s story to a dramatic conclusion.

The 12 Star Wars Movies in Order of Release Date

If you’d rather follow the release order and experience the evolution of filmmaking styles and storytelling, here’s the list:

1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
8. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
10. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
12. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The George Lucas Star Wars Movies in Order of Release Date

Before Disney’s acquisition, Star Wars was the brainchild of George Lucas, who either directed or oversaw the first six films:

1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

Fun Fact: Lucas had outlined treatments for Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, but Disney opted to go in a different direction, leading to public disagreements between the studio and Lucas.

Disney’s Star Wars Era: Series and Streaming Impact

Disney’s expansion of the Star Wars universe goes far beyond movies. The advent of Disney+ brought hit series like The Mandalorian and Andor, which fill in gaps and explore new corners of the galaxy. Here’s a quick overview of the Disney+ timeline:

• The Mandalorian: Set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, focusing on bounty hunter Din Djarin and fan-favorite Grogu (aka Baby Yoda).
• The Book of Boba Fett: Following the infamous bounty hunter’s exploits after his escape from the Sarlacc pit.
• Obi-Wan Kenobi: Bridging the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
• Ahsoka: Spinning off from The Clone Wars and Rebels, expanding on Anakin’s former Padawan’s story.
• The Acolyte: A prequel series set before The Phantom Menace, exploring the rise of the Sith.

The Future of Star Wars Movies: A Rocky Road Ahead

The cinematic future of Star Wars has been tumultuous, with numerous projects announced and later shelved:

1. Rogue Squadron: Initially set to be directed by Patty Jenkins, this project has reportedly been put on indefinite hold.
2. Taika Waititi’s Untitled Project: Details remain scarce, though the project is still technically in development.
3. Kevin Feige’s Star Wars Film: Once a highly anticipated project, this seems to have quietly fallen off the radar.
4. Rey’s Post-Rise of Skywalker Film: Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey has been hinted at, but the project’s status is unclear.
5. The Mandalorian Movie: Rumors suggest a theatrical conclusion to the Disney+ series, but no official announcement has been made.

Wrapping Up: A Galaxy in Flux

Seven years after The Force Awakens reignited the franchise, Star Wars stands at a crossroads. With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and controversy, the saga continues to capture imaginations and spark debate. Whether you’re diving into the films for the first time or revisiting old favorites, there’s no denying the enduring allure of this galaxy far, far away.

Which order do you prefer when watching Star Wars? Share this article and join the conversation online!

Sources

• Official Star Wars Timeline – StarWars.com
• Disney+ Star Wars Series Overview
• Daisy Ridley Discusses Rey’s Potential Future
• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron News

Last Updated on December 28, 2024