Introduction
Star Wars spans 11 films, over a dozen series, hundreds of characters, and a timeline that stretches across thousands of years. If you're discovering this universe for the first time, one question always comes up: where do you start?
The theatrical release order doesn't match the chronological order of the story at all. The original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI) came out before the prequels (Episodes I, II, III), and Disney+ series are scattered throughout the timeline. Not to mention spin-offs like Rogue One and Solo.
In this guide, we give you the complete chronology of Star Wars films and series, with a summary of each entry and quizzes to test your knowledge along the way. Whether you're a curious Padawan or a Jedi Master looking for a refresher, this is your definitive resource.
Note: We use the BY (Battle of Yavin) notation to place events in the timeline. The Battle of Yavin is the destruction of the first Death Star in Episode IV. Everything before is noted "BBY" (Before the Battle of Yavin), everything after is "ABY" (After the Battle of Yavin).
Release Order vs Chronological Order
Two schools of thought have been battling for decades in the Star Wars community:
Release order (the order films hit theaters) preserves all the narrative surprises as George Lucas intended. The legendary twist in The Empire Strikes Back — "I am your father" — loses all its impact if you've already seen the prequels. This is the recommended order for a first-time viewing.
Chronological order tells the story linearly, from Palpatine's rise to power through the fall of the First Order. It's the ideal approach for a rewatch, when you already know the big twists and want to appreciate the connections between eras.
There's also the Machete Order (IV, V, II, III, VI — skipping Episode I), but it's less relevant today with the addition of series and spin-offs.
Our advice: First time → release order. Second viewing → chronological order, incorporating the series.
The Films in Chronological Order
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999 / 32 BBY)
It all begins on Naboo, a peaceful planet invaded by the Trade Federation. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent on a diplomatic mission but quickly discover the threat is far greater than a simple trade blockade.
On Tatooine, Qui-Gon meets Anakin Skywalker, a young slave with extraordinary potential in the Force. The famous podrace earns Anakin his freedom. But it's Darth Maul, the double-bladed Sith apprentice, who steals the show in a memorable duel that costs Qui-Gon his life.
Key takeaway: The prophecy of the Chosen One, midi-chlorians, and Palpatine's first behind-the-scenes moves.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002 / 22 BBY)
Ten years later. Anakin has become Obi-Wan's apprentice and falls deeply in love with Padmé Amidala, the Senator from Naboo. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan discovers a clone army secretly commissioned on Kamino and traces it back to bounty hunter Jango Fett.
The film climaxes in the Geonosis arena, where the Jedi face Count Dooku's Separatist forces. This marks the official start of the Clone Wars, a galactic conflict that will change everything.
Key takeaway: Anakin and Padmé's secret marriage, the creation of the clone army, and the first signs of Anakin's anger.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005 / 19 BBY)
The darkest episode of the prequel trilogy. Anakin, manipulated by Palpatine (revealed to be Darth Sidious), falls to the Dark Side and becomes Darth Vader. Order 66 is executed: the clones turn on the Jedi and massacre them across the galaxy.
The final duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin on Mustafar is one of the most intense moments in the entire saga. Anakin is left for dead, burned by lava, before being saved by Palpatine and sealed in the iconic black armor.
Padmé dies giving birth to Luke and Leia, who are separated for their protection. The Republic falls, the Empire rises.
