Star Wars watch order: complete chronological guide 2026

Chronological or release order? Here is the complete guide to watching Star Wars in the right order, with a summary of each film and series.

22 mars 2026Updated on 8 avril 202612 min read443

In What Order Should You Watch Star Wars? Complete Timeline

Table of Contents

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.

Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy (I-II-III)

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Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy (I-II-III)

Anakin enslaved by Watto on Tatooine, Qui-Gon Jinn detecting his midi-chlorians, Jar Jar Binks the banished Gungan, the Younglings massacre by the 501st Legion: 15 questions on Episodes I, II and III.

2 min

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018 / 13 to 10 BBY)

The film tells the story of young Han Solo: how he met Chewbacca in the trenches of Mimban, won the Millennium Falcon from Lando Calrissian in a game of sabacc, and made the legendary Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.

We also meet Qi'ra, Han's childhood love, connected to the criminal organization Crimson Dawn, secretly led by... Darth Maul (yes, he survived).

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016 / 0 BBY)

The war film of Star Wars. Jyn Erso leads a team of rebels on a suicide mission to steal the Death Star plans. Every member of the Rogue One team dies in combat, a sacrifice that makes the victory in Episode IV possible.

The film ends with the iconic Vader hallway scene: Darth Vader slaughters rebel soldiers in the darkness, minutes before the plans are transmitted to Princess Leia.

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Star Wars: Rogue One & Solo

K-2SO sacrifices himself on Scarif, Han wins the Falcon from Lando in a rigged sabacc game, and Qi'ra betrays Dryden Vos for Darth Maul's Crimson Dawn. Test your knowledge of both spin-offs.

2 min

Episode IV: A New Hope (1977 / 0 BBY)

The film that started it all. Luke Skywalker, a farmer on Tatooine, discovers a distress message from Princess Leia inside the droid R2-D2. With the help of old Ben Kenobi (Obi-Wan), smuggler Han Solo, and Wookiee Chewbacca, he sets out to rescue Leia and joins the Rebellion.

The film climaxes with the Battle of Yavin: Luke, guided by the Force, destroys the Death Star with an impossible proton torpedo shot. A new era begins.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980 / 3 ABY)

Considered by many as the best film in the saga. The Empire strikes back: the rebel base on Hoth is destroyed, Luke trains with Master Yoda on Dagobah, and Han Solo is captured and frozen in carbonite by Boba Fett to be delivered to Jabba the Hutt.

The climax: the duel between Luke and Vader in Cloud City ends with cinema's most famous revelation, "I am your father." Luke loses a hand and a lot of certainties.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983 / 4 ABY)

The grand finale of the original trilogy. Luke and his friends rescue Han from Jabba the Hutt's palace on Tatooine. The Rebellion launches a final assault on the second Death Star orbiting Endor.

Luke faces Vader and the Emperor. When Palpatine tries to kill Luke with Force lightning, Vader turns on his master to save his son, finally fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One. Anakin Skywalker dies redeemed, and the galaxy is freed.

Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (IV-V-VI)

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Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (IV-V-VI)

Harrison Ford improvised Han Solo's "I know" instead of the scripted "I love you too". Lando flies the Falcon in the final assault on the Death Star. Test your memories of the 1977-1983 trilogy.

2 min

Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015 / 34 ABY)

Thirty years after the Empire's fall. The First Order has taken over, and the Resistance led by General Leia Organa fights for freedom. Rey, a scavenger on Jakku, discovers she is Force-sensitive. Finn, a defecting stormtrooper, joins her.

Han Solo is killed by his own son, Kylo Ren (Ben Solo), in one of the saga's most heartbreaking scenes. Starkiller Base, a weapon capable of destroying entire star systems, is ultimately destroyed.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017 / 34 ABY)

Rey finds Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To, but the old Master refuses to train her, traumatized by his failure with Ben Solo. The film explores the mysterious Force connection between Rey and Kylo Ren.

Admiral Holdo sacrifices herself by jumping her ship to hyperspace through the First Order fleet, the "Holdo Maneuver," one of the most visually spectacular scenes in the entire saga. Luke projects himself across the galaxy to face Kylo on Crait, allowing the last Resistance fighters to escape, before becoming one with the Force.

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019 / 35 ABY)

Palpatine is back (he always has a backup plan). Rey discovers she is his granddaughter. The Resistance launches a final attack on Exegol, the hidden Sith world, while Rey and Ben Solo join forces to defeat the Emperor once and for all.

Ben sacrifices himself to save Rey, and she chooses to take the name Skywalker : closing the nine-episode saga on a note of hope.

Star Wars: The Sequel Trilogy (VII-VIII-IX)

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Star Wars: The Sequel Trilogy (VII-VIII-IX)

Maz Kanata keeps Anakin's lightsaber on Takodana, Luke tosses his into the void of Ahch-To, and Rey learns she is Palpatine's granddaughter. Test your memories of the sequel trilogy.

2 min

The Series: Where Do They Fit in the Timeline?

The Disney+ Star Wars series significantly enrich the chronology. Here's where they fit and why they're worth watching.

The Clone Wars (2008-2020), Between Episodes II and III

Often regarded as the best Star Wars content across all formats. This 7-season animated series expands the Clone Wars in depth. We meet Ahsoka Tano, Anakin's apprentice who became one of the saga's most beloved characters, as well as Captain Rex and the clones, who become much more than simple soldiers.

The final seasons are of exceptional quality, with the Siege of Mandalore running in parallel with Revenge of the Sith.

Rebels (2014-2018), Between Episodes III and IV

An animated series following Ezra Bridger, a Force-sensitive orphan, and the crew of the Ghost in the early years of the Rebellion. Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi survivor of Order 66, becomes his master. Ahsoka Tano makes her grand return, and Grand Admiral Thrawn emerges as one of Star Wars' best antagonists.

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Star Wars: Clone Wars & Rebels

Asajj Ventress trained by Dooku, Ezra Bridger vanishing into hyperspace with Thrawn and the Purrgils, Maul taking Mandalore with the Darksaber: test your knowledge of Clone Wars and Rebels.

2 min

Andor (2022-), 5 Years Before Rogue One

The most mature Star Wars series. We follow Cassian Andor in his transformation from petty thief to rebel spy. The tone is that of a political thriller: no lightsabers, but exceptional writing and direction. Luthen Rael and Mon Mothma shine in their roles, and the Narkina 5 prison arc is considered one of the best narrative arcs in all of Star Wars.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), 10 Years After Episode III

Obi-Wan lives in exile on Tatooine, watching over young Luke from afar, when he learns Vader is still alive. The Inquisitor Reva (the Third Sister) hunts him. The series offers moving reunions between Obi-Wan and Vader, and a touching glimpse of the young Leia Organa.

The Mandalorian (2019-), After Episode VI

The series that relaunched Star Wars on the small screen. Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, protects Grogu (a.k.a. "Baby Yoda"), a mysterious child of the same species as Yoda. The beskar armor, the Darksaber, Bo-Katan, and Luke Skywalker's appearance in Season 2 left fans in awe.

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Star Wars: The Mandalorian

The Razor Crest is destroyed by Moff Gideon in season 2, the Darksaber was forged by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi, and Din Djarin keeps repeating his creed: This is the Way.

2 min

Ahsoka (2023), After Episode VI

A direct sequel to Rebels. Ahsoka Tano searches for Ezra Bridger, who disappeared with Grand Admiral Thrawn into another galaxy. The series blends adventure, Force mysticism, and exploration of unknown territories.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022), After Episode VI

After escaping the Sarlacc, Boba Fett takes over Jabba the Hutt's criminal empire on Tatooine. The series develops Boba's time with the Tuskens and his ambitions to rule with respect rather than fear.

Star Wars: Andor & The Live-Action Series

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Star Wars: Andor & The Live-Action Series

Ahsoka and Sabine hunt Ezra Bridger while Thrawn returns from exile. Obi-Wan learns Anakin survived Mustafar, Cassian Andor grows up on Ferrix. Test your Disney+ Star Wars knowledge.

2 min

Our Recommendation: The Best Order for Beginners

If you're discovering Star Wars for the first time, here's our recommended order:

Episodes IV, V, VI : The original trilogy, to experience the magic as it was designed
Episodes I, II, III : The prequels, to understand Anakin's fall
Episodes VII, VIII, IX : The sequels, to close the Skywalker saga
Rogue One then Solo : The spin-offs, to enjoy afterward
The Mandalorian → The Clone Wars → Rebels → Andor : The series, in order of accessibility

For a rewatch, switch to the full chronological order with the series placed in their timeline position. You'll spot connections you never noticed before.

Now that you know the chronology, test your knowledge with our 19 Star Wars quizzes!

To Go Further

Star Wars Quiz: 19 Quizzes to Test Your Knowledge of the Saga, from Padawan to Jedi Master, test yourself on the entire saga.
Jedi vs Sith: Understanding the Force in Star Wars, Jedi Code, Rule of Two, lightsabers and the Dark Side.

Conclusion

Whether you watch Star Wars in release order or chronological order, each film and series adds another layer to this incredibly rich universe. From the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker to the hope carried by Rey, through the political intrigue of Andor and the adventures of Din Djarin, there's something for everyone.

Ready to prove you're a true fan? Start with the Saga Basics or go straight for the Expert Challenge if you feel like a Jedi Master.

May the Force be with you.

FAQ

What order should I watch Star Wars in for the first time?

For first-time viewers, release order (IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX) is recommended. It preserves the plot twists and reflects George Lucas's original vision.

What's the difference between chronological and Machete order?

Chronological order follows the in-universe story (I to IX). Machete order (IV, V, II, III, VI) skips Episode I and slots the prequels as a flashback after Empire Strikes Back, amplifying the Vader-is-your-father reveal.

Should I watch the series (Mandalorian, Andor, Ahsoka) between films?

Not required to follow the main saga, but recommended for fans. Andor fits before Rogue One; Mandalorian + Boba Fett + Ahsoka belong after Episode VI.

How long does it take to watch all of Star Wars?

The 9 main films total ~22 hours. Adding Rogue One, Solo, and the Disney+ series brings the full canon to ~120 hours.

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Introduction

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:

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)

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)

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)

Padmé dies giving birth to Luke and Leia, who are separated for their protection. The Republic falls, the Empire rises.