Chronological Order Star Wars Movies
This article lists every Star Wars movie in chronological story order, from the earliest in-universe events to the latest, and explains how that order differs from release order. You’ll get the full sequence, the reasoning behind it, and practical tips for watching.
Why Chronological Order Matters
Many fans and newcomers prefer chronological order because it presents the story as a single continuous narrative. You start with the rise of the Empire, watch the fall of Anakin Skywalker, then see his redemption, and finally the rise of a new generation. This order avoids the prequel trilogy’s most jarring issue: knowing that Palpatine survives and that Anakin will become Vader, which undercuts some of the suspense in the prequels if you’ve seen the originals first.
However, release order (1977–2019) preserves the original reveals—Darth Vader being Luke’s father, Leia being his sister, and the Emperor’s return. If you watch chronologically, those twists are spoiled. There is no “correct� order; it’s a matter of preference.
The Complete Chronological List
Here is the official chronological sequence of the nine main saga films, plus the two anthology films that fit into the timeline.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) – Set 32 years before the original film. Anakin Skywalker is a child.
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) – Set 10 years later. Anakin is a Jedi apprentice.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 animated film) – Set between Episodes II and III. (Optional; not part of the live-action saga)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Set 3 years after Episode II. Anakin becomes Darth Vader.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – Set about 10 years after Episode III, following a young Han Solo.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – Set immediately before Episode IV, ending right at the start of the original film.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) – The original 1977 film, set 19 years after Episode III.
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Set 3 years after Episode IV.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) – Set 1 year after Episode V.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) – Set 30 years after Episode VI.
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017) – Set immediately after Episode VII.
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – Set 1 year after Episode VIII.
If you include the animated series, The Clone Wars (2008–2020) fits between Episodes II and III, and Rebels (2014–2018) fits between Episode III and Rogue One. But for the live-action movies only, the list above is the standard chronological order.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
Release order is how most people first saw the films: Episode IV (1977), V (1980), VI (1983), I (1999), II (2002), III (2005), VII (2015), VIII (2017), IX (2019). This order respects the original storytelling, where the prequels were designed as backstory after the fact. Chronological order, in contrast, follows the in-universe timeline, which can make the original trilogy feel like a continuation rather than a beginning.
For a first-time viewer, many fans recommend release order because it preserves the iconic twists. For a rewatch, chronological order offers a fresh perspective. Some even suggest “machete order� (Episodes IV, V, I, II, III, VI, then VII–IX), which skips Episode I and places the prequels as a flashback, but that’s a fan invention, not official.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent mistake is thinking that Rogue One and Solo are part of the numbered saga. They are not; they are “Star Wars Stories� that fill in gaps. Another misconception is that The Clone Wars animated film is essential to the saga. It is not, though it introduces characters who appear in later seasons and in Rebels. Also, some fans believe chronological order means watching the prequels first, but that spoils the Vader reveal. There is no official decree on viewing order; Lucasfilm has never mandated one.
How to Choose an Order
Your choice depends on what you value:
- First-time viewer: Release order is safest to avoid spoilers and appreciate the original special effects in context.
- Story purist: Chronological order gives a linear narrative, but you’ll know the twists.
- Completionist: Include the anthology films and animated series in chronological order for the full saga.
- Short on time: Just watch the nine numbered episodes in release order; skip the spinoffs.
No matter which you pick, the films are self-contained enough that you won’t be lost, but the experience differs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the correct chronological order of all Star Wars movies?
A: The correct chronological order is: Episodes I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. The animated Clone Wars film fits between II and III, but it’s not a live-action movie.
Q: Should I watch Star Wars in release order or chronological order?
A: For the first time, release order (IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX) is recommended to preserve the original reveals. For a rewatch, chronological order offers a new perspective. Neither is “wrong.�
Q: Where do Rogue One and Solo fit in chronological order?
A: Solo takes place about 10 years after Episode III, and Rogue One ends literally minutes before Episode IV begins. They are not numbered episodes but are part of the official timeline.
Q: Is The Clone Wars movie part of the chronological order?
A: Yes, the 2008 animated film is set between Episodes II and III, but it’s optional. It introduces characters like Ahsoka Tano, who later appears in the TV series and in Rebels.
Q: Does chronological order spoil the Darth Vader twist?
A: Yes. Watching Episodes I–III first reveals that Anakin becomes Vader, which undercuts the reveal in Episode V. That’s why many recommend release order for newcomers.
Q: Are there any other Star Wars movies outside the saga?
A: Besides the nine numbered films and the two anthology films (Solo, Rogue One), there are animated TV movies like The Clone Wars and the LEGO Star Wars specials, but they are not considered part of the main saga.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.