Star Wars Movies In Order: How to Watch the Saga Chronologically
Watch the Saga in chronological order, from Anakin to Luke to Rey, with a little baby Yoda thrown in!
editorial.rottentomatoes.comShort answer: Here’s how to watch Star Wars movies in order, plus the latest reporting on new projects.
Watch order (recommended options)
- Release order (common for first-time viewers): Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), plus spin-offs and TV series as preferred.
- Chronological order (by in-universe timeline): Episode I → II → III → Solo → Rogue One → Episode IV → V → VI → VII → VIII → IX, with major TV series sprinkled as you like (e.g., The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, etc.).
- Machete order (popular alternative): Episodes IV → V → II → III → VI, skipping Episode I for many viewers, with Rogue One placed just before Episode IV; add Solo and other works where you like.
Recent and upcoming Star Wars projects (high-level)
- In 2020s–2026, Lucasfilm has released and announced multiple series and films, including new live-action series (Andor, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett) and animated entries (Star Wars: Visions, Tales of the Jedi) with more projects in development for theatrical films and streaming. [Citation: general coverage on ongoing Star Wars slate in major outlets]
- Release and order details for future films/series have been evolving, with reports highlighting new directors and story arcs that may extend beyond the Skywalker saga, including potential new trilogies and stand-alone chapters. [Citation: multiple industry roundups]
Examples of current guidance and guides
- Comprehensive viewing guides from StarWars.com and major outlets typically list both films and series with release years and, where applicable, chronological placement to help watchers decide order. [Citation: StarWars.com guide]
- Entertainment outlets regularly publish calendars and projections for upcoming Star Wars projects, noting official announcements and postponements as needed. [Citation: TechRadar, Rotten Tomatoes, GamesRadar coverage]
If you’d like, I can tailor a personalized watchlist for you based on:
- Whether you prefer watching only films or including TV series
- Your tolerance for non-Skywalker-era stories (Rogue One and standalone films, or only saga-based entries)
- Desired pacing (e.g., one movie per week, or longer gaps with streaming series in between)
Would you like me to build a step-by-step watch order for you, including which TV series to place where and suggested viewing windows? If you want, I can also pull the most up-to-date official and press coverage on upcoming Star Wars films and series and present a concise timeline.