When it comes to watching the Star Wars movies, there are a few different approaches you can take. One option is to watch the films in the order they were released, starting with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) and ending with “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). This is the order in which the movies were intended to be seen and allows you to experience the series as it unfolded over time.
Star Wars is a beloved franchise that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. With its epic space opera storyline and iconic characters, it’s no wonder that people are eager to dive into the Star Wars universe. However, with multiple movies and spin-offs, it can be confusing to know where to start. Should you watch the movies in chronological order or release order? In this blog post, we will explore both options and provide a user-friendly guide for easy readability.
Chronological Order
Watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order means following the narrative timeline of events in the Star Wars universe. This means starting with the prequel trilogy, followed by the original trilogy, and ending with the sequel trilogy. Here is the chronological order of the Star Wars movies:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Watching the movies in chronological order allows you to experience the story as it unfolds in the Star Wars universe. You get to see the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker, the fall of the Jedi, and the ultimate battle between the light and dark sides of the Force. However, it’s worth noting that watching the prequel trilogy first may reveal certain plot twists and surprises in the original trilogy.
Release Order
Watching the Star Wars movies in release order means following the order in which the movies were originally released in theaters. This means starting with the original trilogy, followed by the prequel trilogy, and ending with the sequel trilogy. Here is the release order of the Star Wars movies:
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Watching the movies in release order allows you to experience the Star Wars saga in the same way that audiences did when the movies were first released. You get to witness the original trilogy and its impact on popular culture before diving into the prequel trilogy to learn about the events that led up to it. This order also allows you to appreciate the connections and references between the different movies.
The Original Star Wars Movies
The Star Wars saga began with the original trilogy, which consists of three films released between 1977 and 1983. These movies laid the foundation for the Star Wars universe and introduced iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. Here are the original Star Wars movies in order of release:
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Watching the original trilogy in release order allows you to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences in the late ’70s and early ’80s. You’ll witness the journey of Luke Skywalker as he becomes a Jedi Knight and confronts the dark side of the Force.
Other Star Wars Films
In addition to the main saga, there are several standalone films and spin-offs that further enrich the Star Wars universe. These films provide additional context and explore different aspects of the galaxy far, far away. Here are some notable Star Wars films outside of the main trilogies:
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – This standalone film takes place just before the events of the original Star Wars movie and follows a group of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One offers a grittier and more realistic portrayal of the Star Wars universe. It delves into the sacrifices and heroism of ordinary people who play a crucial role in the Rebellion’s fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. The film introduces new characters like Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and Chirrut Îmwe, while also featuring familiar faces such as Darth Vader and Princess Leia.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – This film explores the backstory of Han Solo and his adventures before joining the Rebellion. Directed by Ron Howard, Solo takes us on a thrilling journey through the criminal underworld, showcasing Han’s encounters with iconic characters like Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. The film delves into Han’s early years as a smuggler and his fateful acquisition of the Millennium Falcon. With its mix of action, humor, and nostalgia, Solo offers fans a chance to learn more about one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe.
When Does the Next Star Wars Movie Come Out?
Since Disney purchased LucasFilm, “Star Wars” fans have suddenly been flush with new stories.
The galaxy far, far away has new cartoons, books, comics and movies to flesh it out. But now that there’s a new “Star Wars” due every year, there’s an eternal question: When does the next “Star Wars” movie come out?
Lucasfilm has unveiled a detailed roadmap for the future of the Star Wars franchise, with a series of new movies set to captivate fans. Among these upcoming releases, “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is scheduled to be the inaugural film, hitting theaters on May 22, 2026.