How to Watch ‘Star Wars’ in Order: Release Date & Chronological Canon
April 26, 2024
From groundbreaking special effects to epic storytelling, George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise has captured the imaginations of fans young and old for over 40 years — completely changing cinema forever.
But with so many Star Wars movies and TV shows, it can be daunting to figure out where to start. Fear not, young Padawans! In this post, we’ll guide you through the best order to watch all the Star Wars movies and TV shows according to canon. Soon enough, you’ll be a Jedi Master.
With a total movie runtime of over 25 hours (350+ hours if you include the TV shows and animated series), you might want to grab some blue milk and settle in for the long haul.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch Star Wars in order on Disney+.
Is Star Wars on Hulu?
Starting at only $9.99 per month, Hulu subscribers can upgrade to the Disney Bundle and gain access to the entire Star Wars franchise on Disney+, including all of the films, spin-offs, and series.
How to Watch Star Wars in Order
If you’re new to the franchise, you may be wondering if there’s a correct order to watch Star Wars in. While there are no strict rules, we recommend watching the movies and shows either by release date order or by timeline order according to Star Wars canon.
New to Star Wars? Watch by Release Date Order
Are you new to the franchise and want to know what order to watch Star Wars in? While there are many options and opinions, we believe the best way to experience the galaxy for the first time is by the original release date. This order prevents confusion and spoilers, plus you get to experience the franchise the way it was originally created.
Star Wars Movies by Release Date:
- 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)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars Movies and Shows by Release Date:
- 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)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Resistance (2018)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Mandalorian (2019)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- The Bad Batch (2021)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
Established Star Wars Fan: Watch by Timeline Order
Are you already well-versed in everything Star Wars? Try watching the franchise in chronological order according to the official canon for a brand-new, story-telling experience.
Star Wars Movies in Timeline Order:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie)
- 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
Star Wars Movies and Shows in Chronological Order:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie)
- The Clone Wars (series)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- The Bad Batch
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Star Wars Rebels
- Andor
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Star Wars: Resistance
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
How Many Star Wars Movies Are There?
There are currently 12 movies in the Star Wars-verse (and nine TV series).
Episode IV: A New Hope
Are you confused as to why the first ever Star Wars movie starts at Episode 4? If you’re new to the Star Wars saga, you may not know that the first movie wasn’t always titled Episode IV: A New Hope.
Dubbed simply Star Wars at the time of its release, the sci-fi action movie was originally intended to be a stand-alone film. It got an updated moniker when creator George Lucas decided to make the initial Star Wars film a trilogy (which later expanded to one of the biggest film and TV franchises of all time).
Now a middle chapter of the story, Episode IV: A New Hope centers around a young hero named Luke Skywalker. He teams up with the quick-witted smuggler Han Solo and the wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to rescue Princess Leia and defeat the evil Empire.
Watch: Episode IV: A New Hope*
*Episode IV: A New Hope is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is the second movie in the original Star Wars trilogy and a beloved fan-favorite. It continues the story of Luke Skywalker, who trains with Jedi Master Yoda to become a powerful warrior against the evil Empire, led by Sith Lord Darth Vader.
Watch: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back*
*Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
The story of Luke Skywalker continues as he completes his Jedi training to rescue Han Solo from a slug-like crime lord, Jabba the Hutt. As with all Star Wars movies, this third installment is packed with epic space battles and heartwarming moments.
Watch: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi*
*Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
After the original Star Wars trilogy concluded, George Lucas was ready to tell the story of how it all began. And so, The Phantom Menace was born. The first of three original prequel stories, this film is set decades before the events of the original Star Wars. Episode I follows young Anakin Skywalker, who learns he’s unusually strong with the Force.
Watch: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
*Episode I: The Phantom Menace is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Anakin’s Star Wars prequel story continues in Attack of the Clones. With the galaxy on the brink of war, Anakin, now grown and in love, must navigate his feelings, the Force, and the dangers facing the Republic — including the Clones and the mysterious Sith Lord Count Dooku.
Watch: Episode II: Attack of the Clones*
*Episode II: Attack of the Clones is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The Clone Wars rage on in Revenge of the Sith as Anakin Skywalker struggles to fight the pull toward the dark side of the Force. This final film in the Anakin prequel trilogy ends with the iconic duel between Anakin and his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi and the fall of the Republic as the Empire rises to power.
Watch: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith*
*Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
A new generation of heroes is here, and they’re ready to fight the evil forces of the galaxy. The Force Awakens follows two fresh faces — a scavenger named Rey and an ex-stormtrooper named Finn. In this Star Wars sequel, the duo encounters new friends and enemies, including the mysterious Darth Vader-obsessed Kylo Ren.
Watch: Episode VII: The Force Awakens*
*Episode VII: The Force Awakens is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One is a prequel to the original Star Wars movie that follows the story of Rebellion rejector-leader, Jyn Erso, and her team. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to steal the blueprint plans of the Death Star, giving fans a closer look at the heroic sacrifices made by the rebels who fought for the galaxy’s freedom.
Watch: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story*
*Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Rey is back in The Last Jedi, and she’s learning the ways of the Force from legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Together, the duo must confront their own inner struggles and fight for the future of the galaxy by going head-to-head with Snoke, Kylo Ren, and the First Order.
Watch: Episode VII: The Last Jedi*
*Episode VII: The Last Jedi is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
This prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy takes fans through the early life of Han Solo, before he became a smuggler and joined the Rebel Alliance. We also get to learn the touching story of how young Han Solo befriended Chewbacca — and the less-touching one of how he became frenemies with Lando Calrissian.
Watch: Solo: A Star Wars Story*
*Solo: A Star Wars Story is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
The evil Emperor Palpatine returns in The Rise of Skywalker, and it’s up to Rey, Finn, Poe, and Chewy to stop him in this final installment of the Skywalker saga. Does Rey have what it takes to defeat Palpatine and return balance to the Force?
Watch: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker *
*Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
The Clone Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated film and TV series that started after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, but it takes on the canon timeline between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. With new characters and deeper storylines, The Clone Wars expands upon the previously known Star Wars universe.
Watch: Star Wars: The Clone Wars*
*The Clone Wars is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Star Wars TV Series
Rebels
Star Wars: Rebels is another Star Wars animated series that follows a new group of rebels as they fight against the evil Empire. With exciting space battles and surprise appearances from fan-favorite characters, like Darth Vader, Rebels is a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
Watch: Star Wars: Rebels*
*Star Wars Rebels is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Star Wars: Resistance
In this Star Wars animated series, we are introduced to Kazuda Xiono, who is recruited by the Resistance to spy on the First Order. Along with a colorful crew of other new (and some familiar) characters, Star Wars: Resistance is an exhilarating chapter in the franchise.
Watch: Star Wars: Resistance*
*Star Wars: Resistance is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
The Mandalorian
Taking place between the original and the sequel Star Wars trilogies lies The Mandalorian — a deep dive into the Star Wars world outside of the Skywalker saga. This Disney+ Original series follows a bounty hunter known as the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his companion, Grogu. The duo navigates the galaxy together, learning from each other as they confront danger at every turn.
Watch: The Mandalorian*
*The Mandalorian is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
The Book of Boba Fett
The Book of Boba Fett is a spin-off of The Mandalorian series that follows bounty hunter Boba Fett — a fan-favorite character first introduced in The Empire Strikes Back. In this series, Fett seeks to establish his dominance while facing dangerous adversaries and old acquaintances, including Jabba the Hutt and Bib Fortuna.
Watch: The Book of Boba Fett*
*The Book of Boba Fett is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
We first meet the wise Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in Episode IV: A New Hope, when Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 find him in a remote desert hideaway on the planet Tatooine. This Disney+ series takes fans back to Tatooine after the Clone Wars, where Obi is tasked with protecting young Luke Skywalker from Darth Vader.
Watch: Obi-Wan Kenobi*
*Obi-Wan Kenobi is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Andor
In this Star Wars universe series on Disney+, Andor follows the story of a Rebellion spy named Cassian Andor. Cassian is determined to bring down the Empire, but he must accomplish dangerous missions and form unexpected alliances to do so.
Watch: Andor*
*Andor is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
The Bad Batch
The Bad Batch is an animated spin-off series that follows the elite clones of the Bad Batch, first introduced to the Star Wars universe in The Clone Wars. Each member of the Bad Batch has a unique and tactful skill that makes them a soldier to be reckoned with.
Watch: The Bad Batch*
*The Bad Batch is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Ahsoka
Discover the backstory of Ahsoka Tano in this Disney+ Original Star Wars spinoff series. Set during the same time frame as The Mandalorian, the Ahsoka series takes place after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (the final film in the original trilogy).
We first met Ahsoka in The Clone Wars movies as a teenage Padawan, where her place within the Star Wars canon was uncovered. This series is the story of her fight against the Galactic Empire.
Watch: Ahsoka*
*Ahsoka is available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
Tips for Watching Star Wars in Order
Why Is Star Wars out of Order?
When George Lucas first created Star Wars, he started with what he felt was the most compelling part of a larger story, which is what became known as “Episode IV: A New Hope.” He later expanded the universe with prequel films, which were released after the first movie became a box office success.
Should I Watch Clone Wars in Chronological Order?
Technically, The Clone Wars was released out of order. However, watching Clone Wars in chronological order according to the Star Wars universe timeline can provide a more cohesive and immersive storytelling experience.
Visit the official Star Wars website for the chronological episode order.
Do I Watch The Clone Wars Movie or Show First?
It’s generally recommended to start with the movie first, especially if you’re new to The Clone Wars storyline or the Star Wars franchise in general. Watching the movie first provides viewers with an introduction to the characters, while establishing the tone and setting for the Clone Wars era.
Can I Skip The Clone Wars Series?
You can skip The Clone Wars series if you choose to, as it’s not essential viewing to enjoy the broader Star Wars universe. It should still be noted that The Clone Wars series does provide additional depth and context into the Clone Wars — an important overarching event within the Star Wars universe.
Should I Start Watching Star Wars From Episode I or Episode IV?
It’s up to personal preference. If you want to experience the Star Wars story from the beginning in chronological order according to canon, start with Episode I. On the other hand, if you want to experience Star Wars the way the earliest fans of the franchise did, start with Episode IV.
Do You Have to Watch Star Wars in Order?
If you’re new to the Star Wars franchise, we recommend watching the movies and TV shows either in timeline order according to canon or in chronological order according to release date. Nevertheless, the order in which to dive into the Star Wars world is completely up to you!
More Star Wars on Disney+
There’s plenty more Star Wars where that came from. Check out these Star Wars extras and specials streaming now on Disney+:
- Star Wars: Blips*
- Star Wars: Visions*
- Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars* (2014)
- Star Wars Vintage: Clone Wars 2D Micro-Series*
- LEGO: Star Wars Summer Vacation* (2022)
- LEGO: Star Wars Droid Tales*
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Adventure Awaits* (2019)
- Star Wars Rebels (Shorts)*
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return* (2022)
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi*
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures*
- Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett* (2021)
- Light & Magic*
- Star Wars Galaxy of Sounds*
- Star Wars Vehicle Flythroughs*
- Star Wars Biomes* (2021)
*Titles are available with The Disney Bundle. Access content from each service separately.
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Star Wars FAQ
When did the first Star Wars movie come out?
The first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope, was released in theaters on May 25, 1977.
When is Star Wars Day celebrated?
The unofficial Star Wars Day is celebrated every year on May 4 — May the fourth be with you!
Where can I watch Star Wars?
All of the movies and shows in the Star Wars franchise are available to stream now on Disney+, including behind-the-scenes specials and TV crossover episodes.
