Star Wars Movies in Order: Release and Chronological Watch Order

The Star Wars movies in order of release begin with Star Wars (1977) and end, so far, with The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), which gives 13 theatrical films: 9 saga films plus 4 spin-offs. The list follows the year each film reached US theaters, with the episode number and director beside each title.

1. Star Wars (1977), also called A New Hope, Episode IV, directed by George Lucas
2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Episode V, directed by Irvin Kershner
3. Return of the Jedi (1983), Episode VI, directed by Richard Marquand
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), directed by George Lucas
5. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), directed by George Lucas
6. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), directed by George Lucas
7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film) (2008), spin-off, directed by Dave Filoni
8. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VII, directed by J.J. Abrams
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), spin-off, directed by Gareth Edwards
10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Episode VIII, directed by Rian Johnson
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), spin-off, directed by Ron Howard
12. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Episode IX, directed by J.J. Abrams
13. The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), spin-off, directed by Jon Favreau

Why does the saga read 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3? Because the film now numbered Episode IV was the first one made, opening in US theaters on May 25, 1977, and the films numbered I to III did not arrive until 1999, 2002 and 2005. Episode numbers describe where a story sits in the saga, while release order describes when audiences saw it, so the 4 5 6 1 2 3 pattern is simply the numbering read against the calendar.

The four spin-offs were released in 2008, 2016, 2018 and 2026: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Mandalorian and Grogu. The Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film) arrived three years after Revenge of the Sith, and The Mandalorian and Grogu is the newest entry. If you prefer to count by episode number, Star Wars movies in order 1 to 9 means the nine saga films only: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. For the full count and every title on one page, see how many Star Wars movies are there, and for the wider catalog see Star Wars movies.

First-time viewers should start with Star Wars (1977) and follow release order, because the original films were made first and the later ones are written with them in mind. In my opinion, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the clearest example, since it ends by leading directly into that 1977 film, so seeing the destination first makes the journey more meaningful.

Chronological order works best as a second viewing, because once you know the saga you can follow one long story from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker without spoiling the original films. The surprises no longer need protecting, and the story simply plays differently the second time around.

Machete order, which runs Episodes IV and V, then I, II and III, then VI, is a popular fan arrangement, but it is not recommended for newcomers because it interrupts the original trilogy before they know whether they like the saga.

Short of time? The nine saga films are the spine, and the spin-offs can wait. If I had to keep one spin-off, it would be Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Solo: A Star Wars Story is, in my view, the easiest to leave for later. The Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 film) suits anyone who plans to watch the animated series afterward, and The Mandalorian and Grogu makes most sense after the Mandalorian series. Once you have seen a few, the Star Wars movies ranked page sets out how we would order them.

All 13 films carried a Disney+ subscription listing in the US, UK and Australia when TMDB's JustWatch data was checked on November 2, 2026, so the where to watch Star Wars page is the place to confirm current availability.

Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, opens in US theaters on May 28, 2027. It is now in production, so it belongs to neither list yet. To begin tonight, press play on Star Wars (1977), work down the release list, and open the TV table when you want more.