Star Wars is one of the most famous and beloved movie franchises in the world. Over the years, it has grown from a single film into a massive universe filled with movies, TV shows, books, comics, and more. For fans, understanding the order of the Star Wars movies can be a little confusing. There are two main ways to watch the movies – in the order they were released and in the order the events happen in the story. Both ways offer a different experience and help fans see the galaxy far far away from different angles.
The first Star Wars movie was released in 1977. It was simply called Star Wars but later became known as Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope. This movie introduced audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the evil Galactic Empire. The story follows Luke as he discovers his destiny, joins the Rebellion, and helps destroy the Empire’s giant space station, the Death Star. The movie was a huge success and started a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day.
After A New Hope, the next movie released was Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. This film continues the story of Luke, Leia, Han, and their friends as they face new challenges and dangers. The Empire is still hunting the Rebels, and Luke begins his training to become a Jedi under the guidance of the wise Master Yoda. The movie is famous for its shocking twist ending, which reveals a major secret about Luke’s family. The Empire Strikes Back is often considered one of the best movies in the entire franchise.
The third movie released was Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi in 1983. In this film, the Rebels launch a final attack on the Empire to destroy a new Death Star. Luke confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor, and the story reaches its climax with the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, who was once a Jedi but fell to the dark side and became Darth Vader. The movie ends with the defeat of the Empire and the celebration of the Rebels’ victory.
After Return of the Jedi, the original trilogy was complete. But the story did not end there. In 1999, George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe with Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace. This movie is set many years before the events of A New Hope and tells the story of how the galaxy changed from a peaceful Republic to a tyrannical Empire. The Phantom Menace introduces young Anakin Skywalker, who is discovered to have a strong connection to the Force. The movie also features the Jedi Knights, the Sith, and the political struggles that lead to the rise of the Empire.
The next movie released was Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones in 2002. This film continues the story of Anakin Skywalker as he grows older and begins his training as a Jedi. The movie explores the growing tension between the Republic and the Separatists, who want to break away from the Republic. Anakin falls in love with Padme Amidala, and their relationship becomes a central part of the story. The movie also introduces the Clone Wars, a massive conflict that will shape the future of the galaxy.
The third prequel movie was Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith in 2005. This film shows the final days of the Republic and the fall of Anakin Skywalker. The Clone Wars are in full swing, and Anakin is tempted by the dark side of the Force. He becomes Darth Vader, and the Jedi are nearly wiped out. The movie ends with the birth of Luke and Leia and the rise of the Empire, setting the stage for the original trilogy.
After the prequel trilogy, the next movie released was Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens in 2015. This film marks the beginning of a new era for Star Wars, with a new generation of characters and a new threat to the galaxy. The Force Awakens introduces Rey, a young scavenger who discovers her own connection to the Force, and Finn, a former stormtrooper who defects from the First Order. The movie also brings back familiar faces like Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca. The story follows the new heroes as they join the Resistance to fight against the First Order, a new evil force that has risen from the ashes of the Empire.
The next movie was Star Wars Episode VIII The Last Jedi in 2017. This film continues the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they face new challenges and dangers. The Resistance is on the run from the First Order, and Rey seeks out the legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker for training. The movie explores themes of hope, failure, and the balance between light and dark. The Last Jedi also reveals new secrets about the Force and the history of the Jedi.
The final movie in the sequel trilogy was Star Wars Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. This film brings the Skywalker saga to a close with a final battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Rey confronts the dark side and learns the truth about her own origins. The movie features the return of Emperor Palpatine, who has somehow survived his death in Return of the Jedi. The Rise of Skywalker ends with the defeat of the dark side and the restoration of peace to the galaxy.
In addition to the main saga movies, there are several standalone films that tell stories set in the Star Wars universe. Solo A Star Wars Story was released in 2018 and tells the origin story of Han Solo, showing how he became the smuggler and hero fans know from the original trilogy. Rogue One A Star Wars Story was released in 2016 and tells the story of the mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, which sets up the events of A New Hope. These movies add depth and context to the larger Star Wars story.
When it comes to watching the Star Wars movies in chronological order, the story begins with The Phantom Menace, which is set the earliest in the timeline. The events of the prequel trilogy show the rise of the Empire and the fall of the Jedi. After the prequels, the story moves to the original trilogy, which begins with A New Hope and continues with The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The sequel trilogy follows, with The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. The standalone films Solo and Rogue One fit into the timeline between the prequels and the original trilogy, with Solo set before A New Hope and Rogue One set just before A New Hope.
Watching the movies in release order means starting with A New Hope, then moving to The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One, and Solo. This order allows viewers to experience the story as it was originally presented to audiences, with the mystery and surprise of the original trilogy first, followed by the prequels and sequels.
Both release order and chronological order have their own benefits. Release order lets fans see the story unfold as it was meant to be seen, with the twists and surprises that made the original trilogy so special. Chronological order lets fans follow the story from beginning
