How To Watch Every Star Wars Movies In Order: Series in Chronological & Release Order

The Star Wars universe has captured all of our hearts for over 45 years, but figuring out the best way to watch the movies and shows in order can get surprisingly overwhelming.

With multiple trilogies, standalone films, and an ever-expanding lineup of TV series, it’s easy to get lost in the timeline of each Star Wars story. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring the saga for the first time or a lifelong fan planning your next rewatch, choosing the right viewing order can shape how the story unfolds.

Why does this matter? Because Star Wars isn’t just one continuous line—it’s a sprawling space opera told across different eras, characters, and formats. Watching in chronological order reveals the story as it happens in-universe. Watching in release order lets you experience the twists and turns the way audiences did when the films first hit theaters. And if you’re feeling adventurous, fan-favorite alternatives like the Machete Order offer creative ways to experience the saga’s emotional beats.

In order to make this as easy as possible, we’re gonna walk through a few different versions:

• The chronological order of all Star Wars movies and series, from The Phantom Menace to The Mandalorian and beyond

• The release order that mirrors the franchise’s cinematic evolution

• Popular alternative watch orders like Machete and Skywalker specific

• Where TV shows like The Clone Wars, Andor, and Ahsoka fit into the big picture

Whether you want a full marathon or just need a place to start, this guide is your ultimate roadmap for how to watch Star Wars in whichever order you choose.

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How To Watch Star Wars in Chronological Order

If you’re looking to experience Star Wars as one continuous story—starting from the rise of Anakin Skywalker to the fall of the First Order—then watching the Star Wars movies and series in chronological order is the way to go. This viewing order follows the in-universe timeline, so you’ll watch events unfold exactly as they happen across the galaxy.

This approach is perfect for first-time viewers who want a smooth, story-driven experience without jumping back and forth in time. It also helps longtime fans see new connections between characters, story arcs, and themes across different eras of Star Wars storytelling.

Chronological Order of Star Wars Movies and Series

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Here’s how to watch all Star Wars movies and shows in chronological order:

1. The Acolyte (2024)
   Hundreds of years before the main saga during The High Republic Era, the Jedi investigate a mysterious assassin surrounded by the dark side.

2. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
   The Skywalker journey begins with young Anakin Skywalker and the growing threat of the Sith.

3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
   Political unrest rises as Anakin matures and the Clone Wars begin.

4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
   This animated movie and series of the same name dive deep into the war between Episodes II and III, expanding the roles of Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka Tano.

5. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
   The fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader shake the galaxy.

6. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–Present)
   A direct follow-up to The Clone Wars, this series follows a rogue squad of clones navigating the early days of the Empire.

7. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
   Learn the origins of a Young Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon.

8. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
   A limited series showing Obi-Wan’s life in hiding and his complicated past with Vader.

9. Star Wars: Rebels (2014–2018)
   Set before A New Hope, this animated series follows a group of rebels as they fight the Empire’s growing power.

10. Andor (2022-Present)
    A gritty, character-driven prequel to Rogue One that explores the birth of the Rebellion.

11. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
    The final hours before A New Hope, when a brave group of rebels steals the Death Star plans.

12. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
    Luke Skywalker begins his journey as the Rebellion strikes back against the Empire.

13. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    One of the most iconic sequels ever, featuring major reveals and the deepening conflict.

14. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
    The final battle against the Empire—and the redemption of Darth Vader.

15. The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
    Set after Return of the Jedi, this hit series follows Din Djarin and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) as new threats emerge.

16. The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
    A spin-off from The Mandalorian focusing on the legendary bounty hunter’s rise in Tatooine’s underworld.

17. Ahsoka (2023-Present)
    Continuing storylines from Rebels and The Mandalorian, Ahsoka searches for Grand Admiral Thrawn.

18. Skeleton Crew (2024–2025)
    Set in the same era as The Mandalorian, this upcoming series follows a group of lost kids trying to find their way home.

19. Star Wars: Resistance (2018–2020)
    An animated series leading up to The Force Awakens, showing the Resistance rise against the First Order.

20. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
    A new generation takes the spotlight as Rey, Finn, and Poe battle the First Order.

21. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
    The Resistance struggles for survival, while Rey seeks to understand her place in the Force.

22. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
    The Skywalker saga concludes with epic showdowns and long-awaited answers.

Pros of Chronological Order:

• Follows the Star Wars story as it unfolds in real time.

• Ideal for first-time watchers who want full context from the start.

• Expands appreciation of character arcs, especially Anakin’s transformation.

Cons of Chronological Order:

• Starts with The Acolyte which is separate from the overall saga and The Phantom Menace, which some viewers find slower-paced.

• Major surprises (like Vader’s identity) are revealed early, removing the shock value for new fans.

If you're ready to watch Star Wars in timeline order, this is the most comprehensive and story-focused way to do it. You can also check out our Youtini Timeline to see how every book and comic fits into the mix!

How To Watch Star Wars in Release Order

If you want to experience Star Wars the way the lifetime fans first did—complete with all the twists, turns, and surprises—then watching the Star Wars movies in release order is the perfect choice. This method follows the order in which the films came out in theaters, starting with George Lucas’s groundbreaking original trilogy from the late '70s and early '80s, and progressing through the prequel trilogy, sequels, and spin-offs.

Watching Star Wars in release order is ideal for those who want to see how the franchise—and its storytelling style, technology, and themes—evolved over time. You’ll also get to experience key plot reveals, like the shocking identity of Darth Vader, exactly as they were meant to be seen.

Release order also holds one additional advantage over chronological, and that's the simple fact that Star Wars has always been inspired by...well...Star Wars. Even if all of the homages to older projects aren't always blatant, there are parts of Attack of the Clones that wink back to Return of the Jedi just as Solo took direction from The Empire Strikes Back.

So even though the timeline gets a bit confusing from time to time, it's always fun to see directors in conversation with each other as the decades fly by.

Release Order of Star Wars Movies

1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
   The movie that started it all. Follow Luke Skywalker as he joins the Rebellion and begins his journey as a Jedi.

2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
   Darker and more intense, this sequel delivers one of cinema’s most iconic twists.

3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
   The original trilogy concludes with redemption, victory, and the fall of the Empire.

4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
   A jump back in time introduces young Anakin Skywalker and sets the stage for the saga’s origin.

5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
   The Republic begins to crumble as war breaks out and Anakin struggles with his inner darkness.

6. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
   Anakin's final descent into Darth Vader and the birth of the Empire.

7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
   Animated film and series that deepen the events between Episodes II and III.

8. The Force Awakens (2015)
   A new generation rises as Rey, Finn, and Poe take center stage in the fight against the First Order.

9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
   A gritty, standalone prequel to A New Hope, showing the Rebellion’s first major victory.

10. The Last Jedi (2017)
    Luke Skywalker returns, and Rey seeks her place in the Force amid growing tensions.

11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
    A look at Han Solo’s early life, friendships, and how he became the smuggler we know and love.

12. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
    The Skywalker saga comes to a dramatic close, tying together past and present.

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Pros of Release Order:

• Preserves original twists, like the reveal of Darth Vader.

• Mirrors how real-world audiences experienced the story.

• Highlights the growth of the franchise over four decades.

Cons of Release Order:

• The jump from the original trilogy to the prequel trilogy may feel jarring in tone and visuals.

• Some newer viewers might find the shifts in storytelling style harder to follow.

If you’re in it for the nostalgia—or want to watch the saga unfold exactly how generations of fans did—release order is a classic and rewarding way to go. After all, there's a reason that the saga created generations of fans by releasing the way that it did.

Alternative Ways to Watch Star Wars

Not sure if chronological or release order is right for you? No problem. There are several fun and unique ways to watch Star Wars that offer fresh perspectives and a more character- or theme-focused experience. Whether you're revisiting the saga or introducing it to someone new, these alternative viewing orders give you creative ways to explore the galaxy.

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Machete Order

The Machete Order is one of the most talked-about Star Wars viewing methods among fans. I was first introduced to it by one of my best friends in college, and even though I haven't always stuck to it personally, it's still an undeniably cool way to experience the overarching story.

Ultimately, Machete was created to tighten the story of each Star Wars trilogy, keep big reveals intact, and focus more on Luke and Anakin's journeys.

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Suggested Machete Order:

1. Episode IV: A New Hope

2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

5. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

6. Sequel Trilogy (Optional)

This order skips Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, jumping straight from the iconic “I am your father” twist to Anakin’s backstory via Star Wars Episodes II and III. Then it returns to Luke’s final confrontation with Vader in Episode VI.

• Pros:

  • Preserves major plot twists for first-time viewers

  • Makes the prequel trilogy feel like a flashback explaining Vader’s fall

  • Keeps the focus tight on the Skywalker family arc

• Cons:

  • Skips important setup like Anakin’s childhood and his relationship with Padmé

  • Omits key characters introduced in The Phantom Menace, like Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul

The Machete Order isn’t for everyone, but if you want a refined experience with better pacing and fewer distractions, it’s a great alternative.

Skywalker Saga Order

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If your goal is to follow the personal journeys of the Skywalker family—Anakin, Luke, Leia, and Rey—then this watch order keeps things tightly focused. It removes the standalone films and spin-offs to spotlight the main saga.

Skywalker Saga Movies:

1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

4. Episode IV: A New Hope

5. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

6. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

7. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

8. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

9. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

• Why it works: This order is all about the rise, fall, and legacy of the Skywalker bloodline—from Anakin to his descendants and spiritual successors.

• What’s missing: You'll skip fan-favorite side stories like Rogue One, Solo, and shows like The Mandalorian, which add depth but aren't essential to the main narrative.

The "State of the Galaxy" Order

Want to explore the Star Wars timeline through the lens of galactic politics and power shifts? The State of the Galaxy Order organizes the story into three major eras based on the rise and fall of governments across the galaxy.

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1. The Fall of the Republic

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace

• Episode II: Attack of the Clones

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie & series)

• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

• Star Wars: The Bad Batch

2. The Reign of the Empire

• 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

3. The New Republic & First Order Conflict

• The Mandalorian

• The Book of Boba Fett

• Ahsoka

• Skeleton Crew

• Star Wars: Resistance

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens

• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

This order helps you understand the rise and fall of various galactic governments, the impact of war, and how power shifts shape the galaxy’s future. Great for fans who love world-building and lore even more than the overarching story.

At the end of the day, these alternative Star Wars viewing orders each offer something unique for those of us who know the saga pretty well and want to view the mind of George Lucas through a different lens. Whether you're a story purist, a fan of political intrigue, or just looking for the most emotional payoff, there's an order that fits your journey.

Where to Watch Star Wars Movies and Shows

If you’re ready to dive into the galaxy far, far away, you’ll need to know where to find the Star Wars movies and shows. Now it's likely that you or someone you know has some blu rays, VHSs, or even LaserDiscs lying around.

Oh yeah. LaserDiscs.

But if not, luckily, most of the content is available on one major streaming platform, making it easier than ever to watch the Star Wars movies in order.

Streaming Services

Disney+

Disney+ is the official home of all Star Wars movies, series, and animated spin-offs. From the original trilogy to the latest live-action shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, everything is available in one place. Disney+ also has organized playlists like “Star Wars in Timeline Order” to help you watch in your preferred sequence.

You’ll find:

• All 9 Skywalker Saga films

• Spin-offs like Rogue One and Solo

• Animated series like The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Bad Batch, and Resistance

• Live-action originals like The Acolyte, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Skeleton Crew, and Ahsoka

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Other Services (For Rentals or Digital Purchase)

While Disney+ is your best bet for streaming, some Star Wars titles are also available for digital rent or purchase on:

• Amazon Prime Video

• Vudu

• Google Play Movies & TV

These platforms are useful if you don’t have a Disney+ subscription or prefer to own specific movies outright.

How Long Does It Take to Watch Every Star Wars Movie?

Planning a full Star Wars marathon? Here’s what you’re signing up for.

• All 11 live-action movies (Episodes I–IX, Rogue One, and Solo):
  Approx. 25+ hours total runtime

• Major TV series and animated shows:

  • The Clone Wars: ~40 hours

  • Rebels: ~30 hours

  • The Mandalorian (seasons 1–3): ~16 hours

  • The Bad Batch, Resistance, Andor, Ahsoka, and others add dozens more hours

  • Total runtime for shows: Over 100+ hours

Whether you’re binging the Skywalker Saga or taking your time with every series, there’s a Star Wars journey that fits your schedule—and it all starts with hitting play.

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FAQs About Watching Star Wars in Order

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1. What is the best order to watch Star Wars?

The short answer is...there isn't one. If you want the full story from beginning to end, go with chronological. If you prefer to experience the twists and character reveals the way fans did when the movies came out, release order is your best bet.

2. Should I watch Star Wars in chronological or release order?

Both are great options. Chronological order follows the in-universe timeline, making the story flow more naturally. Release order preserves surprises and the evolution of the franchise’s storytelling and effects.

3. What is the Machete Order and why do fans recommend it?

The Machete Order is a fan-created watchlist that keeps the big Vader reveal a surprise. It skips The Phantom Menace and watches A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, and Return of the Jedi. It’s a great blend of story and surprise, with optional viewing of the sequel trilogy after.

4. Do I need to watch Star Wars TV shows?

The Star Wars TV shows aren't required in order to understand the original theatrical releases—but they’re worth it. The movies tell the core story, but shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, and Andor add depth, character development, and rich backstory that can enhance the films in unbelievable ways.

5. Where can I watch all the Star Wars movies?

Disney+ is the go-to platform for streaming Star Wars. It has all the movies, TV series, and original spin-offs in one place, often with organized collections by era or watch order.

6. How long does it take to watch every Star Wars movie?

Just the movies? Around 25+ hours.
Add in the shows, and you’re looking at 100+ hours of content across multiple eras.

7. What order do I watch Star Wars if I’m new to the franchise?

Chronological order is great for a clear, linear story. But if you want to experience the franchise like the original fans did, release order keeps iconic surprises intact. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

8. Why were Star Wars movies released out of order?

George Lucas started with the original trilogy in the 1970s and 80s (Episodes IV–VI) because the technology and story were most developed there. He later returned to tell the prequels (Episodes I–III), then the sequels followed under Disney.

9. Are more Star Wars movies coming out?

Yes! Lucasfilm has several Star Wars projects in development, including new trilogies, stand-alone films, and more TV series. The galaxy continues to grow on both the big and small screen.

10. What is the correct order to binge Star Wars movies?

If you’re marathoning, chronological order provides the smoothest story flow. But if you want a nostalgic trip with all the original drama, release order might give you the most satisfying binge-watch experience.

Conclusion

With over four decades of storytelling, the Star Wars universe offers more than one way to experience its epic journey. Whether you're watching for the first time or revisiting the saga, choosing the right viewing order can make all the difference.

But no matter if you choose release order or to go straight to the timeline, each method has its strengths, and there's no wrong way to enjoy Star Wars. If you're new to the galaxy, chronological order is easy to follow. If you're a longtime fan, release order may give you the full nostalgic effect. And if you're looking for a new perspective, try an alternative path that highlights specific characters or political eras.

Regardless, the magic of Star Wars is its ability to present an incredible story in all kinds of different ways. No matter where you start the journey that George Lucas began all those years ago, it all ends with the light overcoming the dark side and knowing that the Force is with us...always.