Whether you are new to the galaxy or revisiting the saga, this all Star Wars movies list presents every theatrical feature and major spin‑off in release order. It focuses on the Skywalker saga films and the spin‑off series that form the core of the current canon. The list includes release years, primary settings, and running times to help you plan viewing, understand timelines, and decide which era to explore first.
Skywalker Saga — Main Episodes in Order
The nine episodic Skywalker saga films are the backbone of Star Wars cinema. Below they are listed by theatrical release, with approximate runtimes and the narrative era they primarily cover.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Runtime: 136 minutes. Set 32 years before The Empire Strikes Back, this film introduces Anakin Skywalker, Queen Amidala, and the political tensions that foreshadow the Clone Wars.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Runtime: 142 minutes. Set 10 years after The Phantom Menace, it follows the rising Clone Wars and Anakin’s relationship with Padmé Amidala, leading toward the fall of the Republic.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Runtime: 140 minutes. Set at the end of the Clone Wars, it completes Anakin’s turn to the dark side and establishes the Galactic Empire under Emperor Palpatine.
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Runtime: 121 minutes. Set 19 years before The Empire Strikes Back, it begins with the Rebel Alliance opposing the Empire and culminates in the destruction of the Death Star.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Runtime: 124 minutes. Set 3 years after A New Hope, it delivers iconic confrontations, including Luke’s training with Yoda and the revelation of Vader’s parentage.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Runtime: 133 minutes. Set 1 year after The Empire Strikes Back, it concludes the original Skywalker saga arc with the Battle of Endor and the redemption of Anakin Skywalker.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Runtime: 138 minutes. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, it introduces a new generation of heroes while connecting to the legacy of the original trilogy.
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Runtime: 152 minutes. Set shortly after The Force Awakens, it reshapes the Resistance’s struggle and explores new interpretations of the Force.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Runtime: 142 minutes. Set 1 year after The Last Jedi, it concludes the Skywalker saga and brings the nine‑film arc to a definitive end.
Standalone Films and Major Spin‑offs
Outside the numbered episodes, several films expand the timeline, explore different eras, and feature characters from across the canon. These are considered part of the official Star Wars continuity.
| Film | Release Year | Primary Era or Setting | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 | Set shortly before Episode IV, focusing on the theft of the Death Star plans | 133 minutes |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | Set decades before Episode IV, following a young Han Solo | 135 minutes |
Eras and Themes Across the Saga
The Star Wars movies span multiple eras of the galaxy, from the decline of the Republic to the rise of the First Order. The prequels explore political collapse and the philosophy of balance; the originals center on heroism and redemption; the sequels address legacy and renewal; and the standalone films offer focused wartime and character studies. Understanding these eras helps viewers appreciate how each film contributes to the overarching narrative and mythic structure.
Viewing Orders and Narrative Paths
There are several ways to approach the Star Wars films, depending on your goals:
- Release order: Follows the timeline of theatrical and streaming releases, showing how the saga evolved over decades.
- Chronological order: Presents the story from earliest in-universe events to latest, ideal for continuity-focused viewing.
- Thematic arcs: Group films by era or character journeys, such as the Skywalker saga or the rise of the Rebellion.
Accessibility and Availability
The core saga films are widely available on multiple streaming platforms and physical media, while the standalone features vary by region and service. For new viewers, starting with Episode IV or exploring the chronological storyline can provide different entry points into the franchise, with each film adding layers to the galaxy’s history.
Expanding Beyond the Main Films
The Star Wars universe also includes television series, novels, comics, and shorts that further define characters and timelines. While this list focuses on feature films, these other media contribute to a rich, multidimensional experience and help contextualize the events depicted on screen.
Conclusion
This all Star Wars movies list provides a durable overview of the feature films that define the Skywalker saga and the broader cinematic universe. By understanding release order, settings, and narrative arcs, you can choose a viewing path that suits your interests and appreciate how each movie fits into the larger story of the galaxy.