Star Wars movies list in order (core saga)
For a standard chronological viewing of the Skywalker saga, follow this widely accepted narrative order. This list includes the nine main episodes, each keyed to the onscreen events rather than release dates, so you see the story as it unfolds for the characters.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2n9)
Alternatively, many viewers prefer the original release order, which mirrors the cultural timeline of the films and how audiences first experienced the saga.
Release years and runtimes at a glance
The table below combines narrative order with verified release years and runtimes for the main saga films and two major standalone titles to support planning and context.
| Title | Release Year | Runtime (minutes) | Narrative Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | 1999 | 136 | 1 |
| Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | 2002 | 142 | 2 |
| Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | 140 | 3 |
| Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 1977 | 121 | 4 |
| Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | 1980 | 124 | 5 |
| Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | 1983 | 131 | 6 |
| Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens | 2015 | 138 | 7 |
| Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | 2017 | 152 | 8 |
| Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | 142 | 9 |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | 135 | Between Ep II and III |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 | 133 | Between Ep III and IV |
Which Star Wars order should you watch?
Narrative (chronological) order
Watch the saga as the galaxy does, by story chronology. This sequence begins with The Phantom Menace and ends with The Rise of Skywalker, placing Solo and Rogue One where their events occur. This is the recommended order for first-time viewers who want the plot to unfold naturally.
Release order
The release order follows the sequence in which the films arrived in theaters, which is also how many long-time fans prefer to experience the movies. In this ordering, the original trilogy leads, followed by the prequels, then the new sequels, with the standalone films positioned by their in-story timing when included.
Key context on the Sky saga
The Skywalker saga comprises the primary episodic storyline spanning generations of a single family, from Anakin Skywalker to his descendants. It is framed as the fictional Journal of the Whills in early concept materials, but within the films it is presented as a historical cycle told by the Jedi keepers of the galaxy’s balance. The sequel trilogy directly continues the events of the original trilogy, while the prequels explore the origins of the conflict that defines the saga.
Where the standalone films fit
Rogue One and Solo are part of the larger Star Wars timeline but are not numbered episodes. Rogue One concludes just before the events of A New Hope, depicting the theft of the Death Star plans. Solo explores a younger version of Han Solo’s past and falls between Episodes II and III in narrative time. Including them is optional, but they provide backstory and worldbuilding for the broader saga.
Beyond the Skywalker saga
While the nine main episodes plus the two named standalones cover the central cinematic story, many additional Star Wars projects exist in film, series, and other media. This article focuses on the feature films; series, specials, and shorts are not included in this movie list.
Notable milestones by release
Milestones such as shifts in technology, storytelling approach, and audience reception mark the history of the films in this list. The original trilogy is credited with pioneering modern event-style releases, while the prequels introduced early digital production at scale, and the sequels navigated legacy casting and franchise expectations.
Wrap-up guidance
Use the narrative order for a story-forward journey or the release order to follow the cultural trajectory of the franchise. Either way, this curated Star Wars movies list in order gives you a reliable, evergreen framework to explore the saga on your own terms.