If you’ve ever stood at the edge of the Star Wars galaxy wondering where to begin, you’re not alone. With over four decades of content, spanning trilogies, standalone films, animated series, and Disney+ shows, choosing the best “Star Wars watch order” can feel like navigating an asteroid field. But fear not! Whether you’re a Padawan just starting out or a seasoned Jedi seeking to rewatch with fresh perspective, this guide covers all the major watch orders to suit every kind of fan.
How Many Star Wars Films Are There?
As of 2025, there are 11 live-action Star Wars films:
- 9 episodes in the Skywalker Saga
- 2 standalone films (Rogue One and Solo)
This doesn’t include the animated films or Disney+ series, which expand the universe even further.
How to Watch Star Wars in Release Order
Watching Star Wars in the order they emerged from the celestial studio gates brings a certain nostalgia and chronological respect. This order allows you to journey through the Star Wars universe just as audiences did from the late 70s onward, experiencing the evolution of filmmaking and narrative unfolding in its original form.
Star Wars Release Order
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope [May 25, 1977 | Movie | 121min. | ★8.6 (1, 235, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back [May 21, 1980 | Movie | 124min. | ★8.7 (1, 145, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi [May 25, 1983 | Movie | 131min. | ★8.3 (949, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace [May 19, 1999 | Movie | 136min. | ★6.5 (731, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones [May 16, 2002 | Movie | 142min. | ★6.5 (627, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith [May 19, 2005 | Movie | 140min. | ★7.5 (715, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens [December 18, 2015 | Movie | 138min. | ★7.8 (880, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi [December 15, 2017 | Movie | 152min. | ★6.9 (586, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker [December 20, 2019 | Movie | 142min. | ★6.5 (386, 000)]
How to Watch Star Wars in Chronological Order
If you wish to experience the saga through the same temporal lens as the characters, the Star Wars chronological order is your chosen path. This approach aligns the narrative with the internal timeline, offering a seamless story progression that unravels the universe’s lore from the rise of Anakin Skywalker to the legacy of his descendants.
Star Wars Chronological Order
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace [May 19, 1999 | Movie | 136min. | ★6.5 (731, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones [May 16, 2002 | Movie | 142min. | ★6.5 (627, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith [May 19, 2005 | Movie | 140min. | ★7.5 (715, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope [May 25, 1977 | Movie | 121min. | ★8.6 (1, 235, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back [May 21, 1980 | Movie | 124min. | ★8.7 (1, 145, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi [May 25, 1983 | Movie | 131min. | ★8.3 (949, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens [December 18, 2015 | Movie | 138min. | ★7.8 (880, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi [December 15, 2017 | Movie | 152min. | ★6.9 (586, 000)]
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker [December 20, 2019 | Movie | 142min. | ★6.5 (386, 000)]
Recommended Star Wars Watch Order for the Best Experience
For newcomers to the galaxy far, far away, the best watch order intertwines the awe of release with the logic of chronology. This allows for natural narrative tension and the preservation of pivotal reveals. This hybrid approach, often referred to in fan circles as the ‘Machete Order’, cuts through the narrative weeds and gets to the heart of the Skywalker saga, skipping over potential story slowpokes. It is accommodating for both first-time viewers and those returning to the stars. The key here is to compare **release order vs chronological order** and approach the series in a way that maintains the storyline’s potency.
What Is the Most Exciting Star Wars Movie?
While excitement can be subjective, The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) is widely regarded as the most thrilling and impactful film in the saga. With its jaw-dropping reveal (“I am your father”) and dark, emotional tone, it has earned a lasting place as a fan favorite and even film critics often place it among the greatest sequels of all time.
Is the Star Wars Series Finished?
The Star Wars universe is far from over. While the Skywalker Saga wrapped up with Episode IX in 2019, Lucasfilm continues to expand the galaxy with multiple Disney+ series, animated content, and upcoming movies planned for the next few years. Characters like Rey, Din Djarin, and Ahsoka are still unfolding new chapters, keeping the Force alive for new generations.
Where to Watch Star Wars
You can watch the entire Star Wars saga, including films, animated series, and Disney+ originals, on Disney+. It’s the official home for all things Star Wars, from deep lore to bonus behind-the-scenes footage.
How Much Time Will It Take to Complete Star Wars?
Watching a Star Wars marathon is a commitment of around 20 hours and 39 minutes, without considering the various TV shows and spin-offs that add layers of depth to the lore. It’s a journey worth every second, immersing viewers in a saga that spans galaxies and decades.
Overview of the Plot, Storyline, and Key Elements of Star Wars
What sets Star Wars apart is its timeless tale of good versus evil, brought to life with groundbreaking visual effects and iconic characters. At its core are themes of heroism, redemption, and the struggle for freedom against tyranny. Each installment expands on a vast universe brimming with diverse planets, cultures, and creatures.
For fans of space operas and tales of knights and rogues, Star Wars taps into the same vein that fuels classics like “Dune” and “The Lord of the Rings”, while remaining distinct in its portrayal of the Force, lightsaber battles, and space dogfights.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the Star Wars watch order is like charting a course through the stars. This guide aims to offer you a hyperdrive jump straight into the heart of the franchise. Whether through the release or chronological order, your path will undoubtedly lead to entertainment of planetary proportions. So ignite your lightsabers, prepare your starfighters, and may the Force be with you as you explore the expansive Star Wars universe.
TL;DR
Star Wars has 11 main movies and multiple shows. Watch in release or chronological order. The Empire Strikes Back is a fan favorite, and the saga continues.
