All Star Wars Movies in Order to Watch: A Galactic Guide

Hello there, fellow Star Wars enthusiasts! If you're new to the galaxy far, far away or just a bit confused about the order of the movies, you've come to the right place. In this casual and friendly guide, we'll explore the best way to watch all the Star Wars movies in order. So, grab your lightsaber, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and all star wars movies in order to watch.

The Skywalker Saga Timeline

Before we begin, it's essential to understand that the Star Wars movies can be watched in different orders, depending on what you're looking for. The most common ways are the Release Order and the Machete Order. However, we'll focus on the Skywalker Saga timeline, which is the chronological order of the movies based on the main storyline of the Skywalker family.

Episode I - The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)

Kicking off our journey through the galaxy is The Phantom Menace, set 32 years before the events of the original trilogy. Here, we meet young Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One who is believed to bring balance to the Force. We also witness the rise of the Trade Federation's blockade and invasion of the planet Naboo.

Fun fact: The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars movie released after a 16-year hiatus.

Episode II - Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)

Ten years later, we find ourselves in the middle of the Clone Wars with Attack of the Clones. Anakin, now a Padawan learner to Obi-Wan Kenobi, is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala. Meanwhile, the Clone Wars commence between the Republic, led by the Jedi, and the Separatists, commanded by the Sith.

Did you know? The Clone Wars would last for three years, with the final battle taking place in Episode III.

Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)

The prequel trilogy reaches its climax with Revenge of the Sith, set three years after the events of Attack of the Clones. Anakin turns to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader, and helps Emperor Palpatine execute Order 66, which commands the clone troopers to eliminate the Jedi. The movie ends with the birth of Luke and Leia Skywalker, the children of Anakin and Padmé.

Trivia: Revenge of the Sith is the only prequel movie to be nominated for an Academy Award, receiving a nod for Best Visual Effects.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (13-10 BBY)

Now, let's take a detour from the Skywalker Saga to explore the adventures of everyone's favorite smuggler, Han Solo. Set roughly 10-13 years before the events of the original trilogy, Solo follows the young Han as he meets Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and becomes the scoundrel we know and love.

Did you know? Solo is the second Star Wars anthology film, following 2016's Rogue One.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)

Speaking of Rogue One, let's jump back to the main timeline with this gripping tale set just before the events of the original Star Wars movie. Rogue One follows a group of rebels who steal the plans to the Death Star, setting the stage for the Battle of Yavin.

Fun fact: Rogue One is the first Star Wars movie to not feature any main characters from the Skywalker Saga.

Episode IV - A New Hope (0 ABY)

Finally, we arrive at the beginning of the original trilogy with A New Hope. Here, we meet Luke Skywalker, who joins forces with Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the dashing rogue, Lando Calrissian, to destroy the Death Star and bring an end to the rule of the Galactic Empire.

Did you know? A New Hope was originally released as simply Star Wars, but was later retitled to reflect its place in the saga.

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)

Picking up three years after the Battle of Yavin, The Empire Strikes Back sees our heroes on the run from the Imperial forces. Luke begins his Jedi training with Master Yoda, while Han and Leia grow closer. The movie ends with one of the most iconic revelations in cinema history: "No, I am your father."

Trivia: The Empire Strikes Back was the first Star Wars movie to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, ultimately losing to Annie Hall.

Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)

The epic conclusion to the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, finds Luke leading a daring mission to destroy the second Death Star and rescue Han from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, the Empire prepares for an all-out assault on the Rebellion, leading to the Battle of Endor and the ultimate fate of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.

Fun fact: Return of the Jedi was the first Star Wars movie to be released on home video, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

The Mandalorian (9 ABY)

Now, let's fast-forward roughly 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi to the Mandalorian series on Disney+. Set in the Outer Rim, the Mandalorian follows a lone bounty hunter who discovers a mysterious, Force-sensitive child, later revealed to be Grogu (or "Baby Yoda"). The Mandalorian and his allies protect Grogu from various threats, including remnants of the Empire and other ruthless bounty hunters.

Did you know? The Mandalorian is the first live-action Star Wars series, with a second season currently airing on Disney+.

The Sequel Trilogy** (34 ABY and beyond)

Finally, we come to the Sequel Trilogy, set roughly 30 years after the events of the original trilogy. This trilogy follows the journey of Rey, a young woman who discovers she is sensitive to the Force, as she learns the ways of the Jedi from Luke Skywalker. Along the way, she forms a bond with Finn, a former stormtrooper, and Poe Dameron, a Resistance pilot, as they face off against the First Order, a remnant of the Empire.

Fun fact: The Sequel Trilogy consists of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, which were released in 2015, 2017, and 2019, respectively.

And there you have it, folks! The best way to watch all the Star Wars movies in order, according to the Skywalker Saga timeline. Of course, there are other ways to watch the movies, such as the Release Order or the Machete Order, but we believe this is the most immersive way to experience the galaxy far, far away.

So, grab your popcorn, and may the Force be with you as you embark on this epic cinematic journey!