The Star Wars universe is infinite, as one can easily tell from the countless movies and TV shows dedicated to offering the saga’s complete story. There is a lot to catch up on when you’re not learning about the upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows, whether you watch these projects on physical media, digitally or stream them with a Disney+ subscription. But how do they follow the timeline?
Well, you could either enjoy all of the Star Wars movies and TV shows in order by their original release date, or you could trace the entire Skywalker Saga (as it has come to be referred to) in chronological order. In our opinion, however you choose to experience this enduringly popular, action-packed and inspiring story should mainly depend on your familiarity with it.
If You Have Not Seen The Star Wars Movies And TV Shows Before
If you happen to be among the Younglings who still have much (or all there is, more accurately) to learn about Star Wars, don’t worry. We won’t judge you. However, we do believe that the best way to finally become a fan of the saga is to experience it the same way most diehard fans have: watching the films and TV shows in the order they were released.
If You Have Seen The Star Wars Movies And TV Shows Already
For those who have received the proper training to almost be called a Jedi Master (translation: “already watched all of the Star Wars movies and TV shows released so far”), perhaps it is time, if you have not already, to experience the saga in its “proper” form. Try reliving all of the most exciting key moments of the long-running franchise in chronological order. This will certainly help you become a master of following the continuity, which can be tricky unless you look through our guide below.
Star Wars Movies And TV Shows In Order By Release Date
Allow us to explain the proper order of all the older and latest Star Wars movies and TV shows confirmed as canon, so far, as clearly as possible for you, here. First, however, we will list all titles in the order of their release, for those who may prefer to experience the full saga that way.
- 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 I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-Present)
- Star Wars: Visions (2021-present)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022-present)
- Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi (2022)
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023-present)
- Ahsoka (2023-present)
- Star Wars: Tales Of The Empire (2024)
- The Acolyte (2024)
Star Wars Movies And TV Shows In Chronological Order
SPOILER WARNING: Do you have a bad feeling about this article – particularly that we will give away crucial details about the entire Star Wars franchise on screen? You would be correct in trusting that instinct, as we will be getting into spoilers beyond this point. If you are not caught up on all the movies and TV shows in the timeline, proceed with caution and may the Force be with you.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023-present)
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ placement in the canon is debatable since this is a show geared towards preschoolers. However, assuming everything that happens within it can be officially placed on the timeline, then this is the earliest entry yet when it comes to Star Wars movies and TV shows. Young Jedi Adventures is set during the High Republic era, i.e. hundreds of years before the main Star Wars movies, and focuses on Yoda training a group of younglings in the ways of the Force. Two seasons of the show have aired so far, first being released on Disney+, then airing on Disney Junior.
The Acolyte (2024)
The Acolyte takes place at the tail end of the High Republic era, roughly 100 years before the events of The Phantom Menace, making it the earliest live-action entry on the franchise’s timeline released so far. The Disney+ series follows twin sisters Osha and Mae, who are revealed to have been born through a "vergence" in the Force that could create life, and essentially the same person. While the rest of The Acolyte's main cast is also comprised of new characters, it does feature the first appearance of Darth Plagueis and a silent Yoda cameo. The show was cancelled after just one season.
Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi (2022)(Count Dooku's Story)
Both Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire are outliers in the Star Wars saga because as anthology series, they not only follow multiple characters, but also explore numerous time periods. As such, these shows don't have one dedicated spot on the Star Wars timeline, so it’s best to break them down by each character’s story.
For the most part, Count Dooku’s Tales of the Jedi story (which raises a big question about Yoda) in Season 1 is set prior to The Phantom Menace, with Star Wars fans following along with the character as a younger man in his Jedi Knight days and eventually taking on Qui-Gon Jinn as his apprentice, and eventually learning how he became disillusioned with the Jedi Order. That being said, the story does chronicle events that happened after the first Prequel Trilogy installment, with Dooku learning about Qui-Gon’s death and cementing his status as Darth Sidious' apprentice.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
The origins of George Lucas’ Skywalker Saga (before it was even collectively referred to by that name) were revealed in its “first” episode. Set years before the events of the 1977 original, The Phantom Menace, the first chapter of the Star Wars movies’ prequel trilogy (which has its good moments), depicts a more peaceful time in a galaxy far, far away, but not for long.
After Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi narrowly escape the hostility of an evil trade federation, they must then aid the planet of Naboo by protecting their queen, which takes them to Tatooine, where they meet a boy named Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi take him under their wing, believing him to be destined to bring balance to the Force. They will one day be proven right, but not in the sense they anticipated.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Ten years after defeating Darth Maul to avenge the slain Qui-Gon Jinn at the conclusion of The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan Kenobi is now a Jedi Knight training a grown, sand-hating Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan in the second chapter of the Star Wars movies prequel trilogy. Following a failed assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan investigates the matter and discovers a secret army of clones modeled after Jango Fett, a bounty hunter with a son named Boba.
Meanwhile, Anakin finds himself falling in love with Padmé, despite the Jedi’s forbiddance of romance. The pair visit Anakin’s home planet to find his mother dead, igniting a murderous hunger for vengeance against the Tuscan Raiders who killed her. Fortunately, the story concludes with Anakin and Padmé returning to aid Obi-Wan and Mace Windu in a civil war within the Galactic Republic. After seemingly defeating the manipulative forces of the Sith once again, Anakin and Padmé wed – the only witnesses being their trusted droids C-3PO and R2-D2.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
The continuation of a theatrical film that expands the history of the Clone Wars, this acclaimed animated Star Wars TV show takes place between the events of Episode II and Episode III. Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Anakin Skywalker and his new apprentice Ahsoka Tano are among the many Jedi battling against the Separatist droid army.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars also marks the unexpected return of Darth Maul, who is now a partially mechanical being after his natural bottom half was claimed by Obi-Wan in Episode I. The series also includes other established characters from previous Star Wars movies and TV shows, and paves a clearer path between the Prequel Trilogy and the original films by deeply exploring the much-referenced Clone Wars. It also introduces several now fan-favorite characters, like the ruthless bounty hunter Cad Bane.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
Three years into the Clone Wars, Jedi Knight and soon-to-be father Anakin Skywalker’s commitment to the Light Side hangs by a thread as Palpatine slowly and insidiously lures him to the Dark Side. He shows his allegiance to the Sith by helping Palpatine (revealed to be Darth Sidious) wipe out the Jedi – even the younglings – under his new title: Darth Vader.
Obi-Wan reluctantly defeats Vader (making for arguably the best lightsaber duel), leaving him burned by lava and losing all but one of his extremities, but fails to foil the Sith’s overtaking of the Galactic Republic, now reformed into the Empire. Vader is given a mechanical suit that helps him breathe and walk, but immediately after, he learns that his wife Padmé has died. Before that though, she gave birth to twins, Luke and Leia. Leia is adopted by Bail Organa on Alderaan, and Luke sent to live with his aunt and uncle on Tatooine, where Obi-Wan promises to keep close watch over the boy.
Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi (2022)(Ahsoka Tano's Story)
It’s not possible to put Ahsoka Tano’s Tales of the Jedi story in a solidified spot on this list. We go from seeing her being born, to her Force abilities awakening as an infant, to being put through a rigorous training exercise by Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars, to hiding from the Empire in the aftermath of Order 66 and being forced to battle an Inquisitor.
So because Ahsoka’s story stretches as far as immediately after Revenge of the Sith, that’s the safest place to put it on here. Just know that you’ll really be following along with her across the entire span of the Prequel Trilogy and a little into the Empire’s early reign.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-2024)
Set during the aftermath of the Clone Wars, this Disney+ original animated series follows a group of genetically engineered clone troopers, all of whom are played by prolific voice actor Dee Bradley Baker. Struggling to understand why they, unlike everyone else of their kind, sided with the Jedi, they embark on a quest to learn the truth.
The show a unique and exciting follow-up to the acclaimed Star Wars: The Clone Wars series featuring appearances by a few fan favorite characters, such as Fennec Shand, Cad Bane and even Asajj Ventress, as well as explored why the Empire stopped using the clone troopers, and revealing that Omega wasn’t the only female Jango Fett clone. The series ended in May 2024 after three seasons.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Set a decade or so into the First Galactic Empire’s rule, Solo: A Star Wars Story follows young aspiring pilot Han, whose dream to leave his home planet takes him on a journey involving tours with the Imperial infantry, smuggling an energy source called coaxium for crime syndicate Crimson Dawn, and making the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs.
We also learn how Han was given his last name, how his ability to speak Wookiee earned him the respect of the pit beast who almost killed him named Chewbacca, that his former girlfriend Qi’ra turned out to be an employee of Darth Maul, and managed to claim the Millennium Falcon by beating Lando Calrissian in a card game. So essentially, everything you may or may not have needed to know (or already did know from previous Star Wars movies) about Han Solo is revealed.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Set a decade or so after the Galactic Empire’s rise, Obi-Wan Kenobi now goes by “Ben” on Tatooine – where he still keeps a close eye on young Luke Skywalker, much to the chagrin of his protective uncle Owen and aunt Beru. Despite having little hope for or interest in the growing resistance, he is forced to rediscover his warrior ways when Bail Organa informs him that his adoptive daughter, Leia, has been kidnapped.
However, the kidnapping is a trap set by the ruthless inquisitor Reva in hopes to earn the respect of Darth Vader, whom she is secretly seeking vengeance against for murdering younglings like her years earlier. Struggling to ensure Leia’s safety and that of the resistance fighters he received help from along the way, Kenobi realizes he must face Vader himself in a shocking, deeply sorrowful duel. Reva also rediscovers her own goodness by sparing the life of her enemy’s young biological son, Luke, whom Kenobi also gets to officially meet for the first time before being reunited with the Force Ghost of his slain master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
Tales Of The Empire (2024) (Barriss Offee's Story)
In the final episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5, Barriss Offee, Luminara Undula’s former apprentice and close friend to Ahsoka Tano, carried out a series of bombings in Coruscant after becoming disillusioned with the Jedi Order. She was eventually arrested for her crimes, and Tales of the Empire showed her being freed from prison after Order 66 in order to become one of the Empire’s Inquisitors. It’s unclear how much of a time jump occurred between the second and third episodes, but given what happens with Fourth Sister, it’s best to put this after Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
Yet another animated Star Wars TV show to bridge the gap between subsequent films of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars Rebels sees the Galactic Empire at the peak of its rule. As it increases its efforts to hunt and eliminate the last of the Jedi Knights in hiding, a rebellion begins to take form.
This Emmy-nominated series follows a crew previously unfamiliar to the Star Wars universe who take it upon themselves to stand up against the Empire. This ensues much death-defying conflict against a few of the saga’s most iconic figures, including Darth Maul. Some of Rebels' important characters also go on to appear in Disney+'s live-action Star Wars shows, including The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
Andor (2022-present)
Beginning 15 years after the rise of the Empire, Andor points the spotlight on Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor, who goes on to play an important role in Rogue One. While we know how Cassian’s story ends, Andor winds the clock back to show how the former thief became involved with the Rebel Alliance. This series also features Mon Mothma, one of the Rebellion's key leaders, in a prominent role, but the majority of the series’ characters are brand-new to a galaxy far, far away. This includes Adria Arjona's Bix Caleen, Stellan Skarsgård's Luthen Raeland even Andy Serkis returning to the franchise as Kino Loy following his time in the Sequel Trilogy as Snoke.
Andor was created by Tony Gilroy, who co-wrote Rogue One with Chris Weitz. Season 1 finished in November 2022 and it will return for a second and final season. Because Season 2's production was impacted by the actors strike, it’s not expected to premiere on Disney+ until 2025. Among the things we know about Andor Season 2 is that it will cover the entire four years leading directly into Rogue One.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
In this prequel to the original Star Wars movies trilogy disguised as a spin-off, Jyn Erso has been on her own since childhood after her scientist father was forced to abandon his family to assist the Galactic Empire. Years later, she reluctantly joins a ragtag group of rebels at an especially pressing time for its cause.
After Jyn discovers that her father had intentionally designed a moon-sized weapon for the Empire with a debilitating flaw, her newfound sense of hope inspires her to pass the information to the resistance, which sets in motion the rebellion’s most important mission yet: steal the plans to the weapon, known as the Death Star. Rather than getting a happy ending, Jyn and her crew, spontaneously dubbed “Rogue One,” all lose their lives in honor of the mission, but not before successfully intercepting and transmitting the Death Star plans to the Rebellion’s ally, Princess Leia Organa.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Picking up immediately after the events of Rogue One, Star Wars: Episode IV sees Darth Vader and the Empire threatened by “a new hope” as droids C-3PO and R2-D2 escape to Tatooine to deliver a message from Princess Leia to Obi-Wan “Ben” Kenobi. They cross paths with an aged Ben through their new owner, Luke Skywalker, who then discovers he is a Jedi with abilities passed down from his father, Anakin Skywalker.
They then enlist Millennium Falcon pilot Han Solo and his Wookiee companion, Chewbacca, to rescue Leia and bring her to the safe hands of the Rebel Alliance. Despite losing Obi-Wan to a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader, the crew succeeds and joins the Rebel Alliance in a battle that results in the destruction of the Death Star. Luke, Han, Chewie, C-3PO, and R2-D2 are rewarded by Leia for their efforts in defiance of the Empire.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Rebel Alliance suffers the Empire’s vengeful attack at their headquarters on the ice planet of Hoth in the set up for the Star Wars movies’ first sequel that continues to chronicle the war for peace across the galaxy. Luke Skywalker flees with R2-D2 to Dagobah to seek Jedi training from Master Yoda while Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO seek refuge at Cloud City – governed by Han’s old acquaintance Lando Calrissian.
Unfortunately, the rebels are thwarted by the Empire, who freeze Han in carbonite, before Darth Vader confronts Luke to reveal that he is truly his father in an attempt to lure him to the Dark Side. Luke escapes and reunites with Leia and the surviving rebels, pondering an uncertain future to their cause.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
After successfully rescuing Han Solo from crime lord Jabba the Hutt, Luke Skywalker completes his training at Dagobah as the Rebel Alliance prepares an attack on the almost rebuilt Death Star and the Empire awaits the arrival of the Emperor. Han and the others travel to Endor, where they befriend the native Ewoks, in hopes to disengage the Death Star’s shield generator. While there, Luke reveals to Leia that they are siblings and the biological children of Darth Vader before leaving to confront the Sith lord in hopes to bring him back to the Light Side.
The Emperor taunts Luke, weighed down by the threat looming over his friends, but his attempt to lure him to the Dark Side is stopped by a sudden change of heart in Darth Vader, who kills the Emperor, leading to his own death. Luke escapes the Death Star before the Rebels successfully destroy it, securing the end of the Empire’s rule and inciting a celebration on Endor where Luke sees that his father’s Force spirit lives on beside Yoda and Obi-Wan.
Tales Of The Empire (2024) (Morgan Elsbeth's Story)
As with Ahsoka’s story in Tales of the Jedi, there’s no way to place Morgan Elsbeth’s story in Tales of the Empire in a firm spot on this timeline. First we see her surviving General Grievous’ assault on the Nightsisters of Dathomir, which occurred during the Clone Wars Season 4 episode “Massacre.” Then it jumps forward to her meeting Thrawn sometime in the middle of her Imperial career, and then we see her as Corvus’ magistrate shortly before the events of The Mandalorian. So to be safe, stick this before the series following Din Djarin and Grogu if you’re watching in chronological order.
The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
Set between the fall of the Empire and the rise of the First Order, creator Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian follows a bounty hunter, named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal). After rescuing an infant with great, forgotten power (who later comes to be known as Grogu), he takes an oath to make sure that he stays out of harm's way. The series has done a lot over its run, from spotlighting Mandalorian culture to bringing back characters like Boba Fett, Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker and even Zeb from Star Wars Rebels.
In January 2024, The Mandalorian & Grogu was announced, and one of the things we know about this theatrical movie is that Jon Favreau is directing it. The movie comes out on May 22, 2026, but now it’s unclear if The Mandalorian Season 4 is also still happening.
The Book Of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
More a continuation of The Mandalorian's second season than a spinoff, Disney+'s The Book of Boba Fett sees Temuera Morrison reprising the role, now as the central character... for the most part. The series reveals how the former bounty hunter survived the Sarlacc pit, became acquainted with his companion, Fennec Shand, and adopted a somewhat more peaceful philosophy after establishing kin with Tusken Raiders.
As a crime lord, he struggles to make a difference in the town of Mos Espa on Tatooine, which eventually leads him to enlist Mando's help against a crime syndicate associated with his former mentor, Cad Bane. In the process of defeating the syndicate, Mando is also reunited with Grogu after the youngling chooses to be with his surrogate father instead of continuing his Jedi training with Luke Skywalker.
Ahsoka (2023-present)
Ahsoka takes place after the title character's appearance in The Mandalorian Season 2. This is evidenced by Morgan Elsbeth, whom Ahsoka Tano captured in the aforementioned show, being broken out of custody in Ahsoka's first episode. Without going into spoilers, this show also definitely takes place after The Book of Boba Fett given where we leave off with the character in the finale.
For those who watched Star Wars Rebels and are keen to see how this live-action show picks up the plot threads it left behind, the series' opening episodes overlap with the epilogue in the animated show's finale, with Ahsoka Tano returning to Lothal to recruit Sabine Wren to help her find Ezra Bridger. Along the way, they clash with new foes, like Force users Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati, as well as cross paths once again with Grand Admiral Thrawn, reprised by Lars Mikkelsen. Lucasfilm confirmed in January 2024 that Ahsoka Season 2 is happening, but we’re a long ways off from learning specifics about the next episodes.
Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020)
The now (mostly) peaceful galaxy is hanging by a thread when a new threat emerges. The First Order seeks to reclaim rule of the Republic in the name of the fallen Empire. Disney Channel's animated Star Wars TV show follows a young resistance pilot tasked with investigating the First Order in hopes to defend the galaxy before once again succumbing to the authority of the Dark Side. Like The Clone Wars and Rebels, Resistance is a Star Wars show that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Years after the First Order has assumed dominance, resistance pilot Poe Dameron leaves a map leading to an exiled Luke Skywalker with trusted droid BB-8 before he is captured by Kylo Ren. A stormtrooper helps Poe escape and earns the nickname Finn, but crash lands on Jakku, where BB-8 has befriended abandoned scavenger Rey. They flee Jakku using the Millennium Falcon, whose previous owners, Han Solo and Chewbacca, find them and accompany them to the planet Takodana, where Rey is kidnapped by the First Order.
Luckily, the others are rescued by Poe and taken to a resistance base led by General Leia Organa, who sends Han and Finn to the Starkiller Base to rescue Rey. For the first time since he turned to the Dark Side and became Kylo Ren, Ben Solo sees his father, Han, and kills him in an effort to prove his worth to the First Order. After the resistance destroys the Starkiller Base, Rey travels to find Luke in hopes to begin her Jedi training and enlist his help in defeating the First Order.
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
Rey receives Jedi training from the reluctant Luke Skywalker, whose failure to save Kylo Ren from the Dark Side has, essentially, rendered him hopeless. Meanwhile, as the First Order tracks the Rebellion by hyperspeed, Finn teams up with mechanic Rose Tico in a search for a codebreaker who may be of great help.
After learning that Luke tried to kill Ben Solo due to his dark tendencies, Rey flees and is captured by Ren, where the unlikely duo combine efforts against Supreme Leader Snoke, only to depart when Ren admits he was hoping to rule the First Order with her. The Rebel Alliance takes refuge at Crait, where Luke’s force projection faces off against Ren. The battle weakens the Jedi Master to death, but helps Rey escape Crait with the resistance, who now face an uncertain future.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
In the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, we learn the First Order has been secretly run the whole time by Palpatine. Not only that, but the revived emperor also turns out to be the grandfather of Rey, who has worked to complete her training with Leia Organa. Unfortunately, Leia later succumbs to illness while Rey is dueling with Kylo Ren in the remnants of the second Death Star.
In the end, Rey is able to defeat Palpatine and destroy the First Order with the help of a reformed Ben Solo, who also dies after using the Force to resurrect Rey after she initially succumbs to her own exhausted power in battle. The surviving rebels, including Lando Calrissian, celebrate their victory as Rey returns to Tatooine where she buries Luke and Leia's lightsabers and assumes Luke’s last name as her own – hence the title, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. But while this story marks the end of the Skywalker Saga, Rey will return in her own movie being directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Star Wars: Visions (2021-present)
The reason Disney+’s Star Wars: Visions is at the bottom of the list is because most, if not all of the stories told within this animated anthology series aren’t canon. Visions provides an opportunity for animators around the world to leave their distinct stamp on the franchise without needing to worry about continuity. The first season was comprised of all anime short films, while Season 2 delivered offerings in different animation styles from various other countries. So there's no need to worry about slotting Visions into the timeline; these shorts can be watched whenever you feel like it.
So there you have it: the entire timeline of the main saga set in a galaxy far, far away as told through the many Star Wars canon movies (which we’ve ranked) and TV shows in their proper order. However, keep in mind, this story is far from over, so keep visiting CinemaBlend for the latest and greatest news on the franchise.
