Folks who wish to get themselves immersed in this ever-expanding intergalactic universe of Star Wars really go through a hard time in deciding where to start watching the movies and TV shows, specifically now, that the Star Wars timeline is becoming more and more complex through Disney+ TV shows. So, if you are wondering how many Star Wars movies and shows are out there and what is the right chronological order to watch them, you came to the right place.
With every connected universe, there is always more than one way to watch them. For instance, if we walk about the MCU, some movies were released later but their place in the Marvel timeline is prior to the earlier projects. Similarly, we can either stream the Star Wars films either in chronological order or by the order of their release dates. I always prefer to watch them in the order of their release date, however, if you wish to delve deeper into the storyline, a correct chronological order is the way to go.
Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order
So, if you have decided to watch this epic space saga in chronological order, you are in for a real treat, my fellow Jedi initiates. This is where your journey begins and by the time you finish scrolling, I guarantee you, all those Star Wars references in movies and shows these days will make much more sense to you.
So, let us begin this dance of lightsabres.
An Untitled James Mangold Film (TBC)
In a galaxy not so far away, James Mangold is set to direct a Star Wars film, unraveling the enigmatic origins of the Jedi and The Force itself. This exciting addition promises a deeper understanding of Star Wars lore, making it a must-watch for anyone who wants to watch the correct chronological order of the Star Wars timeline. This film could be set 25,000 years prior to The Phantom Menace.
The Acolyte (2024)
This series is already under production and will grace your screens in 2024. Set at the end of the High Republic era, the series will showcase the time prior to the main Star Wars films. So, keep your lightsabres holstered for this one.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
This is where this beautiful story begins. As Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi set out to stop the Trade Federation’s atrocities, they meet a gifted young lad, Anakin. The Force is truly strong with this young boy, as you will soon find out.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
As evil Sith plot their heinous attack on The Republic, Obi-Wan uncovers their plot and takes the necessary steps to prevent it.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
As an old threat slowly reveals its presence, multiple star systems get involved in Clone Wars. This animated series is a crucial addition to the Star Wars timeline of events.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
A classic film that defines the brilliance of this saga’s storytelling prowess. As Anakin joins his master Obi-Wan in defeating Count Doku, the choices he makes define the future of the galaxy.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
This one is a Han Solo-centric film where he plans a large-scale heist in a hyper-fuel-deficient galaxy only to meet new people who change his life for the better. This film defines Han Solo’s character arc, and believe me, it is important to know!
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
We see a beaten-down Obi-Wan who struggles with the greatest failure of his life. This story is a pivotal point because we actually get to see the aftermath of the downfall and corruption of his one-time friend and apprentice.
Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
In this animated gem from the vast Star Wars galaxy, you’ll find it wedged right between Episodes III and IV. As Imperial overlords decide to make life miserable for the locals on a remote rock, a ragtag team on the starship Ghost arrives to shake things up. A rebellion is on the horizon, so do not stop here!
Andor (2022-present)
One of the best Star Wars Disney+ series, Andor is a prequel project for Rogue One. Cassian must find a way to secure and deliver crucial information as a Rebel spy.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
This film builds upon the story of Andor. Jyn Erso’s father is abducted by the Empire and she grows up resenting them. Soon, she joins hands with resistance fighters and creates a massive problem for the Empire.
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
A classic galactic save-the-princess story where Darth Vader makes a move and abducts Princess Leia as a team of heroes assemble to free her from the Sith Lord’s claws.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Luke Skywalker embarks on an impossible quest to bring his father to the light side as another group of rebels assemble to annihilate a second Death Star. This film marks the end of the original Star Wars series by George Lucas.
The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
This show is one of the highest-grossing Star Wars series. The Mandalorian focuses on Din Djarin, a solo gunfighter who encounters a unique being on his quest as a bounty hunter. The show delves into the aftermath of the fall of the Galactic Empire and the outer rims of the Galaxy far far away. Oh and yes, you get to meet Grogu!
The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
This series directly comes out of The Mandalorian as we see a bounty hunter on the sands of Tatooine who joins hands with a mercenary to take over Jaba the Hutt’s old territory. The finale of this series will give you those End Game vibes, trust me.
Ahsoka (2023)
Ahsoka is the most recent installment in the Star Wars timeline, and perhaps a great one as well. We see a Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano who investigates a rising threat in the Galaxy that is vulnerable at the moment.
Skeleton Crew (2023)
The series is still yet to release, in 2023. A group of four kids get lost in an unknown galaxy after making a mysterious discovery on their home planet.
Star Wars: Resistance (2018-2020)
Dave Filloni’s animated show focuses on Kazuda Xiono, a pilot who shakes hands with the Resistance and embarks upon an epic spy adventure.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
A quest to find the last Jedi, a rising threat, and new heroes, The Force Awakens marks a new chapter in the Star Wars franchise where we get to see Rey, Poe, and Finn who are backed by the Resistance and the New Republic to subdue a new danger.
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Luke Skywalker emerges from the shadows and bestows his tutelage upon Rey, who must learn the ways of the Jedi in order to restore The Jedi Order to help the Resistance fight off the First Order.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
We get to witness the revival of Emperor Palpatine as the centuries-old conflict between the Jedi and Sith comes to a head. As the Resistance arms up against the First Order, dark clouds loom.
There you have it folks, these are all the Star Wars movies and shows that are either announced or released till October 2023. By now, you must be wondering whether to watch Star Wars movies in order of the release date or timeline, well folks, each sequence has its pros and cons.
Why Should You Watch Star Wars in Chronological Order?
Let’s start with the silver lining because, believe me, you’ll need a glimmer of hope as you venture into this timeless odyssey. One undeniable advantage of watching the Star Wars saga in order of the correct timeline is that you get to experience the narrative as it unfolds for the characters.
It’s as if you’re standing right alongside Anakin as he mumbles those infamous lines in The Phantom Menace. You can almost smell the sand of Tatooine, and well, that might not be such a good thing. But the real selling point here is that you get to follow the official chronology of the series.
If you ever wondered why George Lucas decided to start in the middle of the story, this order makes it all clear. I have set “A New Hope” as the central point of this chronological circus, and you’ll truly appreciate how everything fits together, even if it feels a bit disjointed at first.
Why Should You Avoid Watching Star Wars in Order of Timeline?
Now, let’s not kid ourselves – this order comes with some disadvantages as well. First and foremost, this timeline ride could result in you getting lots of spoilers prior to the time they were intended to be.
That jaw-dropping moment when Darth Vader reveals his true identity to Luke? Say goodbye to that because you’ll already know that secret before you even see the color of Luke’s lightsaber. Not to mention, this chronological sequence has a knack for exposing the saga’s inconsistencies.
Remember how Obi-Wan seemed to forget about Princess Leia’s existence in the original trilogy, despite having been present at her birth? Well, that plot hole becomes more gaping than the Sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi.
Moreover, there are the prequels, a trilogy that some love and others would rather not talk about. Watching them all in one go might require you to use the Force yourself to stay vigilant. The Force can’t help you with those cringe-worthy romantic dialogues or the Midichlorian debacle.
Oh, and if you’re thinking of binging The Mandalorian to see what all the Baby Yoda fuss is about, you might need to clear your schedule for the next few days. That’s because this chronological order includes it, and believe me, once you start watching, it’s hard to stop.
But hey, there is another way to fix all these issues. Just watch the films in the order that they were intended, in the order of release date.
Star Wars Movies in Order of Release Date
Why should you watch the Star Wars movies in the order of their release date? Well, it’s simple – because that’s the way the Force intended it.
When George Lucas unleashed A New Hope on the world in 1977, he ignited a cultural phenomenon. Watching them in release order allows you to experience the universe’s evolution as it unfolded for audiences, from the original trilogy’s groundbreaking special effects to the prequels’ polarizing politics.
Plus, you get to savor the iconic “I am your father” moment in all its jaw-dropping glory, and then, bask in the saga’s complex narrative layers. So, why go against the Jedi Council and mess with a classic? Release order is the path to cinematic enlightenment, young Padawan.
Release Date Order of Star Wars Films
| Sr. No | Movie/Show | Release Date |
| 1 | Episode IV: A New Hope | May 25, 1977 |
| 2 | Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 |
| 3 | Episode VI: Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 |
| 4 | Episode I: The Phantom Menace | May 19, 1999 |
| 5 | Episode II: Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 |
| 6 | Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 |
| 7 | Star Wars: The Clone Wars | October 3, 2008 |
| 8 | Star Wars Rebels | October 3, 2014 |
| 9 | Episode VII: The Force Awakens | December 18, 2015 |
| 10 | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | December 16, 2016 |
| 11 | Episode VIII: The Last Jedi | December 15, 2017 |
| 12 | Star Wars: Resistance | October 7, 2018 |
| 13 | Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 10, 2018 |
| 14 | The Mandalorian | November 12, 2019 |
| 15 | Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker | December 20, 2019 |
| 16 | The Book of Boba Fett | December 29, 2021 |
| 17 | Obi-Wan Kenobi | May 27, 2022 |
| 18 | Andor | September 21, 2022 |
| 19 | Ahsoka | August 22, 2023 |
| 20 | Skeleton Crew | 2023 |
| 21 | The Acolyte | 2024 |
| 22 | Lando | TBC |
| 23 | Untitled James Mangold film | TBC |
How Long Will It Take To Watch All Star Wars Movies?
Alright, aspiring Jedi, let’s talk time management in the galaxy of Star Wars. If you’re planning to dive into all 11 live-action Star Wars movies in their original glory, it’s going to be quite the marathon.
A whopping 25 hours and 7 minutes of lightsabers, droids, and epic space battles await you. It’s like binge-watching an entire season of your favorite show, except with X-wings instead of popcorn.
Now, if you’re the kind of Padawan who likes to focus on the Skywalker saga and wants to give the anthology movies a pass, you’re looking at a comparatively lean 20 hours and 39 minutes. Still, that’s a significant commitment, and you might start speaking in Yoda-like sentence structures by the end of it.
How to Watch Star Wars Films with a Day Job?
So, how does one juggle this epic adventure with a day job? Well, it’s all about finding balance. Think of it as your own Jedi training. Break it down into digestible portions. If you’ve got a job to tackle during the week, designate your evenings or weekends for Star Wars.
For the 11-movie extravaganza, you’re looking at around 4-5 hours a day, which is like a part-time job, a fun intergalactic job. Spread it over a week, and you can comfortably enjoy the saga in a little over five days.
If you’re aiming for the more focused Skywalker saga, you can manage it in about 4 hours a day for a week. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race.
What is the Runtime Duration of Star Wars Movies?
Here is a detailed runtime distribution for all the Star Wars films so you can easily divide and conquer around your own schedule.
| Movie | Runtime |
| A New Hope | 2 hours 1 minute |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 2 hours 4 minutes |
| Return of the Jedi | 2 hours 11 minutes |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| The Phantom Menace | 2 hours 16 minutes |
| The Force Awakens | 2 hours 18 minutes |
| Revenge of the Sith | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Attack of the Clones | 2 hours 22 minutes |
| The Last Jedi | 2 hours 32 minutes |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 2 hours 35 minutes |
Where to Watch All Star Wars Movies and Shows?
Well folks there is only one answer to that question and it’s Disney Plus. Yes, all Star Wars projects are easily available for you to stream and enjoy at your one-stop shop, which is Disney’s own streaming platform, Disney+.
Final Say
The Star Wars film series has captured our hearts and ignited our imaginations. From the very first movie that took us to a galaxy of endless possibilities, this franchise has become an iconic part of pop culture. But when it comes to the question of how to watch Star Wars movies, it’s all about choosing the right path.
The Star Wars chronological order offers a unique journey, allowing you to experience the epic saga from a fresh perspective. And while it may not be the path for everyone, it’s like embarking on a quest for Jedi enlightenment. You’ll witness the rise and fall of empires, the duality of the Force, and the timeless battle between good and evil.
With a mix of original classics and exciting new additions, there’s something for every Star Wars fan. And let’s not forget the rich Star Wars comics and series that delve even deeper into this expansive universe. So, whether you’re a seasoned Jedi Master or a curious Padawan, the Star Wars timeline holds endless adventures for you.
Road Ahead
The big question remains, how many Star Wars movies are there? Well, it’s a saga of epic proportions, with 11 films already released and more on the horizon. But one thing’s for sure, there’s no shortage of lightsabers, droids, and memorable moments.
So, where to watch Star Wars? The answer is clear: Disney Plus is your one-stop destination. The Force is strong with this streaming service, where the entire Star Wars saga awaits. Just be sure to have some blue milk and popcorn at the ready for an intergalactic movie night.
Finally, the Star Wars chronological order is a unique way to experience the timeless tale of this iconic franchise. So, go forth, explore, and may the Force be with you as you venture into a galaxy where the adventures never end.
