Film · in order
Star Wars Movies in Order
The 11 theatrical Star Wars films in order — by release date, by in-universe timeline (Episode I through IX, plus Solo and Rogue One), and the cult-favorite Machete order.
≈ 24h 54m to watch all 11 films about a week of movie nights
Star Wars Movies in Order — complete list
Check off what you've finished — it saves automatically · See all your lists → ·
Why this order?
Star Wars is famously easy to watch out of order, because George Lucas released it out of order. The original trilogy came first (1977-1983), then the prequels (1999-2005), then the sequels and two standalone "A Star Wars Story" films (2015-2019). That means release order and timeline order are completely different, and which one is "right" depends on what you want from the experience.
Release order is the default here, and it's the one we recommend for first-timers. You meet Luke, Han, and Leia before you ever meet baby Anakin, which means the big twist in The Empire Strikes Back actually lands as a twist. The effects also "improve" as you go, which most people find easier than the reverse.
Episode order (chronological) plays the saga as the in-universe story unfolds: the prequels first, then the standalone Solo and Rogue One, which slot in just before the original trilogy, then the sequels. It's tidy and great for rewatchers, but it spoils Darth Vader's identity in the very first film you watch.
The Machete order is the clever compromise invented by blogger Rod Hilton. You watch IV, V, then jump back to II and III as a flashback, then return for VI. It deliberately skips Episode I (The Phantom Menace), arguing the plot survives fine without it, and preserves the Vader twist while still giving Anakin's tragedy its full weight. The sequel trilogy is optional on the end.
One footnote: a 2008 animated theatrical film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, exists and launched the TV series, but it's not part of the main live-action lineup, so we've left it off the lists below. If you like big space sagas, see also Star Trek and Dune.
Timeline 1977–2019
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
How many Star Wars movies are there?
There are 11 theatrical live-action films: the nine numbered Skywalker Saga episodes plus two standalone 'A Star Wars Story' movies, Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018). A 2008 animated film, The Clone Wars, exists separately.
What order should I watch Star Wars in?
For a first watch, use release order (start with 1977's A New Hope) so the big twists land. Rewatchers often prefer episode/chronological order, and fans love the Machete order, which preserves the surprises while keeping the prequels.
What is the Machete order?
A viewing sequence by Rod Hilton: watch IV, V, then II and III as a flashback, then VI. It skips Episode I entirely, preserves Vader's reveal, and treats Anakin's downfall as a tragedy. The sequel trilogy is optional afterward.
Why skip The Phantom Menace?
Machete order argues Episode I adds little to the central Anakin–Luke story, so dropping it tightens the saga without losing key plot. You can still watch it separately if you want the full picture.
Where do Rogue One and Solo fit?
Both are standalone stories. Chronologically they sit just before the original trilogy: Solo earliest, then Rogue One, which leads directly into A New Hope. They're not numbered episodes.
Is The Clone Wars (2008) part of the main movie list?
No. The 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated theatrical film that launched the TV series. It's canon but isn't counted among the main live-action saga films.
Last updated · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
← Browse all orders