Star Wars in Order: Every Film and Series by Release and Chronologically

In short: In release order, Star Wars starts with Episode IV: A New Hope from 1977 and runs to The Mandalorian and Grogu from 2026, that is 13 cinema films. In chronological order, you start with the series The Acolyte or with Episode I: The Phantom Menace and finish with Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. For your first run, I recommend release order.

Nine episodes, three spin-off films, an animated film and by now more series than planets in the Outer Rim: anyone starting Star Wars today almost needs a navicomputer like the Millennium Falcon's. The good news: it is not that complicated.

Here you will find the complete Star Wars order, once by release year and once chronologically by story, plus all the series and my tip on where to start. Everything you need for your movie marathon is waiting in our Star Wars merch.

Star Wars films in release order

This is the order the films hit cinemas. Release order tells the story with every surprise in the right place, including the most famous twist in film history in Episode V.

1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
5. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
6. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008, animated film)
8. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
10. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
12. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
13. The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)

Episodes IV to VI are called the original trilogy, I to III the prequel trilogy and VII to IX the sequel trilogy. In May 2026, The Mandalorian and Grogu was the first new Star Wars cinema film in seven years.

My favourite film is still Episode IV: A New Hope, the film where it all began. But I also get goosebumps every time at the start of The Empire Strikes Back, when an Imperial probe lands in the snow on Hoth. That very probe is available from us as the probe droid snow globe.

Star Wars in chronological order: films and series by story

In chronological order, you experience the saga the way it happens in that galaxy far, far away. The live-action series belong here too, because many of them fill the gaps between the films.

1. The Acolyte (series, about 100 years before Episode I in the High Republic era)
2. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
3. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated film)
5. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
6. Solo: A Star Wars Story
7. Obi-Wan Kenobi (series)
8. Andor (series, seasons 1 and 2)
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
10. Episode IV: A New Hope
11. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
12. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
13. The Mandalorian (series, seasons 1 and 2)
14. Skeleton Crew (series)
15. The Book of Boba Fett (series)
16. The Mandalorian (season 3)
17. Ahsoka (series, season 1)
18. The Mandalorian and Grogu
19. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
20. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
21. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

A tip for the series: watch The Book of Boba Fett before season 3 of The Mandalorian. Some episodes run in parallel and without Boba Fett you will miss an important reunion in season 3.

If you love the prequels, put young Anakin as a Padawan on your shelf. From the Clone Wars comes the Clone Trooper from the Battle of Christophsis, from the original trilogy the Sandtrooper and of course Darth Vader in armour.

Star Wars series in order on Disney+

Since 2019, Star Wars has continued in live-action series too. Here they are in order of release:

1. The Mandalorian (2019, three seasons)
2. The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
3. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
4. Andor (2022, season 2 in 2025)
5. Ahsoka (2023)
6. The Acolyte (2024)
7. Skeleton Crew (2024)

Then there are the animated series, which many fans consider the best Star Wars has ever made. The Clone Wars (2008 to 2020) is set between Episodes II and III, The Bad Batch (2021 to 2024) right after and Rebels (2014 to 2018) shortly before Episode IV. Since April 2026 there is also Maul: Shadow Lord, with Darth Maul in the time between The Clone Wars and Rebels. We have the matching Darth Maul Funko Pop from Shadow Lord too.

If you only have time for one series, pick The Mandalorian. It works without any prior knowledge, it has Grogu and it leads straight into the film The Mandalorian and Grogu. For the film there is the Mando Funko Pop with two blasters, Grogu with Mudhorn chest plate and the Grogu's Journey puzzle. Everything else is in our The Mandalorian collection.

Which Star Wars order is best?

For your first run, I clearly recommend release order. Only then does the big twist in Episode V hit you with full force and that is exactly how a whole generation got to know the saga.

Chronological order is worth it the second time round. Then you see how Anakin becomes Darth Vader and you understand Rogue One and Andor as the direct prequel to A New Hope. If you are short on time, watch just the nine episodes and put Rogue One before Episode IV.

For a marathon: one trilogy per weekend is a good pace. If you want to feel the Force in peace while you watch, wear the Yoda Yoga Studio T-shirt. And if you still need gift ideas at the end, have a look at my post on Star Wars gifts. I have collected tips for the perfect winter movie night in my post on a cosy Star Wars winter.

What is next for Star Wars?

The next live-action series is season 2 of Ahsoka, starting on 20 January 2027 on Disney+. In cinemas, Star Wars continues with Star Wars: Starfighter. The film with Ryan Gosling opens in Germany on 27 May 2027 and is set after Episode IX.

Star Wars order FAQ

Which Star Wars film should you start with?

Start with Episode IV: A New Hope from 1977. That way you experience the saga in the order it was told and the big twist in Episode V works.

How many Star Wars films are there?

There are 13 Star Wars cinema films: nine episodes, the spin-offs Rogue One and Solo, the animated film The Clone Wars and, since 2026, The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Where does Rogue One fit in the order?

Rogue One is set directly before Episode IV: A New Hope. The film tells how the Rebels get hold of the Death Star plans.

When is The Mandalorian set?

The Mandalorian is set after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, with the first two seasons about five years later. The film The Mandalorian and Grogu follows on from season 3.

Do you have to watch the Star Wars series?

No, the films work without the series. Andor is the perfect companion to Rogue One though, and anyone who wants to watch The Mandalorian and Grogu should know The Mandalorian first.

Now: popcorn and lightsaber at the ready

Release order or chronological, you end up in the same galaxy. May the Force be with your sofa. Everything for your marathon is waiting in our Star Wars merch.