Best, chronological & release date

Disney+’s newest Star Wars content is a TV series called Ahsoka, which stars Rosario Dawson as Anakin Skywalker’s former Jedi Apprentice. It’s the latest in a lineup of exciting new Star Wars installments, but to really understand all this fresh content, you should watch or revisit the full Star Wars Universe. Whether it’s the first episode of the Mandalorian showcasing the Mos Eisley Cantina from the first Star Wars film or large parts of Obi Wan Kenobi taking place on the planet Coruscant from the prequel trilogy, each new edition to the franchise is loaded with callbacks to all the various installments.

For instance, the events of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett take place five years after Return of the Jedi, or near the middle of the known Star Wars timeline, which currently also consists of 11 feature films. The critically acclaimed Disney+ series Andor is a prequel that takes place just before Rogue One, and Rogue One is a direct prequel to the very first Star Wars film. Confused? Well, if you really want to know what’s going on, it’s time for a watch or re-watch.

Daunting, right? No worries.

Just follow our watch guide below. A spoiler-free version is at the bottom of this page, along with some other orders worth considering – such as the chronological and theatrical order, and even the Machete and Rinster orders. (The “Machete Order” takes a machete to The Phantom Menace by cutting it out of your re-watch.) For the most conclusive viewing order, which includes all the animated Star Wars series to date, check out our Complete Star Wars Saga order, which is also at the bottom.

Disney+

You can watch the entire Star Wars Universe on Disney+ in the US. It starts at $7.99 per month for a subscription.

The best Star Wars viewing order explained

There are many ways you can revisit the Star Wars saga. You can watch the movies and shows by release date order or in chronological order, for instance. While the chronological order might be the obvious choice, some argue it’s not as enjoyable because you start with The Phantom Menace, our least-favorite film. Watching chronologically also spoils the biggest twist in the series by prematurely revealing the identity of Luke’s father.

The release date order also has unsatisfying points. The “I am your father” surprise stays intact, but the storyline is jumbled.

You hop between Episodes IV-VI (the original trilogy released between 1977 and 1983), then Episodes I-III (the prequel trilogy released between 1999 and 2005), and Episodes VII-IX (the sequel trilogy released between 2015 and 2019). And then there’s the Anthology films: Rogue One (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). They take place between the originals and prequels but released during the most recent “sequel” trilogy. Plus, there are the Disney+ series.

You can see how all this becomes a mess. This is why we’ve created the perfect order that solves these problems. We included all 11 feature films as well as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the Andor and Ahsoka series.

1 A New Hope

The start of everything

While technically the sixth movie, chronologically, in the Star Wars franchise, A New Hope is worth visiting first in your re-watch purely because it’s the start of everything. It features the Battle of Yavin, which is the event Star Wars fans organize the timeline around. It’s also the only Star Wars film that treats viewers as if they’ve never watched the saga before.

So, you’ll start with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) meeting Obi-Wan (Alec Guinness). He gets a lightsaber from Obi-Wan and ultimately learns about the Force and Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) from him before heading off to save Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and destroy the Death Star.

2 Andor

Set right before the events of Rogue One

Andor is an espionage thriller set right before the events of Rogue One. It tells the story of Cassian Andor while also fleshing out the rising rebellion and what life was like for average citizens under the Empire. It’s also much grittier than the other Disney+ series with more adult themes and a shocking lack of lightsabers. It was recently announced that the second season of Andor won’t premiere until 2025.

3 Rogue One

Filled with A New Hope backstory

The first of the new “Anthology” films, Rogue One is filled with A New Hope backstory. It follows the daughter of the Death Star’s creator, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), as she is freed by the Rebel Alliance and tasked with finding the plans that lead to the ultimate weapon’s destruction.

Yes, it ends where A New Hope begins, but because it’s so reliant on you knowing A New Hope already, we think it’s best to watch them in reverse, especially if this is your first time watching Star Wars. You’ll learn who created the Death Star, why it’s so easily destroyed, and you’ll meet the many Bothans who died to steal the Death Star plans.

4 The Empire Strikes Back

One of the greatest sequels of all time

We’re jumping back to the original trilogy with The Empire Strikes Back, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time.

After the initial battle on the frozen planet Hoth, Luke heads to begin his Jedi training with Yoda, while Han Solo and Princess Leia head to Cloud City to meet with Han’s old friend Lando Calrissian. But Han and Leia are betrayed and then used as bait by Vader to lure Luke. It all culminates in a showdown between Vader and Luke and the reveal that Darth Vader is Luke’s father. The reason were slotting Episode 2 here is that it’s more fun to see the father reveal before watching the prequel trilogy.

George Lucas didn’t return to direct this film after the stress directing the first film and its subsequent success had on him.

5 The Phantom Menace

One of the most loathed

And, just like that, we go from one of the most loved installments of all time to the most loathed.

This film follows Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) as they attempt to protect the Queen of Naboo and stumble upon a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd). You’re also forced to sit through two hours of Jar-Jar Binks and sleep-inducing Galactic Senate negotiations. So, if you’ve seen this film before, just fast-forward to the lightsaber duel at the end, which is one of the best in the entire series.

6 Attack of the Clones

The road that led Anakin toward the Dark Side

Attack of the Clones begins to show us the road that led Anakin toward the Dark Side, with the death of his mother at the hands of Tuskan Raiders and his growing love affair with Queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi stumbles upon a clone army for the Republic that will form the foundation of the Empire’s Stormtroopers.

7 Revenge of the Sith

Final film of the prequel trilogy

The final film of the prequel trilogy shows Anakin’s heart turn to black. While initially excited upon hearing of his wife Padme’s pregnancy, visions of her dying begin to poison Anakin, allowing Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) to lure him to the Dark Side of the Force. This then leads to the destruction of the Republic and the murder of many Jedi, including all the young Padawans, at the hand of the newly named Darth Vader.

8 Obi-Wan Kenobi

A continuation of the prequel trilogy

This Star Wars series is a continuation of the prequel trilogy set around Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). It’s set years after the events of Revenge of the Sith while Obi-Wan is watching over a young Luke Skywalker on Tattooine. When a young Princess Leia is abducted, Obi-Wan is forced out of his hiding to find the other Skywalker. Hayden Christensen also returns as Darth Vader for one more showdown.

9 Solo

A ton of backstory

The origin story for the coolest guy in the Star Wars Universe provides a ton of backstory even if nobody asked for all of it.

Apparently, Han Solo (Alden Ehrinreich) just wanted to act like Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and date Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) in his prime, which is understandable, but it’s a little eye-rolling. Still, it’s an entertaining heist film that gives us more information about the most important ship in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, including how Han made the Kessel Run with her in under 12 parsecs.

10 Return of the Jedi

Luke tries to defeat his father

Now that we’ve learned Darth Vader/Anakin’s background, it’s time to watch him sort of redeem himself with all that knowledge in hand.

After saving Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, we see Luke trying to defeat his father and the Emperor, all while Han and Leia work to demolish a nearly completed second Death Star. Also, there are teddy bears with stone-age technology that help destroy the Empire, too.

11 The Mandalorian Seasons 1 and 2

Baby Yoda

This live-action Star Wars TV series has become a smash hit on Disney+, and there’s one very small, adorable reason for that.

The show follows Pedro Pascal as the titular Mandalorian who we eventually learn is named Din Djardin. He’s a gunfighter and bounty hunter who makes his way in the furthest reaches of the galaxy five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, placing it well before the events of The Force Awakens and the creation of the First Order. The second season sees Mando looking for more information on the history of Baby Yoda, while the third delves deeper in the Mandalorian home world of Mandalore.

The first two seasons take place back to back, but the third series actually takes place after the Book of Boba Fett, which is up next. You should take a break between season two and three of Mandalorian to watch that series. Jon Favreau serves as showrunner for the series and Dave Filoni helped to write it.

12 The Book of Boba Fett

Undoes the ending of season two of the Mandalorian

The Book of Boba Fett, which premiered on December 29, 2021, features the return of Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett, a role he played in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and The Mandalorian. In this series, he teams up with Fennec Shand, portrayed by Ming-Na Wen, in an ambitious plot to take over Jabba the Hutt’s former criminal empire. The show offers a unique exploration of the Star Wars universe’s underworld, revealing a side of the galaxy not often seen.

This series made waves among Star Wars fans for its bold narrative choices, particularly in relation to The Mandalorian. At the end of The Mandalorian’s second season, there’s a significant moment where Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, leaves Din Djarin to start Jedi training with Luke Skywalker. However, The Book of Boba Fett revisits and alters this plotline, unexpectedly reuniting Grogu and Din Djarin and steering away from Grogu’s anticipated path as a Jedi.

Jon Favreau, known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Mandalorian, serves as the showrunner for The Book of Boba Fett.

13 The Mandalorian Season 3

Grogu and Din reunite

Before jumping into season 3 of The Mandalorian, it’s really important to catch up on The Book of Boba Fett. Here’s why: At the end of The Mandalorian season 2, there’s this really touching moment where Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu (Baby Yoda) say goodbye. Grogu leaves with Luke Skywalker to begin Jedi training. But, it turns out, Grogu’s time with Luke leads him to a big realization – he’s meant to be a Mandalorian, not a Jedi. This decision is a game-changer, bringing him back to his adoptive dad, Din, just in time for the start of season three. Given how big a hit The Mandalorian is on Disney+, you won’t want to miss this crucial piece of the story.

14 Ahsoka (2023)

Ahsoka’s post-Mandalorian Star Wars chapter

Ahsoka picks up right where season three of The Mandalorian leaves off. The show is all about Ahsoka Tano’s mission to find her buddy, Ezra Bridger, who disappeared with the bad guy General Thrawn into a wormhole. For those who want the full scoop on Ahsoka’s backstory, you’ll want to watch Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: Clone Wars. Dave Filoni, the brain behind Ahsoka and these two animated series, even says Ahsoka is pretty much like a fifth season of Rebels.

To get the full picture of where everything fits in the Star Wars timeline, it’s a good idea to look up a viewing guide for these animated series. Ahsoka first showed up in Clone Wars as Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice and quickly became a fan favorite in Rebels. Now, Rosario Dawson brings her to life in live-action in Ahsoka, and you’ll even see a bunch of familiar faces from Rebels popping up in the show.

15 The Force Awakens

Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi

The first Star Wars film made by Disney after it purchased the franchise is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi. We see that there’s a new conflict emerging between the budding Republic, led by Leia Organa-Skywalker and The First Order, which rose from the ashes of the Empire. Caught between this all is a young girl named Rey (Daisy Ridley) who seems to be really strong with the Force. It was written and directed by J.J. Abrams.

16 The Last Jedi

Rey needs to persuade a reluctant Luke

In The Last Jedi, Rey’s main challenge is to persuade a reluctant Luke Skywalker to train her in the Force. Luke, haunted by his failure with Kylo Ren and disillusioned with the Jedi Order, initially refuses. However, Rey’s determination and her unique Force connection slowly break through his resistance. At the same time, General Leia Organa’s Resistance is on the verge of collapse, cornered by the powerful First Order led by Supreme Leader Snoke and Kylo Ren.

With their forces dwindling, the Resistance desperately needs a breakthrough.

As Rey strives to find her place and Luke grapples with his past, their paths become crucial to the Resistance’s survival. Their decisions and actions against the First Order become key to determining the galaxy’s fate, adding a sense of urgency to their personal journeys.

17 The Rise of Skywalker

Conclusion to the Skywalker saga

The conclusion to the Skywalker saga sees the return of Emperor Palpatine as Kylo Ren’s The First Order and the rebels led by Rey prepare for a final confrontation on the planet known as Exegol. The film was widely panned, but is still sitting at an 86 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, the film underperformed (for a Star Wars film) at the box office and that, along with a host of canceled new projects, has led to The Rise of Skywalker being the last Star Wars film in nearly five years.

For more on what’s next for Star Wars, check out rundown of everything that’s being planned in a galaxy far, far away.

Related

Best Star Wars gifts for Jedi Masters and Sith Lords alike

These are the droids you’re looking for, amongst other great gadgets and toys from a galaxy far, far away (and also Amazon).

Best Star Wars movie and show order at a glance

OK, so here is the at-a-glance, spoiler-free version of the order above:

Star Wars chronological movie order at a glance

If you want to watch films in order of the events that happen, and thus spoil the identity of Luke’s father for first-timers, here you go:

Star Wars theatrical (release date) movie order at a glance

This is the order in which the movies were released in cinemas. While it keeps the twist of Luke’s father intact, the storyline is jumbled. You start with the originals, then go to the prequels, and end with the sequels. That’s confusing, especially for kids being introduced to Star Wars.

Star Wars Machete order at a glance

The “Machete Order” basically cuts The Phantom Menace from your movie rewatch, because many people don’t enjoy that film. It preserves the “I am your father” moment. But it was created in 2011, so it doesn’t include the sequels and is no longer a complete order.

Star Wars Rinster order at a glance

OK, here is a bonus list we haven’t mentioned yet: The “Rinster Order” is named after Star Wars superfan Ernest Rinster, who created it to preserve the Luke-father twist, but it also keeps The Phantom Menace. There are no sequel films, though, so we still prefer our order.

Complete Star Wars saga order at a glance

Here is an all-encompassing order – with all the movies and shows from the Star Wars saga in chronological order. The saga began in 1977, and since then, there have been new trilogies added as well as countless spinoffs in the form of live-action and animated TV shows and movies. Not all of them are great, but if you want to take in every bit of Star Wars (even the 1978 holiday special), this is the chronological order for you.

Star Wars series and limited specials are bolded below.