How to Watch Star Wars in Order

There are 9 films in the Star Wars franchise. Below is the full list in release-date order — the simplest way to watch. For some franchises the in-universe chronological order differs; where it does, we note it.

An epic space-opera theatrical film series, which depicts the adventures of various characters "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…."

1
Star Wars (1977) May 25, 1977
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to re…
2
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) May 20, 1980
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Le…
3
Return of the Jedi (1983) May 25, 1983
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station.…
4
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) May 19, 1999
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
5
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) May 15, 2002
Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmu00e9 Amidala, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi investigate a mysterious plot into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
6
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) May 17, 2005
When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker must choose a side.
7
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) December 15, 2015
Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers.
8
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) December 13, 2017
Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.
9
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) December 18, 2019
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again as the journey of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle begins.

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Film lists and dates come from TMDB. “In order” here means release-date order; a franchise's in-universe timeline can differ. NewsGiga links only to legitimate sources and never to pirated content.