Star Wars spans multiple eras, timelines, and media, making it hard to know where to start. This guide lists the main movies and TV shows in the sequence they occur in-universe, clarifies how Legends and Disney+ canon differ, and pairs each era with its release dates and milestones. Whether you’re exploring the High Republic, the fall of the Republic, or the rise of the Skywalkers, you’ll see what happens when and how it was released.
How Star Wars Storytelling Splits Into Eras
Before diving in order, understand the three layers that shape Star Wars continuity: the live‑action theatrical and streaming timeline, the animated and streaming timeline, and the tiered canon policy. Disney’s current canon tiers prioritize live‑action film and series, then select animated series and books, while Legends material remains available but is outside current canon. This matters because chronological order can differ across mediums, and releases span multiple decades.
The Distant Past: The High Republic and Ancient History
Core Movies and Specials
Although no feature films are set primarily in the High Republic, key animated projects and a special short explore this era. The canonical timeline places the High Republic roughly 200 years before The Phantom Menace, centered on the Jedi Order at its height and the threat of the Nihil raiders and later the Drengir.
- Star Wars: Visions — Tales of the Empire (2024) and Star Wars: Visions — Volume 2 (2023) are anthology series that occasionally reference timeless themes but do not anchor to a single era; they sit outside the main linear timeline.
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023–) is a CG series set in the High Republic era, introducing younger Jedi characters and concepts that contextualize the prequel era.
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024) is an animated anthology exploring Imperial citizen experiences across different timelines, not a single chronological chapter.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) and Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021) directly precede Revenge of the Sith and are essential viewing for understanding the transition from Republic to Empire.
The Prequel Era: Republic in Crisis
Live-Action Features
The prequel trilogy chronicles the decline of the Republic, the rise of the Empire, and Anakin Skywalker’s fall. In chronological order, the events run as follows:
| In-Universe Order | Title | Release Year | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | 1999 | Discovery of Anakin and the brewing conflict. |
| 2 | Star Wars: Attack of the Clones | 2002 | Clone Wars initiation and Anakin’s apprenticeship. |
| 3 | Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | 50% story; 2005 release | Fall of Anakin, rise of the Empire. |
Animated Series
The Clone Wars series (2008–2020) and The Bad Batch (2021–) fill the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, exploring battlefront stories, clone development, and moral complexity. Additional animated projects such as Tales of the Empire and Young Jedi Adventures expand the era’s breadth but are not required to understand the core arc.
The Original Saga: Empire and Redemption
Live-Action Features
The original films follow Luke Skywalker’s journey as the Empire consolidates power. Chronologically, this block runs after the prequels and before the sequel era, covering the Galactic Civil War’s key moments:
| In-Universe Order | Title | Release Year | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Star Wars: A New Hope | 1977 | Rebellion’s first major victory; Luke’s introduction. |
| 5 | Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back | 80% story; 1980 release | Heroes on the run; Vader’s revelation. |
| 6 | Star Wars: Return of the Jedi | 75% story; 1983 release | Death Star II and Anakin’s redemption. |
Expanded Content
Disney+ series such as Andor and Ahsoka expand on minor and major characters from this era, introducing deeper context around the Rebellion and its operatives. These series slot into the timeline immediately surrounding the events of the original trilogy and enrich the lived-in galaxy.
The Sequel Era: A New Generation
Live-Action Features
The sequel trilogy continues the Skywalker legacy with new heroes while confronting the legacy of the past. Chronologically, the order is:
| In-Universe Order | Title | Release Year | Primary Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Star Wars: The Force Awakens | 2015 | Resistance versus the First Order. |
| 8 | Star Wars: The Last Jedi | 10% story; 2017 release | Ideals and failure; legacy questioned. |
| 9 | Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | 20% story; 2019 release | Final confrontation with the past. |
Disney+ Series
Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Mandalorian bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, while Andor, Ahsoka, and other shows explore the wider galaxy’s shifting politics. These series anchor the sequel era in the broader timeline.
The Future and Supporting Stories
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) is a standalone war film that precedes A New Hope by a short margin, adding depth to the Rebellion’s earliest efforts.
- Skeleton Crew (2024) imagines what-if scenarios for a group of children in the galaxy far, far away; treat it as an anthology inspired by, but not strictly bound by, continuity.
- Upcoming series and films will continue to expand timelines, and this guide will be updated to reflect new canon as it is confirmed.
FAQ
Reader questions
Should I watch in release order or chronological order?
Release order preserves cultural impact, surprises, and filmmaking evolution, while chronological order helps clarify cause and effect. Many viewers alternate between the two approaches depending on their goals.
What counts as canon today?
Canon currently prioritizes live-action films and select Disney+ series. Some animated shows carry canon status for specific characters or events, while Legends material remains enjoyable but is not part of the current official timeline.
Is the timeline strictly linear across movies and TV?
Generally yes for core arcs, but anthology and slice-of-life entries may sit in ambiguous or non-chronological slots. This is by design to explore varied perspectives within the saga.