Explore the expansive ‘Star Wars’ universe now available on Disney+, featuring all movies and series. With 12 films and an equal number of series, the guide helps fans navigate by sorting them chronologically and clarifying their canon status. Key entries include “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “The Force Awakens,” each detailing significant events and character developments, making it easy for viewers to embark on a comprehensive viewing experience.
Discover the Complete ‘Star Wars’ Universe on Disney+
The entire ‘Star Wars’ galaxy is now available on Disney+, allowing fans to immerse themselves in every movie and series. With the introduction of the streaming service, a plethora of new series has been added to the mix. Currently, viewers can enjoy 12 movies alongside an equal number of series, making it easy to feel overwhelmed.
To help you navigate this expansive universe, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of all the films and series. Our guide sorts them by their original release dates and presents them in chronological order. Additionally, we clarify which narratives are part of the official ‘Star Wars’ canon and which are not.
Chronological Order of ‘Star Wars’ Movies and Series
Experiencing ‘Star Wars’ in the order that fans first encountered it is best achieved by watching the films in their release year. Below, you’ll find a complete list of the movies that are considered part of the Star Wars canon, organized by their initial release. If you’re up for a marathon, prepare for an epic 25-hour journey!
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Set almost two decades under the oppressive rule of the Empire, ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ introduces us to a galaxy in turmoil. The Rebel Alliance aims to restore peace and balance by obtaining the plans for the formidable Death Star, a weapon capable of obliterating entire planets. Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is captured while attempting to deliver these vital plans but manages to pass them to a droid before her capture. Young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) discovers the droid and heeds Leia’s plea for help, setting him on a path to become a Jedi.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Three years post-Death Star’s destruction, the Rebel Alliance establishes a secret base on the ice planet Hoth in ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’. The Empire, led by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones), is determined to locate and eliminate the rebels. To protect his friends and confront the Empire, Luke Skywalker travels to Dagobah to train with Master Yoda, learning to harness the Force and become a true Jedi Knight.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’ sees the rebels gearing up for their ultimate showdown against the Empire. Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) embark on a mission to the forest moon of Endor to destroy the Death Star’s shield generators. The film culminates in an epic confrontation between Luke and Darth Vader, who reveals a shocking truth about their relationship.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
In ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are sent to mediate a dispute involving the Trade Federation and the Galactic Senate. As negotiations fail, they escape with Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) and encounter a young boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) on Tatooine, who shows exceptional potential in the Force.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
As tensions rise in ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’, Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) returns to Coruscant amidst an assassination attempt. The Jedi Council appoints Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) to protect her. As they uncover a conspiracy, Anakin and Padmé grow closer, leading to unexpected consequences.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
In ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’, the galaxy is engulfed in the Clone Wars. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), now a Jedi Knight, struggles with his fears for Padmé’s safety, which ultimately leads him down a dark path as he succumbs to the influence of the Dark Side.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Set thirty years after the Empire’s fall, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ showcases the rise of the First Order, led by Snoke (Andy Serkis). Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and her Resistance fight against this new threat. In a quest to find her brother Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Leia sends pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) who teams up with scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley) and defected stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) as they uncover secrets about Luke’s whereabouts.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ follows Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), a young woman with ties to a scientist responsible for the Death Star’s creation. Rescued by rebels, Jyn is tasked with a critical mission to discover the weapon’s weakness and ultimately help the Resistance prevent its destructive capabilities.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
In ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, the Resistance faces dire straits after the First Order obliterates the Hosnian system. With their last stronghold at risk, support from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) becomes crucial. However, haunted by his past, Luke must confront his own failures before he can train Rey (Daisy Ridley) and take up the mantle of Jedi once more.