For over four decades, Star Wars has been one of the most influential media franchises in the world. Created by George Lucas, it began with a single film in 1977 and grew into a sprawling universe of movies, television series, games, books, and comics. As of 2025, the galaxy far, far away continues to expand with new theatrical releases and streaming series, making it a constant topic for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to watch the films and shows in order, who the key characters are, where to stream everything, the latest news, and what comes next. All information is based on official sources and verified guides.
How to Watch Star Wars Movies in Order – Release vs. Chronological
Franchise Overview
Star Wars is a space opera media franchise created by George Lucas. It began with the 1977 film and has expanded into movies, TV series, games, books, and comics. Currently owned by The Walt Disney Company.
Key Films
11 live-action movies divided into three trilogies (Original, Prequel, Sequel) plus two standalone films (Rogue One, Solo). Animated and live-action series further expand the story.
Popular Characters
Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Rey, Kylo Ren, and many more. The franchise is known for its iconic heroes, villains, and droids.
Latest News & Releases
The Mandalorian & Grogu is currently in theaters. Upcoming projects include a Rey Jedi Order film, Dawn of the Jedi, and the game Star Wars Outlaws.
- Star Wars has grown into a transmedia franchise spanning over 45 years.
- Watch order is a common pain point – release order is best for first-time viewers, chronological for lore enthusiasts.
- Disney+ has become the central streaming hub for all official Star Wars content.
- The franchise continues strong with new theatrical films and series in active development.
- Characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker remain the most recognizable, but newer characters also have strong followings.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Creator | George Lucas |
| First film | Star Wars (later retitled Episode IV: A New Hope) – 1977 |
| Number of live-action films | 11 (as of 2025) |
| Parent company | The Walt Disney Company (since 2012) |
| Primary streaming platform | Disney+ |
| Total box office revenue | Over $10 billion |
| Most recent theatrical release | The Mandalorian & Grogu (2025) |
There are three common ways to watch Star Wars: release order, chronological order, and “machete”/curated fan order. The official Disney+ and StarWars.com guides focus on chronological order for movies and series, while many fan guides recommend release order for first-time viewers because it preserves the original reveals.
If you’ve never seen a Star Wars film before, most fan sources suggest starting with A New Hope (1977) and watching in release order. This preserves plot twists and the gradual world-building that made the original trilogy iconic.
Release Order: The Original Trilogy, Prequels, and Sequels
- A New Hope (1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One (2016)
- The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo (2018)
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes and The Popverse.
Chronological Timeline: From The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker
The Disney+ guide presents the Skywalker Saga in story order:
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- Revenge of the Sith
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
This list is from Disney+ and Hulu’s guide.
Including Standalone Films and Series
For a fuller story in timeline order, official and fan guides place animated and live-action series around the films. Series such as The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, Andor, Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire, The Bad Batch, Skeleton Crew, and Tales of the Underworld appear in the broader chronological viewing lists from StarWars.com and other guides.
Who Are the Main Star Wars Characters?
The Disney+ guide notes that Star Wars is built around “a short list of the Star Wars saga’s main characters and plotlines,” focused on core family arcs and era-spanning leads. The franchise’s most frequently cited characters include:
The central characters are Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Padmé Amidala, Rey, Kylo Ren / Ben Solo, and droids such as R2-D2 and C-3PO. These figures anchor the story across all three trilogies.
Original Trilogy Heroes and Villains
- Luke Skywalker – the farm boy turned Jedi
- Leia Organa – princess, senator, and Rebel leader
- Han Solo – smuggler turned general
- Darth Vader – the iconic Sith Lord
- Lando Calrissian – scoundrel and later ally
Prequel Era Characters
- Anakin Skywalker – the Chosen One
- Obi-Wan Kenobi – Jedi Master and mentor
- Padmé Amidala – queen and senator
- Yoda – wise Jedi Grand Master
- Ahsoka Tano – Anakin’s Padawan (also prominent in The Clone Wars)
Sequel Trilogy Newcomers
- Rey – scavenger turned Jedi
- Kylo Ren / Ben Solo – conflicted villain
- Finn – former stormtrooper
- Poe Dameron – Resistance pilot
Notable Side Characters and Droids
Characters like Grogu, Din Djarin, Cassian Andor, Boba Fett, and Jyn Erso appear across series and standalone films. Droids like R2-D2, C-3PO, and BB-8 are also recurring figures.
What Are the Best Star Wars Movies and Series?
Live-Action Movies (1977–2019)
The 11 live-action films include the three trilogies and two standalones. The highest-rated among critics on Rotten Tomatoes are often The Empire Strikes Back (94%), Star Wars (92%), and The Last Jedi (91%). Rogue One also scores highly at 84%.
Animated Series (The Clone Wars, Rebels, etc.)
- The Clone Wars – 7 seasons filling gaps between Episodes II and III
- Rebels – set before A New Hope
- The Bad Batch – post-Clone Wars
- Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire, Tales of the Underworld – anthology shorts
- Young Jedi Adventures – for younger audiences
Live-Action Series (The Mandalorian, Andor, etc.)
Disney+ hosts a growing slate of live-action series. The Mandalorian connects directly to The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka, all set in the post-Return of the Jedi era. Andor takes place before Rogue One. Obi-Wan Kenobi bridges Episodes III and IV. Skeleton Crew and The Acolyte add to the lineup.
Upcoming Projects
The Mandalorian & Grogu is the next theatrical film, dated 2026. Other announced projects include a Rey-led Jedi Order film and Dawn of the Jedi.
Where Can You Watch Star Wars?
The official streaming home for all Star Wars films and series is Disney+. The Skywalker Saga movies are available there in chronological order. StarWars.com points users to “everything Star Wars on Disney+,” confirming it as the central hub.
Physical media and digital purchase are also widely available. For regional availability, check local Disney+ catalogs or sites like JustWatch.
As of 2025, no Star Wars films or series are available on Netflix in most regions. Disney+ holds exclusive streaming rights for the franchise.
What Are the Latest Star Wars News and Trailers?
The main 2025 news is Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, a new animated anthology series. The viewing ecosystem expanded through 2024–2025 with newer series folded into the timeline.
For theatrical releases, The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for May 22, 2026, and Star Wars: Starfighter for May 28, 2027. This makes 2025 a transition year focused on TV continuity and the upcoming film slate.
Follow official accounts: Star Wars Instagram and the official YouTube channel for trailers and behind-the-scenes content.
What is the Chronological Timeline of Major Star Wars Events?
- – Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope released
- – Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- – Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- – Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- – Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- – Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- – Disney acquired Lucasfilm
- – Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- – Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- – Solo: A Star Wars Story
- – Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
- – The Mandalorian series premieres on Disney+
- – Ahsoka series premieres
- – The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters
What is Canon vs. Legends?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| All films and series produced under Disney (since 2014) are official canon. | The exact canonicity of certain earlier novels and comics remains debated among fans, though Disney officially rebranded the expanded universe as “Legends.” |
| This includes the nine main saga films, standalone films, and all live-action/animated series produced after the acquisition. | Some older games may be referenced in new media but are not considered strictly canon unless explicitly incorporated. |
| Pre-Disney expanded universe (books, comics, games) were rebranded as “Star Wars Legends” – they are not canon but remain popular. | There is no single definitive list of all Legends material, though Wikipedia provides extensive documentation. |
| There is no single “correct” watch order – fans debate release vs. chronological. Both are valid for different experiences. | Upcoming projects may shift in release dates or scope; announcements are subject to change. |
What is the Cultural Impact of Star Wars?
Star Wars has profoundly influenced popular culture, filmmaking, and merchandising. It pioneered modern special effects through Industrial Light & Magic. The franchise’s shift under Disney revitalized the series but also divided some fans. The expansion into streaming series has allowed deeper storytelling. The massive search volume for terms like “Star Wars movies in order” and “Star Wars characters” indicates enduring interest, especially among new audiences.
Where Do We Get This Information?
The primary sources for this guide are the Official Star Wars Website, Disney+, and Wikipedia. Quotes and details about characters and watch order come directly from Disney’s own articles.
Star Wars is a space opera that has captivated audiences for generations.
– Wikipedia
Experience Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu now playing in theaters and IMAX.
– Star Wars Instagram bio
Additional movie ratings and lists are from IMDb.
What’s Next for Star Wars?
As of 2025, the franchise is in a period of transition. Key upcoming releases include The Mandalorian & Grogu (theatrical 2026), a Rey-centered Jedi Order film, Dawn of the Jedi, Ahsoka Season 2, and the video game Star Wars Outlaws. For independent guides to other film franchises, you may also find these helpful: Saw Films in Order – Full Watch Order and Timeline Guide and Planet of the Apes Trilogy – Watch Order and Streaming Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars
What is Star Wars?
Star Wars is a space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, centered on the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith across multiple generations.
How many Star Wars movies are there?
There are 11 live-action films as of 2025: nine main saga episodes and two standalone movies.
What is the chronological order of Star Wars events?
The story begins with The Phantom Menace, followed by Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, then the original trilogy, and finally the sequel trilogy.
Is Star Wars on Netflix?
No. All Star Wars films and series are exclusively on Disney+ in most regions as of 2025.
What is the difference between canon and Legends?
Canon includes all Disney-era films and series. Legends is the pre-2014 expanded universe (books, comics, games) that is not official canon.
What is the correct order to watch Star Wars for a first-timer?
Most guides recommend release order for first-time viewers, starting with A New Hope.
Who created Star Wars?
George Lucas created the franchise and wrote/directed the original film.
What are the best Star Wars games?
Popular titles include Jedi: Fallen Order, Battlefront II, and the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws. Classic games like Knights of the Old Republic remain fan favorites.
When is the next Star Wars movie coming out?
The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for May 22, 2026. Another film, Star Wars: Starfighter, is set for May 28, 2027.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.