The Definitive Star Wars Movie Order: 3 Ways To Watch The Saga Before 2026

Deciding how to watch the Star Wars saga for the first time—or the tenth—is a rite of passage for any fan. As of December 2025, the core cinematic universe spans nine main "Skywalker Saga" films and two standalone "A Star Wars Story" films, creating a massive, interconnected timeline that can be confusing for newcomers. This guide breaks down the three definitive viewing orders, ensuring you experience the epic tale of the Jedi, the Sith, and the fate of the galaxy in the most impactful way.

The Star Wars universe is not only expanding on Disney+ with shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, but new theatrical films are also on the horizon for 2026 and beyond, making now the perfect time to catch up on the foundational stories. Whether you prefer the original dramatic reveal, a straight-line historical approach, or a fan-favorite streamlined edit, here is the complete, current list of every Star Wars movie in order.

The Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order (The Story Timeline)

For those who prefer a straightforward, historical narrative, watching the films in chronological order is the simplest path. This sequence follows the rise of the Galactic Empire, the fall of the Jedi Order, the journey of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader, and the eventual triumph of the Resistance. This order integrates the spin-off films, Rogue One and Solo, seamlessly into the overarching timeline.

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This is the best viewing order for understanding the political machinations of Palpatine and the history of key planets like Coruscant, Naboo, and Geonosis.

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) - Introduces Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) - The start of the Clone Wars and the mystery of Kamino.
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - The theatrical launch of the animated series, set between Episodes II and III.
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) - The fall of the Republic and the birth of Darth Vader on Mustafar.
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) - A standalone adventure detailing the early life of Han Solo.
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - The mission to steal the Death Star plans, set immediately before Episode IV.
• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) - The original film, introducing Luke Skywalker and the destruction of Alderaan.
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - The Empire strikes back, and a shocking revelation changes everything.
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) - The conclusion of the Original Trilogy and the redemption of Vader.
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) - The beginning of the Sequel Trilogy, set 30 years later.
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) - The Resistance faces the First Order.
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) - The final chapter of the Skywalker Saga.

The Original Release Order (The Classic Experience)

The release order is how the world first experienced Star Wars, and many purists argue it is the only way to watch. This sequence preserves the famous plot twist in The Empire Strikes Back and allows the viewer to experience the story’s evolution as George Lucas intended, with the prequel trilogy (Episodes I-III) serving as a massive, 22-year-later flashback.

This viewing order is ideal for appreciating the evolution of cinematic technology and storytelling across the decades. It starts with the beloved Original Trilogy, setting a nostalgic tone before diving into the history of the Jedi and the Clone Wars.

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• Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) - Note: This was released before Rogue One, but the narrative is sequential.
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The Fan-Favorite Machete Order (The Dramatic Arc)

The Machete Order is a highly popular alternative viewing sequence created by fan Rod Hilton that prioritizes the dramatic narrative arc of Luke Skywalker and his father, Darth Vader. It is designed to maximize the impact of the Original Trilogy while integrating the prequels as a critical flashback, explaining Vader’s history immediately after the major reveal in The Empire Strikes Back.

Crucially, the original Machete Order entirely skips Episode I: The Phantom Menace, arguing that it is largely irrelevant to the core story of Anakin, Luke, and Leia Organa. While controversial, this order is considered by many to be the best way to introduce new viewers to the saga.

The Core Machete Order:

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• Episode IV: A New Hope (The Hook)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (The Revelation)
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones (The Flashback: Part 1 - Why did Anakin fall?)
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (The Flashback: Part 2 - The Birth of Vader)
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (The Conclusion and Redemption)

Integrating the Spin-Offs and Sequels (The Updated Machete Order):

For a complete experience, you can integrate the spin-offs and sequels around the core arc. The goal is to keep the focus on the Skywalker family's journey while using the other films as essential context for the political landscape and the rise of the First Order.

• Episode IV: A New Hope
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Optional Prequel to IV)
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
• Episode VII: The Force Awakens
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (Optional, can be watched anytime after Episode III as a standalone adventure)

What’s Next for Star Wars: Upcoming Theatrical Films

The cinematic Star Wars universe is poised for a major comeback, with several new films in development that will expand the timeline both before and after the Skywalker Saga. These upcoming projects are a key reason why now is the perfect time to revisit the core films, ensuring you are ready for the next phase of the galaxy far, far away.

As of late 2025, the most anticipated theatrical releases include:

• The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026): This film, confirmed for a May 22, 2026, release, will continue the storyline from the popular Disney+ series, bringing the adventures of the bounty hunter Din Djarin and his ward, Grogu, to the big screen.
• Star Wars: Starfighter (2027): Announced at Star Wars Celebration, this feature film is moving forward with a May 28, 2027, release date. While plot details remain scarce, the title suggests a return to the high-stakes aerial combat that defined many classic Star Wars moments.
• Other Announced Projects: Lucasfilm has also announced future films focused on the "New Jedi Order," featuring Rey Skywalker, as well as a movie set in the "Dawn of the Jedi" era, which will explore the very origins of the Force and the Jedi Order, long before the events of Kashyyyk or the rise of the Empire.

Whether you choose the chronological path to see the transformation of Anakin Skywalker, the release order to preserve the original dramatic experience, or the Machete Order to maximize the emotional stakes, the Star Wars saga remains one of the most compelling cinematic achievements in history. Prepare your popcorn, dim the lights, and may the Force be with you.