Star Wars movies in chronological and release date order

Star Wars has become a cultural phenomenon since the release of the first movie in 1977. Over the years, the franchise has spawned numerous movies, TV shows, books, comics, and video games. If you’re new to the Star Wars universe or just looking to re-watch the movies, it can be confusing to know which order to watch them in. In this article, we’ll break down the Star Wars movies in both chronological and release date order, along with a brief synopsis and lead cast for each film, not andor / mandorlian.

Chronological Order:

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

The first movie in the prequel trilogy takes place 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars movie. It follows the story of a young Anakin Skywalker, who is discovered by Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They must protect Anakin from the evil Trade Federation and the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious.

Lead Cast: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Set 10 years after the events of The Phantom Menace, this movie sees Anakin Skywalker as a Padawan learner to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, the galaxy is on the brink of war as the Separatist movement threatens the Republic. The Clone Wars begin, and the Jedi are drawn into the conflict.

Synopsis: The Empire Strikes Back is set three years after the events of A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance is now based on the frozen planet of Hoth, and they come under attack from the Empire. Luke travels to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, while Han and Leia try to evade the Empire in the Millennium Falcon.

Lead Cast:

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
David Prowse/James Earl Jones as Darth Vader (body/voice)

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

The final movie in the prequel trilogy takes place three years after the start of the Clone Wars. Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader, while the Jedi Order is betrayed by their own clone army. The galaxy is forever changed as the Empire rises to power.

Lead Cast: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

This movie is a spin-off prequel that takes place several years before the events of the original Star Wars movie. It follows the adventures of a young Han Solo and how he became the smuggler we know and love.

Lead Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Set just before the events of the original Star Wars movie, Rogue One tells the story of a group of rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star, a superweapon capable of destroying entire planets. It fills in the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy.

Lead Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

The movie that started it all, A New Hope takes place 19 years after the events of Revenge of the Sith. It follows a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker, who discovers he is the son of a Jedi Knight and must help the Rebel Alliance destroy the Death Star.

Lead Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

7. “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) Chronological order: 2 Release date order: 5

Lead Cast:

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
David Prowse/James Earl Jones as Darth Vader (body/voice)

8.”Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983) Chronological order: 3 Release date order: 6

Synopsis: The final chapter of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi sees Luke, Leia, and Han leading the Rebel Alliance in a final battle against the Empire. Meanwhile, Luke must confront Darth Vader and try to turn him back to the light side of the Force.

Lead Cast:

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
David Prowse/James Earl Jones as Darth Vader (body/voice)

9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Chronological order: 7th movie Release date order: 7th movie

Synopsis: Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens introduces us to new characters Rey, Finn, and Poe, who join forces with the Resistance to battle the evil First Order and its leader Kylo Ren, who is revealed to be the grandson of Darth Vader. Along the way, they also encounter original trilogy characters Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca.

Lead cast:

Daisy Ridley as Rey
John Boyega as Finn
Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren

10 Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Chronological order: 8th movie Release date order: 8th movie

Synopsis: Continuing the story of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi sees Rey seeking guidance from the legendary Jedi Master Luke Skywalker as the Resistance faces off against the First Order once again. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren grapples with his conflicted feelings towards Rey and his own path towards the dark side.

Lead cast:

Daisy Ridley as Rey
John Boyega as Finn
Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren

11 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Chronological order: 9th movie Release date order: 9th movie

Synopsis: The final installment of the Skywalker saga, The Rise of Skywalker sees the return of the evil Emperor Palpatine, prompting Rey, Finn, and Poe to embark on a mission to stop him once and for all. Along the way, they reunite with old allies and face new challenges as they battle to restore peace to the galaxy.

Lead cast: