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The Definitive 12 Star Wars Movies In Order Of Release (Updated For 2025)

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Are you a new Padawan seeking the correct path through the galaxy, or a seasoned Jedi Master needing a refresher on the cinematic timeline? As of December 2025, the Star Wars theatrical film universe spans 12 major releases, beginning with the revolutionary 1977 classic that started it all. Understanding the release order is crucial, as it reveals how George Lucas first introduced the saga out of sequence, allowing the original trilogy to define the franchise before the prequel trilogy filled in the backstory.

This comprehensive guide details every theatrical Star Wars movie exactly as it was released in cinemas, including the main nine-part Skywalker Saga and the standalone "A Star Wars Story" anthology films. We also look forward to the next wave of cinematic projects, ensuring your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away is completely up-to-date with the latest announcements from Lucasfilm and Disney+.

The Complete Star Wars Theatrical Movie Release Order

The Star Wars film franchise is famously divided into three main trilogies, collectively known as the Skywalker Saga, plus two standalone "Anthology Films." The release order is often confused with the chronological order, which is why this list is essential for purists and first-time viewers alike. It’s the order in which the world experienced the story.

The Original Trilogy (OT)

This is where the journey began. The Original Trilogy (OT) introduced the core conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, launching the careers of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo.

  • 1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): The film that launched the franchise. Originally released simply as Star Wars.
  • 2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Widely regarded as the saga’s darkest and most critically acclaimed installment.
  • 3. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983): Concluding the original story arc and the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader.

The Prequel Trilogy (PT) and Theatrical Animated Film

Sixteen years after Return of the Jedi, creator George Lucas returned to tell the story of Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side. The Prequel Trilogy (PT) introduced the Jedi Order at the height of its power and the political machinations that led to the Clone Wars.

  • 4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999): Introduced Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and the young Anakin Skywalker.
  • 5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): Focused on the start of the Clone Wars and Anakin's forbidden romance.
  • 6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): The dramatic conclusion showing the execution of Order 66 and Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader.
  • 7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008): A theatrical animated film that served as the pilot for the highly successful animated series. While often overlooked in the main saga, it was a major theatrical release.

The Sequel Trilogy (ST)

Following the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the Sequel Trilogy (ST) continued the main saga decades after the events of Return of the Jedi. These films introduced a new generation of heroes and villains, including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren.

  • 8. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015): A soft reboot that reintroduced the core conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
  • 9. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017): Directed by Rian Johnson, this film offered a polarizing but visually stunning take on the Jedi legacy.
  • 10. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019): Concluded the nine-part Skywalker Saga.

The Standalone Anthology Films: A Star Wars Story

Between the main saga entries, Lucasfilm introduced "A Star Wars Story" films, also known as Anthology Films. These were standalone adventures that expanded the canon and explored key moments in the galaxy's history, adding significant topical authority to the franchise's lore.

  • 11. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): This film acts as a direct prequel to A New Hope, detailing the mission to steal the Death Star plans. It is often praised for its gritty, war-movie tone.
  • 12. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): An origin story for the beloved scoundrel Han Solo, exploring his early life and how he met Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian.

The success of these standalone films, alongside the explosion of Disney+ television shows like The Mandalorian, Andor (created by Tony Gilroy), and Ahsoka (overseen by Dave Filoni), has cemented the franchise's shift into a multi-platform storytelling universe.

Upcoming Star Wars Movies and the New Republic Era

The cinematic future of Star Wars is bright, with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy overseeing several new projects that will move beyond the Skywalker Saga and explore new eras. These upcoming films are currently in various stages of development, with firm release dates beginning to solidify.

The focus is now shifting to the New Republic Era, a period previously explored mainly in the Disney+ series. New directors and storytellers are being brought in to chart this course.

Confirmed Future Star Wars Movie Releases

While many projects are in development, the following theatrical releases have been officially announced, demonstrating Lucasfilm’s commitment to returning to the big screen after the Sequel Trilogy's conclusion.

  • Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 (2025): While an animated anthology, the popularity and quality of Visions often warrants inclusion in a comprehensive list of major releases. Volume 3 is scheduled for release in October 2025.
  • Untitled Rey Film (TBD): This film, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker and will feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey to rebuild the Jedi Order. It is a major continuation of the saga's themes.
  • The Mandalorian & Grogu (TBD): A theatrical film directed by Jon Favreau that will continue the story established in the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian. This marks a major crossover from the streaming world to the big screen.
  • Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027): Revealed at Star Wars Celebration 2025, this feature is one of the next confirmed theatrical releases. It is an entirely new story that is moving along at pace.
  • Untitled Dawn of the Jedi Film (TBD): Directed by James Mangold, this project is set 25,000 years before The Phantom Menace, exploring the very origins of the Force and the first Jedi. This will establish the "Dawn of the Jedi" era, expanding the lore significantly.

Furthermore, director Shawn Levy is attached to an untitled Star Wars movie, emphasizing that Lucasfilm is keen on exploring new sections of the timeline rather than constantly revisiting the same period. This move promises fresh stories and new characters for fans to follow, moving beyond the familiar Original Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy settings.

The Star Wars Movie Timeline: Release vs. Chronological Order

The primary confusion for new fans is the difference between the release order and the chronological order. The chronological order tells the story from beginning to end, starting with the Prequel Trilogy. The release order, as detailed above, is the order in which George Lucas and Lucasfilm chose to unveil the story to the world.

Chronological Order of Theatrical Films (Main Saga):

  1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
  2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated Film)
  4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
  6. Episode IV: A New Hope
  7. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  8. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
  9. Solo: A Star Wars Story (Takes place before A New Hope, but after Rogue One in the timeline)
  10. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
  11. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
  12. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

While the chronological order is great for a continuous narrative, the release order is often recommended for first-time viewers. The reveals and twists in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (part of the Original Trilogy) have a greater emotional impact when watched in the order they were released, as originally intended by George Lucas.

Whether you choose to follow the release order or the chronological timeline, the Star Wars universe offers a rich tapestry of space opera, political intrigue, and thrilling adventure. The saga, which began with a simple scroll of text in 1977, continues to expand, promising many more theatrical releases and new eras, such as the High Republic, to explore in the years to come.

star wars movies in order of release
star wars movies in order of release

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