What order should you watch Star Wars in? Guide to the films and series in 2026
Do you want to discover or rewatch Star Wars, but don't know where to start anymore? With nine main episodes, several spin-off films, live-action series and numerous animated productions, the galaxy has become immense.
Should you start with A New Hope, with The Phantom Menace or even with a series? Here is a simple, up-to-date guide to help you choose the best Star Wars order for the way you want to watch the saga.
For a first viewing, we generally recommend release order: start with Episode IV – A New Hope. This way, you'll discover the revelations and characters in the same order as viewers since 1977.
For a second marathon, choose instead chronological order, which now begins with The Acolyte before moving on to The Phantom Menace.
Which Star Wars order should you choose?
There isn't just one right way to watch Star Wars. It all depends on your knowledge of the saga and the experience you're looking for.
🎬 Release order
Ideal for beginners. You start with the original trilogy and gradually discover the galaxy's past.
⏳ Chronological order
Ideal for a marathon. You follow the events of the story from the final years of the High Republic up to the new generation.
⚔️ Machete Order
Ideal for fans. This unofficial order mixes the original trilogy and prequels to preserve some major revelations.
1. Star Wars in movie release order
Release order is probably the most accessible approach for a first discovery. You start with the films that created the global phenomenon, then you gradually discover Darth Vader's origins, the fall of the Republic and the new generations.
- 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 — animated film, 2008
- Episode VII – The Force Awakens — 2015
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story — 2016
- Episode VIII – The Last Jedi — 2017
- Solo: A Star Wars Story — 2018
- Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker — 2019
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu — 2026
With this method, you fully enjoy of the evolution of Star Wars cinema, the special effects and the way in which George Lucas and then Lucasfilm gradually developed this galaxy.
2. Star Wars chronological order: films and series
Already know the saga? Chronological order lets you experience the events according to their place in the Star Wars timeline.
The timeline has become much richer with the arrival of Disney+ series and animated productions. Here is the current general order.
1. The Acolyte
The story takes place long before the Skywalker saga, at a time when the Jedi Order is still powerful. It is currently the earliest starting point of the main Star Wars chronological guide.
2. Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Young Anakin Skywalker meets Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Sith threat begins to reappear in the galaxy.
3. Episode II – Attack of the Clones
The Republic gradually descends into war while Anakin continues his Jedi training.
4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – the film
The animated film notably introduces Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker's young Padawan.
5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – the series
This series greatly expands on the Clone Wars, the Jedi, and the relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka.
6. Tales of the Jedi
Several episodes explore different periods in the lives of characters like Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku.
7. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
The Republic collapses, Anakin falls to the dark side and the Galactic Empire is born.
8. Tales of the Empire
These stories follow several characters during different periods linked to the Empire.
9. Tales of the Underworld
This anthology released in 2025 focuses in particular on Asajj Ventress and bounty hunter Cad Bane.
10. The Bad Batch
After Order 66, a squad of unusual clones tries to survive in a galaxy now dominated by the Empire.
11. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
After the events of The Clone Wars, Maul attempts to rebuild his criminal organization in a galaxy now controlled by the Empire.
12. Solo: A Star Wars Story
The film tells the story of Han Solo's youth, his meeting with Chewbacca and his first adventures as a smuggler.
13. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Between Episodes III and IV, Obi-Wan lives in exile on Tatooine while keeping watch from afar over young Luke Skywalker.
14. Andor – Seasons 1 and 2
Cassian Andor gradually moves from the status of a disillusioned man to that of a major figure in the Rebellion. The second and final season leads directly toward the events of Rogue One.
15. Star Wars Rebels
A small group of rebels fights against the Empire and helps bring about the birth of the future Rebel Alliance.
16. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
A group of rebels undertakes a desperate mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.
17. Episode IV – A New Hope
Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan Kenobi and joins the Rebellion in its fight against the Empire.
18. Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Luke continues his training in the Force while Darth Vader hunts the rebels.
19. Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
The Rebellion faces a new Death Star while Luke tries to save his father from the dark side.
20. The Mandalorian
After the fall of the Empire, Din Djarin meets Grogu and gradually becomes his protector.
21. The Book of Boba Fett
Boba Fett attempts to take control of Jabba the Hutt’s former territory on Tatooine.
22. Ahsoka – Season 1
Ahsoka Tano searches for Grand Admiral Thrawn as Sabine Wren and several characters from Rebels return to the forefront.
23. Skeleton Crew
A group of children finds themselves lost in a galaxy full of danger during the New Republic era.
24. The Mandalorian and Grogu
Din Djarin and Grogu continue their adventure in the service of a still-fragile New Republic, as remnants of the Empire remain active in the galaxy.
25. Star Wars Resistance
The series begins before the events of The Force Awakens and continues partly during the new trilogy.
26. Episode VII – The Force Awakens
A new generation enters the saga with Rey, Finn and Kylo Ren, as the First Order threatens the galaxy.
27. Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
Rey searches for the answers to her questions with Luke Skywalker while the Resistance fights to survive.
28. Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
The Skywalker saga reaches its conclusion with the final confrontation between the Resistance and the forces of the dark side.
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Discover Star Wars wall art3. The Machete Order: another order for watching Star Wars
The Machete Order is a viewing order created by fans. Its goal is to preserve the emotional impact from the original trilogy while using the prequels as one vast flashback.
- Episode IV – A New Hope
- Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
You can then continue with Episodes VII, VIII and IX if you want to complete the entire of the Skywalker saga.
Why is this order so popular?
- It begins with the universe that made Star Wars famous.
- It preserves some of the major reveals from the original trilogy.
- The prequels become a flashback dedicated to Anakin Skywalker.
- Return of the Jedi gains intensity after discovering Anakin's fall.
Where do Rogue One and Solo fit in Star Wars?
Rogue One
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story takes place immediately before Episode IV – A New Hope. The final minutes of the film lead directly to the events of the first Star Wars released in 1977.
For a chronological marathon, watch:
Andor → Rebels → Rogue One → A New Hope.
Solo
Solo: A Star Wars Story tells part of Han Solo's youth. In chronological order, the film takes place after the early years of the Empire and before Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor and the original trilogy.
Which Star Wars series should you really watch?
It is not essential to watch every series to enjoy the nine main episodes. But some productions greatly enrich the universe.
For a simple version
Andor
A more mature and political approach of the birth of the Rebellion. Ideal before Rogue One.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Perfect for deepening the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin after Revenge of the Sith.
The Mandalorian
An excellent entry point in the period after Return of the Jedi.
To understand Ahsoka in depth
I recommend instead:
The Clone Wars → Rebels → The Mandalorian → The Book of Boba Fett → Ahsoka.
You will understand much better Ahsoka Tano's evolution, his relationship with Anakin, Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn.
To explore the Empire's reign
Watch in particular:
The Bad Batch → Maul – Shadow Lord → Obi-Wan Kenobi → Andor → Rebels.
The new Star Wars releases to know in 2026
Andor – Season 2
The second season concludes Cassian Andor's story and covers the final years leading up to Rogue One. It particularly strengthens the political dimension and human dimension of the birth of the Rebel Alliance.
Tales of the Underworld
This six-episode anthology focuses mainly on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, two beloved characters fans of the Star Wars animated universe.
Maul – Shadow Lord
Maul returns in a dedicated series to his attempts at reconstruction of a criminal empire after the Clone Wars. It is set chronologically during the early years of Imperial rule.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Din Djarin and Grogu have moved from the small screen to the cinema. The film continues their story during the era of the New Republic, after the events of the previous series.
What are the next Star Wars releases after 2026?
Ahsoka – Season 2
Ahsoka Tano will return for a second season. Grand Admiral Thrawn, Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger and several important characters will continue their story.
Star Wars: Starfighter
This new film directed by Shawn Levy will offer a standalone adventure with new characters. It will take place after The Rise of Skywalker.
The iconic characters of Star Wars
Luke Skywalker
The hero of the original trilogy, whose journey symbolizes hope and learning the ways of the Force.
Darth Vader
Anakin Skywalker turned Sith Lord: his fall and redemption are at the heart of the entire saga.
Leia Organa
Princess, general and leader of the Rebellion and then the Resistance.
Han Solo
Smuggler and pilot of the legendary Millennium Falcon, who became one of the heroes of the Rebellion.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jedi Master, mentor to Anakin and then Luke Skywalker.
Yoda
One of the Jedi Masters the most powerful and wisest of the entire saga.
Ahsoka Tano
Former Padawan of Anakin, has become one of the central characters of modern Star Wars.
Din Djarin & Grogu
The duo at the heart of The Mandalorian and the film released in 2026.
Why does Star Wars still fascinate so much?
Star Wars is not based solely on lightsabers, space battles and the clashes between Jedi and Sith.
The saga explores universal themes: family, legacy, friendship, the temptation of power, sacrifice, fall and redemption.
It is also this blend of science fiction, adventure, mythology, western and fantasy that allows Star Wars to span generations since 1977.
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FAQ: in what order should you watch Star Wars?
Which Star Wars should you watch first?
For a first discovery, start with Episode IV – A New Hope. You will discover the saga in the order that captivated the first viewers in 1977.
What is the first Star Wars in chronological order?
If you include the series, The Acolyte currently comes before Episode I – The Phantom Menace in the main chronological guide. If you are watching only the nine episodes, start with Episode I.
Should you watch Star Wars in release order or chronological order?
For a first discovery, release order is generally preferable. To rewatch the saga, chronological order allows you to follow more easily follow the evolution of the Republic, the Empire and the different generations.
Where does Rogue One fit in the Star Wars timeline?
Rogue One takes place immediately before Episode IV – A New Hope. The two films can therefore be watched one after the other.
Where does Andor fit?
Andor takes place before Rogue One. Its events unfold in parallel with part of Star Wars Rebels, both stories contributing to the rise of the Rebellion.
When to watch The Mandalorian?
The Mandalorian takes place after Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and before the trilogy made up of of Episodes VII, VIII and IX.
When to watch The Mandalorian and Grogu?
The film released in 2026 continues the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu during the New Republic era, after the televised adventures of The Mandalorian.
Where does Maul – Shadow Lord fit in Star Wars?
The 2026 animated series takes place after The Clone Wars and during the reign of the Empire, before Han Solo's adventures and the original trilogy.
Do you need to watch all the Star Wars series?
No. The nine episodes of the Skywalker saga can be enjoyed on their own. The series mainly allow you to explore certain eras in greater depth and certain characters.
Which series should you watch before Ahsoka?
To fully enjoy Ahsoka, ideally watch The Clone Wars, then Star Wars Rebels, before discovering The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
So, in what order will you watch Star Wars?
For a first discovery: release order.
To follow the whole story: chronological order.
For a different experience: Machete Order.
Whatever your method, the most important thing is to enjoy of this vast galaxy, its heroes, its battles and its stories that have become cult classics.
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