What’s the order of Star Wars? This question has been asked by countless fans, both new and old, who are eager to understand the chronological sequence of the beloved franchise. With numerous films, television shows, and novels, keeping track of the Star Wars timeline can be quite a challenge. In this article, we will delve into the correct order of Star Wars, ensuring that you’ll never be confused about the story’s progression again.
The Star Wars saga, created by George Lucas, began with the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1977. Since then, the franchise has expanded to include six main episodes, two prequels, three sequels, and several spin-offs. The order in which these films were released is not the same as the chronological order of the events they depict. To make things even more complicated, there are also several television series and novels that take place in the Star Wars universe, further adding to the confusion.
Let’s start with the main episodes, which are often referred to as the “Skywalker Saga.” The correct order of the films, based on the chronological events they depict, is as follows:
1. “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999)
2. “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (2002)
3. “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
4. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
5. “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
6. “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)
Next, we have the prequels, which tell the story of the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire and the early life of Anakin Skywalker:
1. “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace”
2. “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”
3. “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”
Following the main saga, we move on to the sequels, which continue the story of the Skywalker family and the Rebel Alliance:
1. “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015)
2. “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” (2017)
3. “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” (2019)
Additionally, there are two standalone films that tell separate stories within the Star Wars universe:
1. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)
2. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018)
When it comes to television series, the following is the correct order of the live-action shows:
1. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2014)
2. “Star Wars: Rebels” (2014-2018)
3. “The Mandalorian” (2019-2021)
4. “The Book of Boba Fett” (2021)
5. “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022)
6. “Andor” (2022)
7. “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” (2021-2022)
8. “Star Wars: The Mandalorian” (2022)
Lastly, we should mention the numerous novels, comic books, and video games that take place in the Star Wars universe. These stories can be quite diverse and sometimes even contradict each other, but they all contribute to the rich tapestry of the franchise.
In conclusion, understanding the order of Star Wars can be a daunting task, but by following the chronological sequence of the films, television shows, and novels, you’ll be able to appreciate the story’s progression and the interconnectedness of its many characters. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, knowing the correct order of Star Wars will enhance your enjoyment of this iconic franchise.
