The Star Wars Timeline: Chronological Order and Release Guide 2025

One of the longest-running franchises in the world, the Star Wars universe spans the main films, spin-offs and multiple shows. So if you want to dive in for the first time, revisit a sci-fi favourite or find a new way to watch, discover the best ways to watch the Star Wars timeline.

But what exactly is the difference? If you choose to watch the Star Wars films in order of release – also known as the original experience – you’ll watch them as most fans did. As for opting for watching in the Star Wars chronological order? Also known as the story timeline, you experience the events in the same way as the characters.

The Star Wars Films in Order of Release

Why Watch in Release Order?

Watching the Star Wars timeline in order of release date is also known as the ‘purist way’ to watch the franchise. Why? Because this is the way original fans would have experienced the story unfold. It also means any intended mysteries stay that way – unless you’ve heard spoilers already of course.

However, due to the amount of spin-offs – both films and TV shows – the story can skip back and forth in time. This makes the saga less easy to follow. Creator George Lucas himself recommends watching Star Wars in chronological order. Plus, after the release of the prequels, he has also made several changes to the original trilogy.

The Star Wars Timeline in Order​ of Release Date:

• Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) (1977)
• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) (1980)
• Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983)
• Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999)
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) (2002)
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie, 2008)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series, 2008)
• Star Wars Rebels (2014)
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) (2015)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) (2017)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Star Wars Resistance (2018)
• The Mandalorian (2019-present)
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019)
• The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
• Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
• Andor (2022-present)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022)
• Ahsoka (2023)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024)
• The Acolyte (2024)
• Skeleton Crew (2024)
• Lando (TBC)
• Untitled James Mangold film (TBC)
• Untitled Dave Feloni film (TBC)
• Untitled Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy film (TBC)

The Star Wars Chronological Viewing Order

Why Watch in Chronological Order?

The benefits of watching in the Star Wars chronological order? Experiencing the story as the characters do, in the chronology of the saga. But, be aware – if you watch the Star Wars timeline like this, you won’t experience the dramatic reveal about Luke Skywalker’s origins – an iconic moment. You’ll also find inconsistencies more obvious (such as Obi-Wan not knowing about Leia despite the fact he was there at her birth). It’s also thought that some of the prequels don’t make for great viewing, so you may not be starting off on the best foot.

The Star Wars Timeline in Chronological Order:

• Untitled James Mangold film (upcoming)
• The Acolyte (2024)
• Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) (1999)
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) (2002)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie, 2008)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series, 2008)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022)*
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) (2005)
• Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024)*
• Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
• Andor (2023-present)
• Star Wars Rebels (2014)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) (1977)
• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) (1980)
• Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983)
• The Mandalorian (2019)
• The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
• Ahsoka (2023)
• Skeleton Crew (2024)
• Untitled Dave Feloni film (upcoming)
• Star Wars Resistance (2018)**
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) (2015)
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) (2017)
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019)
• Untitled Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy film (upcoming)

*Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi and Star Wars: Tales of the Empire cover a broad timeline due to their anthology-style storytelling.

**Star Wars Resistance begins before the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and continues beyond it.

Where to Watch the Star Wars Timeline in 2025

Whether in chronological order or in order of release, you can watch Star Wars on a few different streaming platforms:

Streaming Options

• Watch all movies and exclusive series on Disney+
• Rent or buy the individual films on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play

Upcoming Releases

• 22nd April 2025: Andor Season 2
• 2025: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
• 22nd May 2026: Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie

The first two you’ll find on Disney+. The movie will be available on Disney+, as well as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

Want a safe, fast and reliable way to subscribe to these platforms or pay for purchases? A Mobile Top Up UK Gift Card means you keep your card details to one platform and get instant access. Plus, you only pay as much as you want – no instant renewals.
You can also give Gift Cards as presents (whether last minute or to someone halfway around the world). Know a Star Wars fan for example? Gift them a card to purchase the latest releases or rewatch at their leisure.