The Complete Star Wars Timeline: Every Movie and Show in Chronological Order

To watch the Star Wars saga in chronological order, start with The Acolyte, followed by the Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I–III) and The Clone Wars. Progress through the Imperial era (Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor), the Original Trilogy (Episodes IV–VI), the New Republic era (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), and conclude with the Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII–IX).

Navigating the Star Wars galaxy has become increasingly complex as Lucasfilm expands its narrative reach across Disney+ series, animated anthologies, and theatrical releases. Unlike many franchises that follow a linear path, Star Wars utilizes a timeline centered around a singular historical event: the Battle of Yavin, seen in A New Hope. Dates are categorized as BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) or ABY (After the Battle of Yavin).

As of 2026, the timeline spans over 500 years of established cinematic history, moving from the golden age of the High Republic to the reconstruction of the Jedi Order. Understanding this sequence is essential for grasping the political shifts, character lineages, and the overarching evolution of the Force.

The Era of the High Republic: The Dawn of the Jedi’s Peak

The High Republic represents the earliest point in the current live-action canon. Set centuries before the birth of Anakin Skywalker, this era depicts the Galactic Republic at its height and the Jedi Order as a noble, widespread peacekeeping force.

The Acolyte (Approx. 100 BBY)

The Acolyte serves as the chronological entry point for viewers. It explores the end of the High Republic era, revealing how the Sith began to infiltrate the shadows of a seemingly peaceful galaxy. For viewers, this series is critical because it establishes the complacency of the Jedi Council—a flaw that eventually leads to their downfall in the Prequel Trilogy. It introduces the concept of "The Verge" and explores Force traditions outside of the Jedi/Sith binary.

The Fall of the Jedi: The Prequel Era

This era details the decay of the Republic and the manipulation of the political system by Sheev Palpatine. It is characterized by large-scale conflict and the formalization of the Jedi’s role as military commanders.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)

The beginning of the Skywalker Saga introduces a young Anakin Skywalker and the discovery of a Sith resurgence. This film sets the stakes for the "Rule of Two" and the political instability of the Outer Rim.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)

Ten years later, the galaxy teeters on the edge of civil war. This film marks the beginning of the Clone Wars, a pan-galactic conflict orchestrated to weaken both the Jedi and the Republic.

The Clone Wars (22 BBY – 19 BBY)

This expansive series (including the 2008 film and seven seasons) is vital for understanding character motivations. It bridges the gap between Episodes II and III, providing depth to Anakin’s frustrations, Ahsoka Tano’s departure from the Order, and the systemic corruption within the Senate. Notably, some episodes aired out of chronological order, but the narrative generally concludes with the Siege of Mandalore.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)

The climax of the Prequel Era sees the execution of Order 66, the birth of Darth Vader, and the transition of the Republic into the First Galactic Empire.

The Reign of the Empire: The Dark Times

Following the purge of the Jedi, the galaxy enters a period of oppression. This era is heavily populated by Disney+ "bridge" series that explain how a scattered resistance became a formal Rebellion.

The Bad Batch (19 BBY – 15 BBY)

Immediately following Order 66, this animated series follows an elite squad of clones. It is technically significant for its exploration of "Project Necromancer" and the Empire’s transition from clones to TK-series stormtroopers, providing the groundwork for the Emperor’s eventual resurrection themes in the Sequel Trilogy.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (Approx. 13 BBY – 10 BBY)

This film provides the origin of Han Solo and Chewbacca. It highlights the criminal underworld during the Empire's rise, specifically the influence of syndicates like Crimson Dawn.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)

Set a decade after the fall of the Republic, this series follows Kenobi in exile on Tatooine. It is a pivotal emotional chapter that depicts his final confrontation with his former apprentice before the events of the Original Trilogy.

Andor (5 BBY – 0 BBY)

Andor offers a grounded, procedural look at the formation of the Rebel Alliance. Season 1 covers the year 5 BBY, while Season 2 (concluded in 2025) leads directly into the events of Rogue One. It emphasizes the "boots-on-the-ground" sacrifices required to challenge Imperial logistics.

Star Wars Rebels (5 BBY – 0 BBY)

An essential animated series that introduces the concept of the "World Between Worlds" and the liberation of Lothal. It concludes just before the Battle of Yavin, with an epilogue that jumps forward into the New Republic era.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)

This film ends literally minutes before A New Hope begins. It details the high-stakes mission to steal the Death Star plans, serving as the bridge into the Original Trilogy.

The Age of Rebellion: The Original Trilogy

The Original Trilogy remains the narrative anchor of the franchise. It focuses on Luke Skywalker’s journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight and the ultimate defeat of the Emperor.

• Episode IV: A New Hope (0 BBY/ABY): The destruction of the first Death Star and the first major victory for the Rebellion.
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY): The Rebellion's lowest point and the revelation of Luke’s parentage.
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (4 ABY): The Battle of Endor, the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, and the death of the Emperor.

The New Republic: The "Mando-Verse"

Following the fall of the Empire, the New Republic struggles to maintain order. This era is the current primary focus of Star Wars media, often referred to as the "Mando-Verse," overseen by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau.

The Mandalorian (9 ABY – Approx. 11 ABY)

The flagship Disney+ series follows Din Djarin and Grogu. It explores the remnants of Imperial warlords (the Imperial Remnant) and the fragile state of the galaxy post-Endor.

The Book of Boba Fett (Approx. 9 ABY)

A spin-off centered on Tatooine’s criminal vacuum. It includes critical narrative steps for Grogu’s training with Luke Skywalker and his eventual return to the Mandalorian.

Ahsoka (Approx. 11 ABY – 12 ABY)

This series acts as a live-action sequel to Star Wars Rebels. It introduces the concept of intergalactic travel to the galaxy of Peridea and the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn as a "Heir to the Empire." Season 2 (in development/release phase as of 2026) continues the search for Ezra Bridger and the containment of Thrawn.

Skeleton Crew (Approx. 11 ABY – 12 ABY)

A coming-of-age story set in the same timeframe as The Mandalorian. While more localized, it contributes to the world-building of the New Republic’s Outer Rim frontiers.

The Mandalorian & Grogu (Scheduled 2026)

This theatrical release marks the next major milestone in the timeline. It is expected to act as a cinematic culmination of the plot threads started in the Disney+ series, likely dealing with the escalating threat of the Imperial Shadow Council.

The Rise of the First Order: The Sequel Era

Decades after the victory at Endor, a new threat emerges from the Unknown Regions, leading to the final confrontation between the Jedi and the Sith.

Star Wars Resistance (34 ABY)

An animated series that focuses on the Colossus station. It runs concurrently with The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, showing how the First Order's rise affected ordinary citizens and pilots.

Episode VII: The Force Awakens (34 ABY)

The discovery of Rey and the destruction of the Hosnian Prime system by Starkiller Base.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (34 ABY)

Taking place immediately after Episode VII, it depicts the decimation of the Resistance fleet and Luke Skywalker’s final stand on Crait.

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)

The conclusion of the Skywalker Saga. It reveals the survival of Palpatine on Exegol and the final battle between the Citizen’s Fleet and the Final Order.

Comprehensive Star Wars Chronology Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Canon and Legends?

Canon consists of the six original films, The Clone Wars (2008), and all projects produced by Lucasfilm under Disney (post-2012). Legends refers to the Expanded Universe (EU) of books, games, and comics published before April 2014. While Legends stories are no longer considered "official" history for new movies and shows, Lucasfilm frequently reintroduces elements (like Grand Admiral Thrawn) into the modern Canon.

Should I watch Star Wars in chronological or release order?

For first-time viewers, release order (starting with A New Hope) is generally recommended to preserve the mystery and narrative reveals, such as the reveal of Luke's father. However, for a second viewing or for those interested in the political evolution of the galaxy, chronological order provides a clearer understanding of how the Republic became the Empire and how the Jedi Order's philosophy changed over time.

Where does the upcoming Rey movie fit in?

The upcoming film (often referred to as the New Jedi Order project) is set approximately 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (roughly 50 ABY). It will depict Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Academy and define the Order for a new generation. This will be the furthest point forward in the Star Wars timeline to date.

Is "Tales of the Jedi" essential for the timeline?

Yes, Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire provide vital context. These shorts are anthology-based, meaning they jump around. For instance, the episodes focusing on Count Dooku take place before The Phantom Menace, while the Ahsoka episodes span from her birth to just after the events of Revenge of the Sith. They are best viewed after watching The Clone Wars.

Why is the Battle of Yavin the center of the timeline?

The Battle of Yavin, where the first Death Star was destroyed, is used as the calendar "Year Zero" because it was the first major military victory for the Rebellion and the definitive turning point in the Galactic Civil War. It provides a fixed point of reference that fans and creators use to synchronize events across thousands of years of history.

Practical Recommendation for Viewers

If you are planning a marathon in 2026, ensure you have a subscription to Disney+ as it remains the exclusive hub for all Star Wars televised content and the majority of the films. Start with the "Skywalker Saga" collection to see the core narrative, then use the "Timeline" category on the platform to slot in series like The Mandalorian and Andor for deeper context. For the best experience, watch Andor and Rogue One back-to-back to appreciate the seamless transition into the Original Trilogy.