Complete List of Star Wars Movies In Order
This is a very good year to be a Star Wars fangirl! Get your family geek-ready by watching the Star Wars movies in order before you head to the Disney Parks to experience Galaxy’s Edge. This post will help you choose a list of Star Wars movies in order that works for you- and yes, there’s one for every fan level! (Affiliate links included)
In case you missed the news, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Star Wars fans are passionate about their films, and if you are new to the stories, you’ll soon understand why.
People are invested in these characters and the actors who portray them. And I won’t lie; I’m one of them.
Losing Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was rough on me. (RIP, Carrie.)
When a new film or experience comes out, the fandom gets a little excited- to say the least.
Star Wars fans: you never disappoint. I may not always agree with you, but you love to argue your side with passion. I respect that.
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Complete List of Star Wars Movies In Order
One of the biggest discussions in the fandom is about the order of Star Wars movies. Is the order of release the best way to watch these movies? Some would say so!
But I’m not sure I agree.
So, what order should I watch Star Wars in? I made lists—because that’s what I do!
The Star Wars movies list included in this post is for everyone, but mostly for the newer fan. Check out these Star Wars movies in order (Star Wars movie order of release, episode, or machete) and get started watching this epic franchise!
Find the Star Wars Movies List That’s Right For You
Star Wars can be watched in multiple ways. And honestly, you’ll get a kick out of the franchise no matter how you go! But I’m a list maker- and a big fan of crossing things off my list.
That’s why I came up with these five Star Wars movies lists for you to choose from, including a bonus celebrity list. Ooohh— aahhhh! I snuck in a sixth list at the end: just the basic Star Wars movies in order before Solo.
I’m confident these will help you become a certified Star Wars fan in no time- like my new Star Wars Fangirl friend, Jane.
1. Watch The Star Wars Movies In Order of Release
Let’s say you are all in. You want it ALL and you want your list of Star Wars movies in order by release, which means the way they appeared in theaters.
You’ll start with the Original Trilogy of Star Wars movies.
And this is a great place to start when preparing for Solo: A Star Wars Story because there’s lots of Han and Lando and Chewie in the original trilogy.
Star Wars movie order of release
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens
- Rogue One
- Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker
2. Watching the Star Wars Movies In Order: Episode Order
If that list of Star Wars movies wasn’t quite right for you, I get it. Watching Star Wars movies in order of release isn’t for everyone! Like Geoge Lucas envisioned, you can watch them in Episode Order (I through VIII).
The good news is that you can totally see where Lucas was going with all this. I have mad respect for the guy whose mind and vision brought us this fantastic space odyssey.
But there’s some bad news too: starting with a whole lot of Jar-Jar Binks (you’ll learn about him- ugh, sorry!), and I gotta say, no; no to Jar-Jar unless you want to be featured on Buzzfeed for a running costume.
I might have gone to the Dark Side when I put this on, just sayin’…!
He’s kinda the worst character they ever put in the Star Wars movie timeline- and he gets a lot of play in the early movies. Episode order also ruins a bunch of plot twists because you learn it all in advance.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERTS if you go this route.
So, for a first-time Star Wars watcher, say no to Episode Order.
Pick one of the other lists of Star Wars movies in order for your first watch.
3. The Best Star Wars Movies In Order List: Star Wars Machete Order
Oh, I’m going there. I think this is the list of Star Wars movies that beats all lists. I’m a fan of the Machete Order which cuts up (and cuts out some movies) into a different time order.
Raise your lightsaber in salute to blogger Rod Hilton, who came up with this idea in 2011. You can read his reasoning in detail.
The Machete Order is as follows:
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
If you follow this list of Star Wars movies in order, you’ll have a smoother timeline of events without giving away too many spoilers. And you won’t have to watch too much of Anakin Skywalker: the early whiny years.
But what about the remaining films? Do those need to be watched before Solo if you are new to Star Wars?
Sure- why not? All Star Wars is good Star Wars (minus Jar-Jar as noted above. Ugh that guy).
4. Watch Star Wars Movies In Order: After The Machete
I think it’s safe to watch Machete order first, and then go ahead and move on to
Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens
And then catch your breath, dry your tears (oh, there are tears, people!), and watch
And again with the tears.
Grab a box of tissue alongside your popcorn box; I’m just sayin’!
The Last Jedi came out in December 2017. And don’t @ me- I liked this movie and you can’t convince me otherwise!
And make sure you watch Solo: A Star Wars Story.
It’s good, y’all, and if you have a kid heading to Batuu and Smuggler’s Run for the first time, you want to take a watch here. It’s the only movie that mentions Black Spire Outpost and Batuu– plus Dok-Ondar and the Falcon: all things you’ll get to know when you travel off-planet.
5. Watch Star Wars Movies In Order According to Mark Hamill
If you want the real Jedi-approved answer to the question of what order to watch Star Wars, you should probably go to one of the guys who’s been invested in the franchise from the beginning.
Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker for the folks new around here!) gave his list for watching the Star Wars movies in order.
At first, he chose the Star Wars movie order of release—the way everyone his age saw it in the theaters. But then he changed his mind and altered his choice.
His vote for the Star Wars movies list to watch is this: Episode One, Two, Three, Rogue One, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight. So basically he agrees with George Lucas- but thinks Rogue One needs to squeeze in there.
I won’t fight with a Jedi Master over this one; I see your point, Master Luke.
Why you need to know where Solo fits into the Star Wars movie timeline
I’m looking at you, parents of young kiddos who suddenly find yourself deep in discussion with your children who know way more about the Star Wars movie timeline than you do!
Let’s just be honest here. We’re among friends, right?
Your kids are going to beg to see it, and you’ll be curious, too, despite all the “concerns” about the casting and storyline.
But GUYS forget all that: as Han says I have a really good feeling about this!
Solo: A Star Wars Story was so much fun- and my kiddos agreed. Make sure you add this to your Star Wars movie marathon list!
I’ve seen it- at least 4 times now. And I can assure you that watching Solo: A Star Wars Story is a must for any Star Wars fans. And I think you guys- if you’re being honest- will too.
As Han says: PUNCH IT!
Where Does Solo Fit Into the Star Wars Movie Timeline?
Solo: A Star Wars Story is said to occur between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. So if you are short on time and just need to know the basics, I have a Star Wars movies list for that as well.
If you want to know who these guys are and why on earth we are watching them, there is a whole backstory on them. This is the Star Wars movies in order list for you.
Short answer: he’s Han Solo, a smuggler, a smart ass, and a reluctant hero. And when you catch up on the Star Wars movie timeline you’ll see that we really *need* his backstory. And yes, Solo answers the questions of who and where they all come from.
And now that we have Donald Glover as Lando? Swoon.
He is fantastic in this role and I cannot say enough about the dynamic between him and Alden (Han Solo). They work- they are even better in my opinion than the original duo. Okay, maybe not better… but just as good. Don’t believe me? WATCH SOLO!
The final list of Star Wars Movies in Order Before Galaxy’s Edge
So here are the five I think would be most important to bring you up to speed as a new Star Wars fan before you head into Galaxy’s Edge at Disney. This wraps up my Star Wars movies list with just the basics.
If you don’t watch anything else before you walk into the new Star Wars Land, I will vote to watch these Star Wars movies in order:
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
(I think you can skip this if needed, but it fits the Star Wars movie timeline for Solo, so add it if you can!)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens
May the Force Be With Us! (and if you don’t know what that means, for the love of Han Solo, PLEASE watch some of these movies! Or check out the Star Wars Memes | May the Fourth Be With You Meme post.)
Star Wars Parent Movie Reviews
My children are teens, tweens, and 7-year-olds.
And in full disclosure, the youngest has seen all of these movies as well as most movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And yes, they’ve seen the Star Wars movies in order: release, episode and machete! Ha! We do love our Star Wars over here.
After watching the movies, I always include a parent movie review that aims to answer the question: is the movie kid-friendly?
Now that THE LAST JEDI has broken box office records, I’ve got answers to that question: is The Last Jedi kid-friendly? Is it appropriate for your younglings? Read the parent movie review and you’ll see my thoughts on it.
I’ve also reviewed The Force Awakens for parents. Be sure to check both these out before adding your kiddos to your Star Wars movies list watching!
Solo: A Star Wars Story Parent Movie Review
Which List of Star Wars Movies In Order is Best For You?
It’s a question I hope you now have the answer to. You certainly have all the Star Wars movie lists you could ever need! I hope you’ll make good use of them.
If you decide to watch Star Wars movie order of release, in episode order, or by way of the Machete Order, I know you’ll love catching up on these characters. What order to watch Star Wars is up to you, but falling in love with the stories is completely out of your control- sorry, guys. They are just so loveable!
And if you’re up to getting super nerdy, check out this fun site with origami ideas. I found this origami Millennium Falcon that my fam is going to try this weekend!
Once you’ve gone to the Light or Dark side, get caught up with the list of Harry Potter movies in order and the Marvel movies in order as well! And here’s the place you can find all the movies in order lists.
Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
If some poor mom hasn’t caught any Star Wars yet…I’d just tell her to watch the first one. The real first one, A New Hope.