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Star Wars Watch Order
Complete Watch Order: All Movies & Shows
About the Star Wars Franchise
The Star Wars saga spans decades of films, animated series, and live-action Disney+ shows. This guide covers the ideal watch order — whether you prefer release order, Machete Order, or full chronological order.
Star Wars — Complete Watch Order
Films and shows are listed in the recommended viewing order. Numbers indicate watch sequence.
Luke Skywalker joins the Rebel Alliance with the help of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo to defeat the Empire and destroy the Death Star.
The Rebels are pursued by the Empire as Luke trains with Yoda and faces Darth Vader in a pivotal revelation. Considered the best Star Wars film.
The Rebels plan to destroy the second Death Star and free the galaxy, while Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.
Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi discover a young Anakin Skywalker and the Sith Lord Darth Maul.
Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala fall in love while Obi-Wan investigates the creation of a clone army.
Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader. The darkest and most emotional prequel film.
New heroes Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron emerge as a new threat — the First Order — rises. Directed by J.J. Abrams.
Rey seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker as the Resistance makes a desperate stand against the First Order.
The final chapter of the Skywalker Saga as the Resistance makes its last stand against the Final Order and the return of Emperor Palpatine.
A group of rebels steal the plans for the Death Star in this direct prequel to A New Hope. One of the best Star Wars films.
Young Han Solo's origin story — how he met Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and won the Millennium Falcon.
A lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy travels with the Child (Grogu). The flagship Disney+ Star Wars series.
Boba Fett and Fennec Shand navigate the criminal underworld of Tatooine. Best watched between Mandalorian Seasons 2 and 3.
Set 10 years after Revenge of the Sith, Ben Kenobi emerges from hiding to face Darth Vader once more.
Cassian Andor's story before Rogue One. A grounded, political espionage thriller — acclaimed as the best Star Wars TV series.
Ahsoka Tano searches for the missing Grand Admiral Thrawn across galaxies. Continuation of The Clone Wars and Rebels storylines.
Set 100 years before the prequels, this High Republic era thriller investigates a series of Jedi murders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best order to watch all Star Wars movies?
For first-time viewers, release order is recommended: start with A New Hope (1977) through Return of the Jedi, then Episodes I–III, then VII–IX. For rewatchers, the "Machete Order" (IV, V, II, III, VI) is popular as it treats the prequels as a flashback.
What is Machete Order for Star Wars?
Machete Order is IV → V → II → III → VI (skipping Episode I). This preserves the Darth Vader reveal in Empire, then uses Episodes II–III as a flashback explaining Vader's past, before the emotional finale of Return of the Jedi.
Should I watch Rogue One before A New Hope?
Chronologically Rogue One takes place right before A New Hope, but it was released in 2016. For a first-time viewer, watch the original trilogy first — Rogue One is best appreciated knowing the importance of the Death Star plans.
Do I need to watch the Clone Wars animated series?
The Clone Wars series (2008–2020) is highly recommended for character depth on Ahsoka, Maul, and Anakin's arc, but it's not required to follow the main Skywalker saga films.