Every Star Wars movie in chronological order presents the saga as a continuous timeline rather than by release dates. This viewing path follows the in-universe sequence from the fall of the Jedi and rise of the Empire, through the Skywalker saga, to the aftermath in the galaxy. Below is a practical, fact-based overview of each film, its runtime, and core narrative role.
Chronological Film List
The nine main saga films are outlined here in the story order they occur, including both released and announced titles that fit the timeline.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Set 32 years before Return of the Jedi, this film introduces Jedi Master Qui’gon Gin, Anakin Skywalker, and the political turmoil in the Galactic Republic. Runtime: 134 minutes.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Ten years after The Phantom Menace, the Clone Wars loom as Anakin bonds with Obi-Wan and the Republic faces separatist threats. Runtime: 142 minutes.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
In the final year of the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker falls to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader, while the Empire rises. Runtime: 140 minutes.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, this film follows a young Han Solo, Qi’ra, and the origins of Chewbacca and Lando. Runtime: 135 minutes.
Episode IV: A New Hope
Luke Skywalker joins the Rebellion to destroy the Death Star, marking the return of the Jedi and the start of the Skywalker legacy. Runtime: 121 minutes.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
After A New Hope, the Rebels flee the Empire while Luke seeks Jedi training, culminating in the revelation of Vader’s parentage. Runtime: 167 minutes.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Land and defeat the Death Star II while confronting the Emperor; Anakin redeems himself, bringing balance to the Force. Runtime: 131 minutes.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
A standalone war story that directly precedes A New Hope, focusing on the theft of the Death Star plans. Runtime: 133 minutes.
The Mandalorian (Chapter 19)
Though primarily a series, key moments in Chapter 19 extend into live-action feature length and align chronologically with the aftermath of Return of the Jedi.
The Rise of Skywalker
Set one year after The Last Jedi, the sequel concludes the Skywalker saga as remnants of the Empire challenge the galaxy and the Jedi legacy finds closure. Runtime: 142 minutes.
Release Timeline vs. Story Timeline
Note that chronological order differs from release order. The original trilogy was released first, yet it is positioned in the middle of the saga. Prequel films came before the originals in release but occur earlier in continuity.
| Film | Release Year | Story Placement | Runtime (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode I: The Phantom Menace | 1999 | 32 BBY–0 BBY | 134 |
| Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 2002 | 22 BBY–21 BBY | 142 |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | 2018 | 13 BBY–0 BBY | 135 |
| Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 2005 | 19 BBY–0 BBY | 140 |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | 2016 | 0 BBY | 133 |
| Episode IV: A New Hope | 1977 | 0 BBY–0 ABY | 121 |
| Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back | 1885 | 3 ABY–4 ABY | 167 |
| Episode VI: Return of the Jedi | 1983 | 4 ABY | 131 |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 2019 | 35 ABY | 142 |
Key Viewing Choices
- For continuity: follow the chronological list above to experience the evolving narrative of the Force and the Skywalker family.
- For film history: consider the original release order to see how the saga grew in cultural impact over time.
- For standalone stories: Solo and Rogue One can be watched independently without spoiling the main arc.
Defining the Skywalker Saga
The term “Skywalker saga” commonly refers to the nine episodic films from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker, tracing three generations of the Skywalker family. This arc represents the central linear thread of the main continuity, though other stories—particularly in newer television and film projects—expand the galaxy far, far away.
The Expanded Timeline
Beyond the core nine films, other projects—such as The Clone Wars animated film, Ahsoka, and future live-action series—add depth to the timeline. For a comprehensive view, these are integrated into the broader Star Wars continuity, but the nine episodes above remain the definitive chronological backbone of the saga.