The Official ‘Star Wars’ Timeline: Watch the Saga Unfold in the Right Order—From ‘The Acolyte’ to Rey

One of the most hotly debated questions in fandom—right up there with whether Greedo or Han Solo shot first—is, “What’s the right order to watch the Star Wars movies and shows?” For longtime fans, the theatrical release order holds nostalgic power, while for new viewers, the chronological timeline makes everything feel more cohesive. But with so many films, television series and spinoffs now woven into the official canon, the more pressing question has become: How does it all fit together?

That’s where this guide—which includes all 23 live-action and animated films and TV shows—comes in, tracing things from the earliest days of the High Republic to the legacy of Rey Skywalker. Each entry is listed in chronological order according to in-universe events, not release dates, so that you can trace the story as it unfolds across generations.

This isn’t designed as a deep-dive into obscure lore or a timeline that accounts for every comic panel or tie-in novel (though hats off if you’re keeping track of those too). Instead, it’s a practical, story-driven overview that should help you revisit—or discover—the Star Wars universe in the most narratively satisfying way.

Whether you’re brushing up before the next Disney+ series drops, introducing someone to Star Wars for the first time or trying to make sense of how Ahsoka, Andor and the Battle of Yavin all coexist in one galactic timeline, this breakdown is here to help. And all of it is available for viewing on Disney+.

1. The Acolyte (2024)

Set roughly 100 years before The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte explores the waning days of the High Republic era. The series follows a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes—but the deeper they go, the more they uncover sinister forces emerging within the galaxy. Positioned as a mystery-thriller, the show delves into the early signs of the dark side’s resurgence and offers a glimpse at a galaxy still thriving under Jedi dominance, before the Sith begin to rise again.

2. Tales of the Jedi (2022–2023)

This animated anthology series spans multiple eras, but key episodes chronicle the earlier years of characters like Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. With each episode standing alone, the series provides snapshots of formative Jedi moments—particularly Dooku’s gradual disillusionment with the Jedi Order and Ahsoka’s early training.

3. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

The Phantom Menace introduces young Anakin Skywalker, a slave boy on Tatooine with an unusually strong connection to the Force. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi uncover a plot involving the mysterious Sith and the Trade Federation’s invasion of Naboo. The film also marks the rise of Darth Sidious behind the scenes and the beginning of the Republic’s slow descent into corruption.

4. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Ten years after The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones centers on the escalating tension between the Republic and Separatist systems. Anakin Skywalker begins his fateful romance with Padmé Amidala while Jedi Obi-Wan investigates a conspiracy that leads to the discovery of a secret clone army.

5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020)

Spanning the three years between Episode II and III, this acclaimed animated series explores the full scale of the Clone Wars. With key arcs centered on Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, the series deepens our understanding of the war, the corruption of the Jedi Order and Anakin’s inner turmoil. Over seven seasons, it becomes a cornerstone of modern I canon, culminating in a haunting final season that overlaps with the events of Revenge of the Sith.

6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Revenge of the Sith chronicles the final fall of the Republic and Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader. As the Clone Wars near their end, Chancellor Palpatine reveals his identity as Darth Sidious and executes Order 66, wiping out the Jedi. Anakin’s betrayal and the duel with Obi-Wan on Mustafar solidify the galaxy’s descent into the dark times of the Empire.

7. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–present)

Set immediately after the fall of the Republic, The Bad Batch follows Clone Force 99—a group of genetically enhanced clone troopers—as they navigate the early days of the Galactic Empire. Disillusioned by the Empire’s rise, the squad goes rogue and takes in a mysterious clone child named Omega.

8. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Taking place roughly 10 years before A New Hope, Solo charts the early exploits of Han Solo—from his escape from Corellia to his fateful meeting with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. It dives into the seedy underworld of the Star Wars galaxy, including the Crimson Dawn syndicate led by a returning Darth Maul. While polarizing at release, the film has gained appreciation for deepening the backstory of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters.

9. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

This limited live-action series explores Obi-Wan Kenobi’s life in exile on Tatooine, watching over young Luke Skywalker. When young Princess Leia is kidnapped, Kenobi is drawn out of hiding, setting off on a journey that leads to a climactic confrontation with his former Padawan, now the Sith Lord Darth Vader.

10. Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018)

The animated Rebels follows the ragtag crew of a ship called the Ghost—led by Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi survivor, and his Padawan Ezra Bridger—as they engage in guerrilla warfare against the Empire. The series expands the lore around Force mysticism, lightsaber lore and the origins of the Rebellion. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn into canon and bridges the prequel and original trilogies with appearances by Ahsoka Tano, Darth Vader and more.

11. Andor (2022–present)

Set in the years leading up to Rogue One, Andor is a grounded, slow-burn political thriller that follows Cassian Andor’s transformation from cynical thief to committed rebel operative. It presents the harsh realities of life under Imperial rule and the moral ambiguity of rebellion, shining a spotlight on early resistance cells and the beginnings of the Rebel Alliance.

12. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Set immediately before A New Hope, Rogue One tells the story of how the Rebel Alliance stole the Death Star plans. It centers on Jyn Erso, daughter of the Death Star’s chief architect, who joins a desperate mission that ends in a heroic sacrifice on Scarif. The film offers a gritty, war-film aesthetic and directly links to the original trilogy.

13. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

A New Hope launched the Star Wars saga, introducing audiences to farm boy Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, smuggler Han Solo and the dark enforcer Darth Vader. After the theft of the Death Star plans, the Rebel Alliance mounts a desperate mission to destroy the super weapon. This classic space opera blends mythic storytelling with revolutionary special effects, culminating in the Battle of Yavin and the destruction of the Death Star.

14. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire strikes back—literally. The Rebels are forced to flee Hoth, Luke trains with Jedi Master Yoda on Dagobah, and Han and Leia take refuge in Cloud City. The film’s dark tone, dramatic twists and the infamous “I am your father” revelation mark it as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history.

15. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

Return of the Jedi brings the Original Trilogy to a close. As the Rebel Alliance mounts a final assault on a second Death Star, Luke confronts Vader in a bid to redeem his father. Meanwhile, Han, Leia and the Rebels fight on Endor to bring down the shield generator. The Emperor is destroyed, Vader is redeemed and peace is momentarily restored to the galaxy.

16. The Mandalorian (2019–present)

Set five years after Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian follows the lone bounty hunter Din Djarin as he forms an unexpected bond with a Force-sensitive child, Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”). Set during the power vacuum following the fall of the Empire, the series reintroduces Mandalorian culture, deepens the lore of the Darksaber, and brings back characters like Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker and Bo-Katan Kryze. Its success revitalized the Star Wars franchise on TV.

17. The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022)

This spinoff continues Boba Fett’s story after his survival from the Sarlacc pit, as seen in Return of the Jedi. Teaming up with Fennec Shand, Boba aims to rule the Tatooine underworld once dominated by Jabba the Hutt. The series intertwines with The Mandalorian timeline, featuring Din Djarin and Grogu, and explores themes of power, honor and rebirth.

18. Ahsoka (2023)

Set shortly after The Mandalorian Season 3, Ahsoka follows former Jedi Ahsoka Tano as she searches for Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger—continuing threads from Star Wars Rebels. The series blends mysticism, galaxy-spanning politics and Force lore, introducing new characters like Baylan Skoll while reuniting fans with animated favorites in live-action form. It also hints at the growing threat that may one day give rise to the First Order.

19. Skeleton Crew (2024)

Set in the same era as The Mandalorian, Skeleton Crew follows four children from a peaceful planet who stumble upon an abandoned pirate ship and are swept into an unplanned journey across the galaxy. Guided by a mysterious Force-user named Jod, they face dangers from pirates, Imperial remnants and unfamiliar worlds as they search for a way home.

20. Star Wars Resistance (2018–2020)

Set in the lead-up to and early years of the Sequel Trilogy, this animated series centers on Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance to spy on the growing threat of the First Order. The show offers a more light-hearted tone and targets a younger audience, but it provides key context for how the Resistance was formed, how the New Republic underestimated the First Order and how General Leia Organa’s movement began to take shape. Season 2 overlaps with events from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

21. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

The setting is 30 years after Return of the Jedi and the galaxy is once again in turmoil. The First Order, a military remnant of the Empire, rises to power as the Republic fails to act. The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, seeks to stop them. Meanwhile, a scavenger named Rey discovers her connection to the Force, deserting stormtrooper Finn joins the Resistance and Han Solo is killed by his son, Kylo Ren. The film reintroduces classic characters while launching a new generation of heroes.

22. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Picking up immediately after The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi explores themes of failure, legacy and hope. Rey trains with a reluctant Luke Skywalker, who has exiled himself after believing he failed Ben Solo (better known as Kylo Ren). Meanwhile, the Resistance is hunted across the galaxy. The film pushes the characters to their limits: Luke sacrifices himself, Snoke is killed and Kylo Ren seizes power. Polarizing but ambitious, it sets the stage for a final confrontation.

23. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The Rise of Skywalker concludes the Skywalker Saga with the return of Emperor Palpatine, who has been orchestrating events from the shadows. Rey discovers her true lineage as Palpatine’s granddaughter but ultimately rejects that legacy to embrace the Jedi path. With the help of the Resistance and a galaxy-wide uprising, she defeats Palpatine once and for all. The film ends with Rey adopting the Skywalker name and standing alone on Tatooine, symbolizing the rebirth of the Jedi.