The Star Wars saga, spanning decades of cinematic history, began with the original film released in 1977. This timeline encompasses not only the main Skywalker saga but also the animated series, standalone films, and the newer Disney+ era productions that continue to expand the galaxy far, far away.
The Original Trilogy Era
George Lucas's original vision brought three foundational films that defined a generation. These movies established the core mythology and launched what would become a global phenomenon, setting the standard for modern blockbuster filmmaking.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Prequel Trilogy Introduction
Beginning in 1999, Lucas returned to the saga with a new set of films that explored the origins of the conflict. This trilogy delved into the fall of Anakin Skywalker and provided deeper context for the original events, though it initially divided fan opinion.
The Complete Chronological Release Table
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of every major Star Wars film in order of their release, including both saga and standalone entries:
Release Year | Title | Episode/Side Story
1977 | Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope | Episode IV
1980 | Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back | Episode V
1983 | Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi | Episode VI
1999 | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Episode I
2002 | Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones | Episode II
2005 | Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith | Episode III
2015 | Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens | Episode VII
2017 | Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi | Episode VIII
2019 | Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker | Episode IX
The Sequel Trilogy and Modern Era
After a decade-long hiatus, the franchise returned with new stories featuring a fresh generation of heroes. These films bridged the classic saga with contemporary storytelling, culminating in the conclusion of the Skywalker bloodline.
