The Complete Star Wars Timeline: Every Movie and Show in Chronological Order

Featured Image Description: A high-resolution, panoramic collage split into chronological eras. On the far left, high-contrast gold and white tones representing The High Republic and Jedi Order. Moving right, shifting to dark reds and greys for the Empire, transitioning to the gritty earth tones of the Rebellion, and finishing with the sleek blue and chrome aesthetics of the First Order. Text overlay: “The Complete Star Wars Timeline: Chronological Viewing Order.”

Introduction

Navigating the Star Wars timeline has become an intricate endeavor. What began as a trilogy in the late 1970s has expanded into a vast multimedia universe comprising eleven live-action films, multiple animated series, and a rapidly growing library of Disney+ live-action shows. For the uninitiated—and even for longtime fans—understanding exactly when events take place relative to one another is crucial for grasping the broader narrative of the Skywalker Saga and beyond.

To master the canon, one must understand the galactic calendar. In the Star Wars universe, time is measured relative to the Battle of Yavin, the climactic assault on the first Death Star seen in A New Hope. Years are designated as BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). This cornerstone guide provides a definitive, comprehensive breakdown of every movie and TV show in chronological order, allowing you to experience the rise and fall of the Jedi, the reign of the Empire, and the birth of the New Republic exactly as the characters lived it.

Understanding the Eras of the Galaxy

Before diving into the specific titles, it is helpful to visualize the timeline through the official eras established by Lucasfilm. These distinctive periods help contextualize the political and spiritual state of the galaxy:

• The High Republic: The golden age of the Jedi Order.
• Fall of the Jedi: The prequels and the Clone Wars.
• Reign of the Empire: The rise of Palpatine and the dark times.
• Age of Rebellion: The original trilogy and the Galactic Civil War.
• The New Republic: The vacuum left after the Empire’s collapse (The Mandalorian era).
• Rise of the First Order: The sequel trilogy.

The Complete Star Wars Timeline in Chronological Order

1. The Era of the High Republic and the Jedi

For decades, the on-screen timeline began with The Phantom Menace. However, recent expansions have pushed the narrative back centuries. This era depicts the Jedi at the height of their power and distinct from the dogmatic order seen in the prequels.

The Acolyte (c. 132 BBY)

Set at the tail end of the High Republic era, roughly 100 years before the prequel trilogy, The Acolyte investigates a series of crimes that reveal the emerging dark side forces that will eventually topple the Republic. It provides critical context on how the Sith infiltrated the galaxy unnoticed.

Tales of the Jedi (Episodes 2, 3, 1) (c. 68–32 BBY)

This animated anthology features episodes focusing on Count Dooku before his fall to the dark side. Watching Dooku’s disenfranchisement with the Jedi Council provides essential nuance before entering the main saga.

2. The Fall of the Jedi (The Prequel Era)

This era covers the deterioration of the Galactic Republic and the orchestration of the Clone Wars by Sheev Palpatine.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)

The beginning of the Skywalker Saga. We are introduced to a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, his master Qui-Gon Jinn, and Anakin Skywalker, a nine-year-old boy strong in the Force.

Tales of the Jedi (Episode 4) (32 BBY)

This specific episode fills the gap immediately following the death of Qui-Gon Jinn, showing Dooku deleting Kamino from the Jedi archives.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)

Set ten years after Episode I, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Anakin is now a Padawan, and the Clone Wars officially begin by the film’s conclusion.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie & Series) (22–19 BBY)

This is the most expansive piece of Star Wars media. To watch chronologically, one must view the 2008 animated film followed by the seven-season series. It bridges the gap between Episode II and III, fleshing out Anakin’s relationship with his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, and deepening the tragedy of his eventual fall. Note: The final four episodes of Season 7 take place concurrently with Episode III.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)

The turning point of the saga. Chancellor Palpatine reveals himself as Darth Sidious, issues Order 66 to exterminate the Jedi, and transforms Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. The Republic falls, and the Galactic Empire is born.

3. The Reign of the Empire (The Dark Times)

Following the rise of the Empire, the galaxy enters a period of oppression. The surviving Jedi go into hiding, and the seeds of rebellion are slowly sown.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (c. 19 BBY onwards)

Spinning directly out of The Clone Wars, this series follows Clone Force 99 in the immediate aftermath of Order 66. It highlights the transition from Clone Troopers to Stormtroopers.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (c. 13–10 BBY)

This origin story introduces a young Han Solo and Chewbacca. It establishes the criminal underworld of the Empire and the Kessel Run, taking place roughly a decade before A New Hope.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)

Set ten years after Revenge of the Sith, this limited series bridges the emotional gap between the prequel and original trilogies. It features a rematch between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader and focuses on the protection of a young Princess Leia.

Star Wars Rebels (5–0 BBY)

Essential viewing for understanding the current “Mando-verse.” Rebels follows the Ghost crew and introduces key characters like Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. It documents the formation of the Rebel Alliance.

Andor (5–0 BBY)

A gritty, grounded look at the rebellion’s intelligence network. Season 1 covers 5 BBY, while the upcoming Season 2 leads directly into the opening moments of Rogue One. It is a political thriller exploring the cost of revolution.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)

Widely considered one of the best modern Star Wars films, this movie tells the story of the mission to steal the Death Star plans. It ends moments before Episode IV begins.

4. The Age of Rebellion (The Original Trilogy)

The classic hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker and the destruction of the Sith.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (0 BBY/0 ABY)

The film that started it all. Luke Skywalker discovers his heritage, joins forces with Han Solo and Leia Organa, and destroys the Death Star at the Battle of Yavin.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)

Three years after Yavin, the Rebellion is on the run. Luke trains with Yoda, and the revelation of Vader’s identity shakes the foundation of the saga.

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)

The final confrontation between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor. Anakin Skywalker is redeemed, the Emperor is destroyed, and the Empire fractures.

5. The New Republic (The Mandalorian Era)

With the Empire shattered but not gone, a fragile New Republic attempts to govern while warlords and Imperial remnants vie for power in the Outer Rim.

The Mandalorian (Seasons 1 & 2) (c. 9 ABY)

Five years after Return of the Jedi, a lone bounty hunter protects a Force-sensitive child (Grogu). This series explores the state of the galaxy post-Empire and the culture of Mandalore.

The Book of Boba Fett (c. 9 ABY)

Serves as a bridge between Mandalorian Season 2 and 3. It details Boba Fett’s survival and takeover of Jabba’s criminal empire on Tatooine.

The Mandalorian (Season 3) (c. 9–10 ABY)

The reclamation of Mandalore and the consolidation of the Imperial Shadow Council.

Ahsoka (c. 10–11 ABY)

Following up on threads from Rebels and The Mandalorian, former Jedi Ahsoka Tano hunts for Grand Admiral Thrawn to prevent the heir to the Empire from returning.

Skeleton Crew (c. 10–11 ABY)

Set concurrently with The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, this series follows a group of children lost in the galaxy attempting to find their way home, offering a unique perspective on the New Republic era.

6. Rise of the First Order (The Sequel Era)

Decades of peace are broken as the Imperial remnants reform into the fanatical First Order.

Star Wars Resistance (Season 1) (34 ABY)

An animated series focusing on Resistance spies leading up to the events of The Force Awakens.

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (34 ABY)

Thirty years after the Battle of Endor. A scavenger named Rey discovers she is strong in the Force, while Han Solo and Leia confront their fallen son, Kylo Ren.

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (34 ABY)

Taking place immediately after Episode VII, the Resistance is decimated, and Rey seeks training from an exiled, disillusioned Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)

The conclusion of the Skywalker Saga. The Emperor returns through cloning technology, and the Resistance mounts a final stand on Exegol.

Chronological vs. Release Order: Which is Best?

While this guide outlines the chronological order, viewing the saga this way offers a different experience than release order. Watching chronologically provides a linear history, allowing you to see the political evolution of the galaxy. However, it spoils the major twist of The Empire Strikes Back early on.

For first-time viewers, Release Order (IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX) is often recommended to preserve narrative surprises. For returning fans, Chronological Order is superior for understanding the emotional depth of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, whose arcs span multiple decades and mediums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie necessary to watch?

Yes. Although the animation quality is rougher than the later series, the 2008 movie introduces Ahsoka Tano. Without it, her relationship with Anakin in the series lacks its foundational context.

Where does the Obi-Wan Kenobi series fit in the timeline?

Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place in 9 BBY. This places it exactly halfway between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope.

Is the Expanded Universe (Legends) part of this timeline?

No. In 2014, Lucasfilm rebranded the old Expanded Universe as “Legends.” Only the movies and content released after April 2014 (plus The Clone Wars) are considered official Canon and included in this timeline.

Do I need to watch the animated shows to understand the live-action movies?

While the main saga movies can stand alone, recent shows like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian rely heavily on lore established in The Clone Wars and Rebels. Watching the animated content significantly enhances the experience.

When does The Bad Batch take place?

The Bad Batch begins during the events of Order 66 (19 BBY), running concurrently with the end of Revenge of the Sith, and continues into the early years of the Empire.

Conclusion

The Star Wars timeline is a living tapestry that continues to grow with every new release from Lucasfilm. Whether you are revisiting the tragedy of the Prequels, exploring the grit of Andor, or witnessing the future of the Jedi in the Sequel Trilogy, viewing the content in chronological order offers a profound appreciation for the galaxy’s history.

By following this guide, you ensure that every reference, cameo, and plot thread connects seamlessly, providing the ultimate viewing experience. As the universe expands with upcoming projects like Dawn of the Jedi and New Jedi Order, this timeline will continue to evolve, proving that the Force will be with us, always.