Star Wars · 1977–2019

How to Watch Star Wars in Order

To watch Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, start with Star Wars.

Watch Star Wars in release order for a first viewing — start with Star Wars (1977). There are 9 films, released between 1977–2019. That is 20.4 hours of viewing. Only 6 are essential to follow the story — 13.5 hours.

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9 Star Wars films

The route

0 of 6 watched

Star Wars1977

The original entry point. Everything else assumes these characters.

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The Empire Strikes Back1980

The central paternity reveal. Essential to every later film.

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Return of the Jedi1983

Resolves the original trilogy's conflict.

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens2015

Sequel trilogy begins 30 years after Jedi. Assumes the original trilogy.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi2017

Direct continuation of The Force Awakens.

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker2019

Concludes the sequel trilogy; leans on prequel material too.

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The other 3 aren't required — but they're still yours to watch.

Not needed for the essential route. Still trackable if you want them.

Recommended3 films

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace1999

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Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones2002

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Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith2005

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The full checklist

0 of 9 watched

1Star Wars1977Essential121m
2The Empire Strikes Back1980Essential124m
3Return of the Jedi1983Essential132m
4Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace1999136m
5Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones2002142m
6Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith2005140m
7Star Wars: The Force Awakens2015Essential136m
8Star Wars: The Last Jedi2017Essential152m
9Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker2019Essential142m

Ranked by rating

Full ranking with scores →

1The Empire Strikes Back19808.4
2Star Wars19778.2
3Return of the Jedi19837.9
4Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith20057.5
5Star Wars: The Force Awakens20157.2
6Star Wars: The Last Jedi20176.7
7Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace19996.6
8Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones20026.6
9Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker20196.3

11 Star Wars characters, and every film each one is in →

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct order to watch Star Wars?

For a first viewing, watch Star Wars in release order, starting with Star Wars (1977) and ending with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). That is the order the story was written to be discovered in.

How many Star Wars films are there?

There are 9 Star Wars films.

Can I skip any Star Wars films?

6 of the 9 films carry the main story: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The other 3 can be skipped on a first watch without losing the plot.

Where should a first-time viewer start with Star Wars?

Start with Star Wars, released in 1977. It introduces the characters and setting the later films build on.

How long does it take to watch all of Star Wars?

Watching every Star Wars film takes 20.4 hours. Sticking to the 6 essential films takes 13.5 hours.

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