For over four decades, the Star Wars saga has captivated audiences globally, becoming a cornerstone of cinematic history. From groundbreaking visual effects to compelling narratives of good versus evil, George Lucas’ creation has expanded far beyond movies, encompassing a vast universe of TV shows, animated series, and spin-offs. With so much content to explore, a common question arises for both newcomers and seasoned fans: Where Can You Watch Star Wars?
If you’re feeling like a Padawan overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Star Wars content, fear not! This guide will navigate you through the galaxy far, far away and pinpoint exactly where you can stream all Star Wars movies and TV shows. Get ready to embark on an epic journey from your couch!
Streaming Star Wars: Disney+ is Your Prime Destination
The primary platform to watch Star Wars is undoubtedly Disney+. Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, Disney+ has become the streaming home for the entire Star Wars franchise. This includes every Star Wars movie, from Episode I: The Phantom Menace to Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, along with all the beloved Star Wars television series.
For fans in the US, you can also access Disney+ through the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for a comprehensive entertainment package. This bundle is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy not only Star Wars but also a wide array of other content from Disney, Hulu’s extensive library, and live sports on ESPN+.
Different Ways to Watch Star Wars: Release Date or Timeline Order
Once you know where to watch, the next question is how to watch. For Star Wars, the viewing order can significantly impact your experience, especially if you are new to the franchise. There are two main approaches: watching by release date order or by timeline order within the Star Wars canon.
Option 1: Experiencing Star Wars by Release Date (The Original Journey)
For those new to the Force, watching Star Wars in release date order is highly recommended. This approach allows you to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences originally. It preserves the intended surprises and avoids potential spoilers that chronological order might reveal prematurely. Furthermore, it lets you appreciate the evolution of filmmaking and storytelling across the decades.
Star Wars Movies by Release Date:
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) – The movie that started it all, introducing Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia as they fight the evil Galactic Empire.
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Often considered the best Star Wars film, featuring darker themes and a shocking revelation.
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) – The epic conclusion to the original trilogy, resolving the conflict with the Empire and Darth Vader.
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) – The beginning of the prequel trilogy, exploring the origins of Anakin Skywalker and the fall of the Jedi Order.
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) – Continuing Anakin’s story, amidst the backdrop of the burgeoning Clone Wars.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) – The dramatic climax of the prequels, depicting Anakin’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader.
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) – Reviving the saga decades later with new heroes and villains in a galaxy facing a new threat.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – A standalone story set just before Episode IV, focusing on the rebels who stole the Death Star plans.
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) – A divisive but impactful chapter that challenges Star Wars conventions and expands Rey’s journey.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – An origin story of Han Solo, showcasing his early adventures and how he became the iconic smuggler.
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – Concluding the Skywalker saga and bringing the epic story to a close.
Star Wars Movies and Shows by Release Date:
To fully immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe as it expanded, you can include TV shows in release date order. This provides an even richer experience, showcasing the growth of the franchise across different media.
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) – An animated movie that launched the popular Clone Wars series, expanding the prequel era.
- Star Wars Rebels (2014) – An animated series set between Episode III and Episode IV, following a group of rebels fighting the Empire.
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Resistance (2018) – An animated series set before and during the sequel trilogy, focusing on the Resistance and the First Order.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Mandalorian (2019) – A live-action series set after Episode VI, following a lone bounty hunter and Grogu.
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021) – A spin-off of The Mandalorian, focusing on the iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett and his rise to power in the criminal underworld.
- The Bad Batch (2021) – An animated series spinning off from The Clone Wars, following a squad of clone troopers with unique abilities after the Clone Wars.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) – A live-action series set between Episode III and Episode IV, showing Obi-Wan’s life in exile and his protection of young Luke Skywalker.
- Andor (2022) – A prequel series to Rogue One, exploring the backstory of Cassian Andor and the early days of the Rebellion.
- Ahsoka (2023) – A live-action series continuing the story of Ahsoka Tano, a fan-favorite character from The Clone Wars and Rebels.
Option 2: Exploring Star Wars by Timeline Order (A Chronological Deep Dive)
For established Star Wars fans or those who prefer a strictly chronological narrative, watching by timeline order provides a different perspective. This method immerses you in the Star Wars galaxy sequentially, from the earliest events to the latest. It can enhance the overarching narrative flow and deepen your understanding of the universe’s history.
Star Wars Movies in Timeline Order:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie) – While released later, chronologically it fits here.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story – Set before Episode IV, exploring Han Solo’s younger years.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Directly precedes Episode IV, showing the events leading to the original movie.
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies and Shows in Timeline Order:
For the most comprehensive chronological experience, including all TV series enriches the narrative and provides a truly expansive journey through the Star Wars timeline.
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie)
- The Clone Wars (series) – Spanning multiple seasons within the Clone Wars era.
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- The Bad Batch – Set immediately after the Clone Wars, following Clone Force 99.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Obi-Wan Kenobi – Set a decade after Episode III, showing Obi-Wan’s exile and early interactions with a young Luke.
- Star Wars Rebels – Set years before Episode IV, focusing on the growing Rebellion.
- Andor – Set even earlier than Rebels, exploring the very beginnings of the Rebel Alliance.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian – Set five years after Episode VI, exploring the post-Empire galaxy.
- The Book of Boba Fett – Runs concurrently with The Mandalorian Season 2, further exploring the post-Empire era.
- Ahsoka – Set within the same timeframe as The Mandalorian, continuing Ahsoka’s post-Rebels story.
- Star Wars: Resistance – Set before and during the sequel trilogy, providing context for the rise of the First Order.
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Breaking Down the Star Wars Universe: Movies and Series
Currently, the Star Wars universe consists of 12 theatrical movies and nine major TV series, offering hundreds of hours of content for fans to dive into.
Star Wars Movies: A Quick Guide
The Star Wars movie saga is divided into three trilogies, along with standalone stories that enrich the overall narrative.
The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI)
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope.
The trilogy that launched the legend. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), initially just titled Star Wars, introduced the world to Luke Skywalker’s journey from a farm boy to a hero in a galaxy far, far away. It’s a classic tale of adventure, rebellion, and the Force.
Watch: Episode IV: A New Hope
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is often lauded as the pinnacle of the saga. It delves into darker themes, expands the mythology of the Force, and features iconic moments and plot twists that have resonated with fans for generations. Luke’s training with Yoda and the revelation about Darth Vader are central to its impact.
Watch: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) concludes the original trilogy with a triumphant resolution. Luke faces Darth Vader and the Emperor in a final showdown, while the Rebel Alliance launches a decisive attack on the second Death Star. It’s a story of redemption, hope, and the enduring power of good.
Watch: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III)
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) takes viewers back to the beginning, decades before the original trilogy. It introduces a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn as they discover a young Anakin Skywalker, believed to be the Chosen One. The film sets the stage for the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Sith.
Watch: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) advances Anakin’s story as he grows into a Padawan learner. Political intrigue deepens, and the galaxy edges closer to war. Anakin’s forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala and the emergence of the Clone Army are key plot points.
Watch: Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) is the dramatic and tragic conclusion of the prequel trilogy. It depicts the full-scale Clone Wars, the manipulation of Anakin by Palpatine, and his descent to the dark side to become Darth Vader. The film is pivotal in bridging the gap to the original trilogy.
Watch: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII-IX)
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) reignited the saga for a new generation. Set decades after Return of the Jedi, it introduces Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they confront the First Order, a new dark side power rising in the galaxy. The film blends nostalgia with fresh characters and storylines.
Watch: Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) continues Rey’s journey as she seeks guidance from a reluctant Luke Skywalker. The film challenges expectations, explores complex moral choices, and pushes the narrative in unexpected directions, dividing fans but prompting much discussion.
Watch: Episode VII: The Last Jedi
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Episode IX: The Rise of Sky Walker.
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) concludes the Skywalker saga, bringing together all three trilogies. Rey, Finn, and Poe face the resurrected Emperor Palpatine in a final battle for the fate of the galaxy. The film aims to provide closure and resolution to the epic storyline.
Watch: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Standalone Star Wars Stories
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) is a prequel to Episode IV, telling the story of the brave rebels who risked everything to steal the plans for the Death Star. It’s a war film within the Star Wars universe, highlighting sacrifice and heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
Watch: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Title art for the Star Wars movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) delves into the early life of Han Solo, long before he joined the Rebellion. It reveals how he met Chewbacca, acquired the Millennium Falcon, and became the roguish smuggler fans know and love. It’s a fun, adventurous ride through the galaxy’s underworld.
Watch: Solo: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars TV Series: Expanding the Galaxy
Beyond the movies, Star Wars TV series have significantly expanded the universe, offering deeper dives into characters and storylines.
Animated Star Wars Series
Title art for the Star Wars series, The Clone Wars.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020) is a critically acclaimed animated series set between Episodes II and III. It explores the Clone Wars in detail, introducing beloved characters like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, and adding layers to the prequel era.
Watch: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Title art for the Star Wars series, Rebels.
Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018) is set between Episode III and Episode IV, focusing on a small group of rebels aboard the starship Ghost. It features new characters and expands on the early Rebel Alliance, with appearances from familiar faces like Darth Vader and Ahsoka Tano.
Watch: Star Wars: Rebels
Title art for the animated Star Wars series, Resistance.
Star Wars: Resistance (2018-2020) is set before and during the sequel trilogy, following Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance to spy on the First Order. It offers a different perspective on the events leading up to The Force Awakens.
Watch: Star Wars: Resistance
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, The Bad Batch.
The Bad Batch (2021-Present) is a spin-off of The Clone Wars, focusing on Clone Force 99, a squad of elite clone troopers with genetic mutations. Set after the Clone Wars, they navigate the early days of the Empire and take on mercenary missions.
Watch: The Bad Batch
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, Ahsoka.
Ahsoka (2023-Present) is a live-action spin-off continuing the story of Ahsoka Tano after Rebels. Set in the same era as The Mandalorian, it sees Ahsoka confronting new threats and continuing her journey as a former Jedi.
Watch: Ahsoka
Live-Action Star Wars Series
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian (2019-Present) was Disney+’s flagship Star Wars series, set after the fall of the Empire. It follows a Mandalorian bounty hunter and his unexpected bond with Grogu (Baby Yoda). It has revitalized Star Wars for many fans with its Western-inspired style and compelling characters.
Watch: The Mandalorian
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, The Book of Boba Fett.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021-Present) is a spin-off of The Mandalorian, focusing on Boba Fett’s attempt to establish himself as a crime lord on Tatooine. It blends action and character study, showing a different side of the infamous bounty hunter.
Watch: The Book of Boba Fett
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) revisits Obi-Wan’s life in exile on Tatooine between Episodes III and IV. Tasked with protecting a young Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan must confront his past and face the lingering threat of the Empire, including a rematch with Darth Vader.
Watch: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Title art for the Disney+ Original Star Wars series, Andor.
Andor (2022-Present) is a spy thriller set in the Star Wars universe, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey from a cynical thief to a dedicated rebel. It explores the gritty realities of rebellion against the Empire and the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.
Watch: Andor
Tips for Your Star Wars Watch-Through
Navigating the Star Wars saga can be an exciting adventure. Here are some tips to enhance your viewing experience:
Why is Star Wars Out of Order?
George Lucas started with Episode IV because he felt it was the most accessible entry point to his larger story. He envisioned a vast saga but began with the most compelling chapter, later expanding with prequels after the original film’s success. This non-linear approach has become a unique aspect of the Star Wars narrative.
Should I Watch Clone Wars in Chronological Order?
The Clone Wars series, while released after Episode III, chronologically takes place between Episodes II and III. Watching it in chronological order, as outlined on the official Star Wars website, can provide a richer, more cohesive experience of the Clone Wars era and Anakin’s journey.
Do I Watch The Clone Wars Movie or Show First?
Starting with The Clone Wars movie is generally recommended, especially for newcomers to the series. The movie serves as an introduction to the characters and the overall tone of the series before diving into the longer narrative arcs of the TV show.
Can I Skip The Clone Wars Series?
While not essential for understanding the main movie saga, The Clone Wars series significantly enriches the Star Wars universe. It provides crucial character development for Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka, and adds depth to the political and military conflicts of the prequel era. Skipping it means missing out on a substantial and beloved part of Star Wars canon.
Should I Start Watching Star Wars From Episode I or Episode IV?
This is a matter of personal preference. Starting with Episode I offers a chronological journey through the saga, while starting with Episode IV replicates the original theatrical experience and may be less overwhelming for first-time viewers. Both approaches have their merits.
Do You Have to Watch Star Wars in Order?
Ultimately, the order in which you watch Star Wars is up to you. While release date and timeline orders are recommended for different reasons, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Feel free to explore in a way that suits your interest and curiosity!
More Star Wars on Disney+ and What’s Coming
Disney+ is not just home to Star Wars movies and shows; it also offers a wealth of bonus content, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, specials, and more. Explore the platform to discover extra content that enhances your Star Wars experience.
Star Wars Coming Soon to Disney+:
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024) – Coming Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
- The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) – Further adventures in the Mandalorian era.
Star Wars FAQ
When did the first Star Wars movie come out?
Episode IV: A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie, premiered in theaters on May 25, 1977, marking the beginning of a cultural phenomenon.
When is Star Wars Day celebrated?
Star Wars Day is celebrated annually on May 4th, a pun-intended nod to the famous line “May the Force be with you” – “May the Fourth be with you!”
Where can I watch Star Wars?
Currently, Disney+ is the premier destination to watch all Star Wars movies and TV shows. It offers the complete saga, spin-offs, and exclusive series, making it the ultimate streaming hub for Star Wars fans.
Embark on your Star Wars adventure today on Disney+ and may the Force be with you!
