For over four decades, the Star Wars saga, masterminded by George Lucas, has been a cultural phenomenon. Its groundbreaking special effects, iconic characters, and timeless tales of good versus evil have captivated generations, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and popular culture.
However, with a vast universe spanning numerous films and TV series, diving into Star Wars can feel like navigating hyperspace without a map. New fans often wonder, “Where do I even begin?” Fear not, aspiring Jedi! This guide will illuminate your path through the Star Wars galaxy, showing you exactly where to watch every movie and show, ensuring you become a true master of the Force.
With a combined runtime exceeding 25 hours for just the movies, and over 350 hours when you include the captivating TV shows and animated series, prepare for an epic journey. Grab your blue milk, settle in, and let’s explore where you can stream all things Star Wars, primarily on Disney+.
Disney+: Your Star Wars Streaming Home
Disney+ is the definitive answer to the question, “Where To Watch Star Wars?”. This streaming service is the galaxy’s edge for all official Star Wars content. From the original trilogy that started it all to the latest Disney+ original series, everything Star Wars resides here.
While you might occasionally find snippets or older content elsewhere, for the complete, canonical Star Wars experience, Disney+ is your one-stop destination. This includes all the theatrical releases, spin-off movies, animated series like The Clone Wars and Rebels, and live-action shows such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.
How to Watch Star Wars: Release Date or Timeline Order?
For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, deciding the order to watch Star Wars is a crucial first step. While there’s no single “right” way, two primary methods stand out: Release Date Order and Timeline Order. Each offers a unique viewing experience, catering to different preferences.
Release Date Order: The Nostalgic Journey
If you’re new to Star Wars, or crave the nostalgic experience of witnessing the saga unfold as audiences did decades ago, release date order is highly recommended. This method preserves the original storytelling surprises and avoids potential prequel spoilers that might diminish the impact of the original trilogy. It allows you to experience the evolution of filmmaking and narrative as George Lucas envisioned it at the time of release.
Star Wars Movies by Release Date:
- 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)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars Movies and Shows by Release Date:
- 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)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Resistance (2018)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Mandalorian (2019)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- The Bad Batch (2021)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
Timeline Order: A Chronological Saga
For established Star Wars fans seeking a fresh perspective or those who prefer a strictly chronological narrative, timeline order provides a compelling alternative. Watching in this order allows you to experience the story as it unfolds within the Star Wars canon, starting from the earliest events and progressing forward. This method can enhance the overarching narrative and character arcs, offering a deeper understanding of the galaxy’s history.
Star Wars Movies in Timeline Order:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- 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:
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie)
- The Clone Wars (series)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- The Bad Batch
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Star Wars Rebels
- Andor
- 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
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Star Wars: Resistance
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Exploring the Star Wars Movies: A Quick Guide
Currently, the Star Wars universe boasts 12 theatrical movies and an ever-expanding collection of TV series, all readily available on Disney+. Let’s take a closer look at each film, all of which you can find when deciding where to watch Star Wars.
Episode IV: A New Hope
Title art for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope featuring Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 against a desert backdrop.
Confused about starting with Episode IV? Originally released simply as Star Wars, this groundbreaking film was intended as a standalone adventure. Its immense success led George Lucas to expand his vision into a trilogy, and eventually, the sprawling saga we know today. A New Hope introduces us to young Luke Skywalker, who, alongside smuggler Han Solo and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, embarks on a mission to rescue Princess Leia and confront the evil Galactic Empire.
Watch: Episode IV: A New Hope on Disney+
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Title art for Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back showcasing Darth Vader's helmet and Luke Skywalker with his lightsaber, set against a dark, cloudy space scene.
Considered by many fans as the best Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back deepens the saga’s themes and character development. Luke Skywalker journeys to Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, while Han Solo and Princess Leia face betrayal and capture by the Empire, led by the menacing Darth Vader.
Watch: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back on Disney+
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Title art for Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi featuring Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Jabba the Hutt's sail barge against a forest moon backdrop.
The epic conclusion to the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, sees Luke Skywalker complete his Jedi training and confront Darth Vader in a final showdown. Meanwhile, the Rebel Alliance launches a decisive attack against the second Death Star, aiming to liberate the galaxy from the Empire’s tyrannical grip.
Watch: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi on Disney+
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Title art for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace featuring Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, and Jar Jar Binks against a Naboo landscape.
Decades after the original trilogy, George Lucas returned to tell the saga’s beginnings with The Phantom Menace. Set years before A New Hope, this prequel introduces young Anakin Skywalker, a boy strong in the Force, and explores the political turmoil and events leading to the rise of the dark side.
Watch: Episode I: The Phantom Menace on Disney+
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Title art for Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones featuring Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Count Dooku against a Geonosis battle scene.
Attack of the Clones continues Anakin Skywalker’s journey as the galaxy edges closer to war. Now a Padawan learner, Anakin grapples with his forbidden love for Padmé Amidala while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates a Separatist conspiracy and the emergence of a clone army.
Watch: Episode II: Attack of the Clones on Disney+
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Title art for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith featuring Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi locked in a lightsaber duel against a fiery Mustafar backdrop.
The dramatic conclusion of the prequel trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, depicts Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall to the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader. The Clone Wars reach their climax, the Republic crumbles, and the evil Empire rises to power, forever changing the galaxy.
Watch: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on Disney+
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Title art for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens featuring Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren against a Jakku desert and Starkiller Base scene.
A new era of Star Wars begins with The Force Awakens, introducing a new generation of heroes and villains. Set decades after Return of the Jedi, the film follows Rey, a scavenger, and Finn, a former stormtrooper, as they become entangled in the fight against the sinister First Order and the mysterious Kylo Ren.
Watch: Episode VII: The Force Awakens on Disney+
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Title art for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story featuring Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor leading a team of rebels on a mission, set against a Scarif tropical battle scene.
Rogue One serves as a direct prequel to A New Hope, filling in the crucial story of how the Rebel Alliance obtained the Death Star plans. Led by Jyn Erso, a group of rebels undertakes a perilous mission, highlighting the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals in the fight for freedom.
Watch: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on Disney+
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Title art for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi featuring Rey wielding a lightsaber, Kylo Ren, and Luke Skywalker against a red and white Crait mineral planet backdrop.
The Last Jedi continues Rey’s journey as she seeks guidance from a reluctant Luke Skywalker to master the Force. The Resistance faces dire circumstances against the First Order, leading to intense battles and challenging moral dilemmas for our heroes.
Watch: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi on Disney+
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Title art for Solo: A Star Wars Story featuring a young Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian in the Millennium Falcon cockpit against a Kessel spice mine scene.
Solo: A Star Wars Story delves into the early adventures of Han Solo before he became the iconic smuggler we know and love. The film explores his origins, his first encounter with Chewbacca, and his complicated relationship with Lando Calrissian, offering a thrilling heist story within the Star Wars universe.
Watch: Solo: A Star Wars Story on Disney+
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Title art for Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker featuring Rey and Kylo Ren in a lightsaber duel, Emperor Palpatine, and the Resistance fleet against a stormy Exegol backdrop.
The final chapter of the Skywalker saga, The Rise of Skywalker, brings the epic story to a conclusion. Rey, Finn, and Poe face their ultimate test as the resurrected Emperor Palpatine threatens the galaxy. Destinies are decided, and the balance of the Force hangs in the balance.
Watch: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker on Disney+
The Clone Wars
Title art for Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series featuring Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Captain Rex against a clone trooper army backdrop.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the narrative between Episode II and Episode III, delving into the tumultuous Clone Wars era. This animated series introduces rich storylines, new characters like Ahsoka Tano, and provides deeper context to the events shaping the prequel trilogy. Both the Clone Wars movie and the subsequent series are available on Disney+.
Watch: Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+
Expanding the Universe: Star Wars TV Series on Disney+
Beyond the movies, Disney+ is home to a growing universe of Star Wars TV series, enriching the lore and offering diverse perspectives on the galaxy far, far away. These series provide even more content for fans wondering where to watch Star Wars.
Rebels
Title art for Star Wars: Rebels animated series featuring Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, and Chopper against a starship battle scene.
Star Wars: Rebels is another acclaimed animated series, focusing on a new group of rebels fighting against the oppressive Empire in the years leading up to A New Hope. With thrilling space battles and appearances from beloved characters like Darth Vader, Rebels is essential viewing for any Star Wars enthusiast.
Watch: Star Wars: Rebels on Disney+
Star Wars: Resistance
Title art for Star Wars: Resistance animated series featuring Kazuda Xiono, Poe Dameron, Captain Phasma, and BB-8 against a Colossus platform and starfighters scene.
Star Wars: Resistance takes place in the lead-up to the sequel trilogy, following Kazuda Xiono, a Resistance pilot tasked with spying on the growing threat of the First Order. This animated series offers a vibrant and action-packed perspective on the events preceding The Force Awakens.
Watch: Star Wars: Resistance on Disney+
The Mandalorian
Title art for The Mandalorian live-action series featuring Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu (Baby Yoda) against a desert planet and Razor Crest spaceship scene.
The Mandalorian was the flagship Star Wars series for Disney+, taking place between the original and sequel trilogies. It follows a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter and his unexpected companion, Grogu (often referred to as “Baby Yoda”), as they navigate the dangerous outer reaches of the galaxy. Its Western-inspired tone and compelling characters have made it a massive hit with fans and critics alike.
Watch: The Mandalorian on Disney+
The Book of Boba Fett
Title art for The Book of Boba Fett live-action series featuring Boba Fett and Fennec Shand against a Tatooine desert and Jabba's Palace scene.
A spin-off of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett centers on the iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett as he establishes himself as a crime lord on Tatooine. This series explores Boba Fett’s past and his quest for power in the galaxy’s underworld.
Watch: The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Title art for Obi-Wan Kenobi live-action series featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader lightsaber duel against a dark, fiery Mustafar-like planet scene.
Obi-Wan Kenobi bridges the gap between the prequel and original trilogies, revisiting the beloved Jedi Master during his exile on Tatooine. Tasked with protecting young Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan must confront his past and face the looming threat of Darth Vader once again.
Watch: Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+
Andor
Title art for Andor live-action series featuring Cassian Andor against a dark, industrial cityscape on Ferrix scene.
Andor serves as a prequel to Rogue One, exploring the backstory of Rebel spy Cassian Andor and the burgeoning Rebellion against the Empire. This series is praised for its mature tone, intricate storytelling, and grounded portrayal of the Star Wars universe.
Watch: Andor on Disney+
The Bad Batch
Title art for The Bad Batch animated series featuring Clone Force 99 (The Bad Batch) against a starship and Kamino cloning facility scene.
The Bad Batch is a spin-off of The Clone Wars, following the elite squad of clone troopers known as Clone Force 99 after the events of Revenge of the Sith. Each member of the Bad Batch possesses unique skills, making them formidable soldiers navigating a changing galaxy.
Watch: The Bad Batch on Disney+
Ahsoka
Title art for Ahsoka live-action series featuring Ahsoka Tano wielding two white lightsabers against a mystical, otherworldly planet scene.
Ahsoka continues the story of Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan, after Return of the Jedi. Set during the same timeframe as The Mandalorian, this series delves deeper into Ahsoka’s journey as she confronts new threats and her own past. Having first appeared in The Clone Wars, Ahsoka has become a fan-favorite character, and this series solidifies her crucial role in the Star Wars saga.
Watch: Ahsoka on Disney+
Tips for Your Star Wars Watching Experience
Navigating the vastness of Star Wars can be an adventure in itself. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your viewing journey:
Why the Episode Order Confusion?
George Lucas famously began the Star Wars saga in the middle, starting with Episode IV: A New Hope. He felt this was the most compelling entry point into a much larger story. The prequels filling in the earlier chapters came later, after the original film’s phenomenal success.
Chronological Clone Wars Viewing
While The Clone Wars series was released out of chronological order, watching it according to the Star Wars timeline offers a richer, more immersive experience within the prequel era. Consult the official Star Wars website for a chronological episode guide to fully appreciate the Clone Wars arc.
Clone Wars Movie First?
Starting with The Clone Wars movie is generally recommended, especially for newcomers to the series or the wider Star Wars universe. The movie serves as an introduction to the characters and sets the stage for the events of the Clone Wars era.
Can You Skip Clone Wars?
While not strictly essential for understanding the broader Star Wars narrative, The Clone Wars series significantly enriches the Clone Wars period, a pivotal event in the saga. Skipping it means missing out on character development and deeper contextual understanding.
Episode I or Episode IV Start?
The choice is yours! For a chronological journey from the beginning of the saga, start with Episode I. For a nostalgic experience mirroring the original audience’s introduction, begin with Episode IV.
Order Matters, But Flexibility Rules
While release date and timeline orders offer structured approaches, ultimately, the best way to watch Star Wars is the way you enjoy it most. Feel free to explore, skip around, and tailor your viewing experience to your preferences.
Even More Star Wars on Disney+
Your Star Wars adventure on Disney+ doesn’t end with movies and series. Explore a galaxy of extras and specials also available for streaming:
*Content available with Disney+ subscription.
Star Wars on the Horizon: Coming Soon to Disney+
The Star Wars universe continues to expand! Keep an eye out for these upcoming additions to Disney+:
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024) – Coming Tuesday, December 3, 2024
- The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Star Wars
When Did the Star Wars Saga Begin?
Episode IV: A New Hope, the movie that launched the Star Wars phenomenon, premiered in theaters on May 25, 1977.
What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars fans worldwide celebrate the unofficial Star Wars Day annually on May 4th – “May the Fourth be with you!”
Where is the Best Place to Watch Star Wars?
Disney+ reigns supreme as the ultimate destination to watch Star Wars. It offers the complete collection of movies, series, behind-the-scenes content, and crossover episodes, ensuring you have access to the entire galaxy at your fingertips.
