Star Wars is one of the most popular and large-scale media franchises, which is replenished with new projects every year. The first film, A New Hope , was released in theaters in 1977, and even George Lucas himself could hardly have imagined how much his saga would grow.
The creator of a galaxy far, far away first released the original trilogy (episodes 4-6) and then waited almost 20 years (until digital technology takes the leap) to make a prequel trilogy (episodes 1-3). Back then, the correct order to watch the franchise in chronological order was obvious: first the prequel trilogy (along with The Clone Wars animated series ), then the original trilogy.
But in 2012, Disney came along and bought Lucasflim and the rights to Star Wars; the studio canceled the old canon, which included hundreds of books, comics and video games, and began to actively build a new one. The universe continued to expand and actively replenish with new projects. Understanding the current intricacies of Star Wars is not easy: three trilogies, two spin-off films, four animated series and four live-action series. And that’s just now! In the coming years, about a dozen more projects should come out that will completely confuse neophytes.
All these projects intersect with each other – for example, Ahsoka Tano, the main character of the Clone Wars animated series, appears in The Mandalorian . And in “Andora” one of the characters will be Saw Guerrera, who had previously been in the movie “Rogue One” and two animated series. To help newcomers who want to join the franchise, we have made this material – a list of all films, series, animated series according to the canonical chronology. Thanks to him, you will be able to understand at what time the action of the “Rebels” takes place and how many years have passed between the events of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Andor”. Bonus: at the end of the text, we list works that have fallen out of the canon and projects that are still in development.
The main point of reference in the franchise is the Battle of Yavin (shown in Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope), when the Rebels destroyed the Death Star. This event has become a key event for the galactic calendar. The abbreviation BBY means “X years before the Battle of Yavin” and ABY means “X years after the Battle of Yavin”. This means, for example, that the first episode of the saga takes place 32 years before the events of the fourth episode, and The Book of Boba Fett takes place 9 years after.
This system, known as the Galactic Standard Calendar, was officially introduced in the second edition of A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, which was released in 1994. There are alternative ways of reckoning, but almost all fan communities and official guides use the abbreviations BBY and ABY.
How to watch “Star wars” movies in chronological order
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999
The Galactic Republic comes into conflict with the Trade Federation. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his young Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, peace activists and Republic ambassadors, rescue Queen Padmé Amidala. They are pursued by the Sith Darth Maul – a student of the villain Darth Sidious, who secretly controls the Trade Federation. On the planet Tatooine, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan meet Anakin Skywalker, a slave boy who could become the greatest Jedi in the galaxy.
Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones (2002)
An assassination attempt has been made on Senator Padme, behind him is Count Dooku, a former Jedi, now the head of the Separatists and an ardent opponent of the Republic. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine assigns Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker to guard the senator. Meanwhile, the Republic receives an unexpected gift – a whole army of clones, supposedly created specifically for her. Between Anakin and Padmé, a forbidden romance breaks out, and the young man himself begins to demonstrate the emotions inherent in the Dark Side of the Force.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Anakin is no longer a Padawan, but a full-fledged Jedi, so Master Yoda appoints young Ahsoka Tano as his apprentice. She, along with her teacher and Obi-Wan, takes an active part in the Clone Wars. Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan face off against Count Dooku, General Grievous, and even Darth Maul himself, who survived the events of episode 1. Near the end, Ahsoka becomes disillusioned with the Jedi and leaves the order. The events of the final season run parallel to episode 3 and feature Order 66 (see below).
Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The droid army led by Dooku is defeated. A conspiracy is brewing at the heart of the Republic: Supreme Chancellor Palpatine turns out to be a Sith puppeteer, Darth Sidious, who orders the clones to destroy the Jedi (Order 66). Anakin turns to the Dark Side of the Force, takes the name Darth Vader and converges in battle with Obi-Wan. The Jedi Order is destroyed, the Republic turns into a totalitarian Empire, Padme dies, but her newborn twin children Leia and Luke are safely hidden in different parts of the Galaxy.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Squad 99 (unofficially known as the Bad Batch) is made up of defective clones that differ from their brethren in unique abilities. That is why Order 66 did not work on them, and the fighters of the “Faulty Party” decide to desert. Hunter, Targeter, Tech, Crusher, and Echo rescue the clone girl Omega and are pursued by the Empire, led by Admiral Tarkin, who has a distrust of all clones due to their connection to the Old Republic.
Han Solo: Star Wars. Stories” (2018)
Young pilot Han Solo leaves the Imperial Flight Academy and becomes a smuggler. He rescues Chewbacca from Wookiee captivity, acquires the Millennium Falcon spacecraft, and meets adventurer Lando Calrissian. Khan tries to reunite with his beloved Qi’ra and confronts the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate, which is secretly led by Darth Maul himself – he retrained from a Sith into a shadowy crime boss.
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022)
Former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi lurks on Tatooine, takes on the name “Ben”, buries his lightsaber in the sand, and watches the growth of Luke Skywalker, son of the late Padmé and Anakin. The Imperial Inquisition is looking for and destroying Jedi who have escaped Order 66. Obi-Wan will have to re-enter the game when Leia Organa (Luke’s sister became the adopted daughter of Alderaan’s politicians) finds herself in trouble. In the course of a dangerous adventure, Kenobi will have to open old wounds and meet again with a former student.
Star Wars Rebels (2014)
The crew of the spaceship Ghost oppose the Empire and help strengthen the Rebel Alliance. The captain of the ship, Kanan Jarus (a former Jedi), the pilot Hera Syndulla, the mandalorian Sabine Wren, the warrior Zeb, the astrodroid Chopper, take on the re-education of the young thief Ezra Bridger, who turns out to be sensitive to the Force. During their adventures, the Ghost crew will face off against Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, Lando, Yoda, and revolutionary veteran Saw Guerrera against the Inquisition and the Empire’s henchmen.
“Andor” (2022)
The cynical thief Cassian Andor is gradually turning into a revolutionary in order to take revenge on the Empire for the destruction of his home planet. Andor is destined to play an important role in the coming uprising, and the imperial officer Cyril will try to interfere with his plans. Andor will be accompanied by Saw Guerrera and Senator Mon Mothma, who works for the Empire but secretly helps the Rebel Alliance.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Scientist Galen Erso helps the Empire develop the Death Star, a huge battle station capable of destroying entire planets. His rebellious daughter Jyn Erso contacts the Rebel Alliance and Captain Cassian Andor. They have to steal the blueprints of the Death Star, which indicate the key flaw of the station. If these blueprints fall into the right hands, the opponents of the Empire will be able to deprive it of its main weapon.
Star Wars Episode 4 – A New Hope (1977)
Imperial stormtroopers, led by Darth Vader, take on the rebel Princess Leia Organa, who holds the blueprints for the Death Star. By the will of fate, they end up with an ordinary Tattoo guy, Luke Skywalker. Obi-Wan tells him about the destroyed Jedi Order and begins to train Luke. Together with smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca, they rush to help Leia. As a result, the drawings fall into the hands of the rebels in time, and they manage to destroy the Death Star, inflicting an important blow to the Empire.
Star Wars Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire continues to pursue the rebels, destroying their bases throughout the galaxy. Luke is sent to the planet Dagoba, where Yoda will teach him the wisdom of the Force. Meanwhile, Luke’s friends are trapped on the planet Bespin and he flies to their aid. There, a young Jedi comes face to face with Darth Vader and learns that the powerful Sith is his father. Han Solo becomes a prisoner of the gangster Jabba the Hutt, and Luke, Leia, Chewbacca and Lando prepare a plan to rescue him.
Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Rebel Alliance prepares for the final showdown with the Empire, which is reclaiming the Death Star. Han Solo is rescued from captivity. Luke completes his training with Yoda and learns from Obi-Wan’s spirit that Leia is his sister. The Empire and the rebels fight in space and on the planet Endor, where the Ewoks live. Luke arrives on the Death Star and converges in battle with Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, the latter decides to sacrifice himself to save his son. Lando on the Millennium Falcon destroys the station, the rebels celebrate the victory over the Empire.
“The Mandalorian” (2019)
The Empire has fallen, but its supporters and soldiers are alive, and the galaxy itself is going through a turbulent time of transition – the New Republic is only gaining strength. Mandalorian Din Djarin fulfills criminal orders, during one of them he meets the tiny Grog, who possesses the Force. He decides to protect the baby from Moff Gideon, a former Imperial officer. During his adventures, Dean meets Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Boba Fett, and the Mandalorian Bo-Katan Kryze.
“The Book of Boba Fett” (2021)
Legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett returns reborn. After the events of episode 6, he spent time in the desert among the Tusken Raiders, and now he decided to subdue the criminal Tatooine. In this he will be helped by the mercenary Fennec Shand and the Mandalorian Din Djarin.
Star Wars Resistance (2018)
The Empire is long gone, but its successor is the First Order, which seeks to gain power in the galaxy. The New Republic is in no hurry to respond to the threat, so Leia Organa creates the Resistance, which must fight back against the new dictatorship. A young pilot and the son of wealthy politician Kazuda Xiono decides to join the Resistance and becomes a spy who must track a growing threat that could once again destroy the fragile peace in the galaxy.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The First Order increased its power and created a powerful planetary base “Starkiller” (modeled on the “Death Star”). Meanwhile, Leia sends Poe Dameron, the Resistance’s top pilot, to track down the missing Luke. The former stormtrooper Finn and the ordinary girl Rey, who is endowed with the Force, join the search. They will meet Han Solo and Chewbacca on their way, and the Sith Snoke and his student Kylo Ren, the son of Leia and Han, the grandson of Darth Vader, will confront them. Kylo kills his father and the Resistance destroys the Starkiller.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Rey meets Luke, who has become disillusioned with the Jedi and reluctantly trains her in the use of the Force. The First Order, led by Kylo Ren, fights the Resistance. Finn and technician Rose Tico try to save the day. Kylo Ren kills Snoke while protecting Rey and becomes the new leader of the First Order. Luke dissolves into the Force, but is rescued by the cornered Resistance.
Star Wars: Skywalker. Sunrise (2019)
Kylo Ren learns that Snoke was only a puppet; the real leader of the First Order is Emperor Palpatine, who was presumed dead after the events of episode 6. Finn, Poe, Chewbacca prepare for the final battle with the First Order. Rey learns the truth about her origin – she turns out to be Palpatine’s granddaughter. Kylo sacrifices himself to save the girl. The Emperor is defeated, and the galaxy is working together to destroy the First Order.
Non-canonical or minor films and series
In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm and the rights to the franchise, so much of the previous books, comics, and video games were left out of canon, acquiring legendary status. Disney also released spin-offs that do not play a big role in the saga.
Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
Feature-length TV movie released between episodes 4 and 5. Han Solo and Chewbacca fly to Kashyyyk, home of the Wookiees, to celebrate their religious holiday, Life Day. It also hosted the debut of Boba Fett. The film was criticized by the audience and Lucas himself. Until now, the Holiday Special has not been officially re-released, and video cassettes with recordings were discovered only in the 1990s.
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
TV movie prequel to episode 6. The Towani family makes an emergency landing on Endor. Teenage Mays and his sister Sindel meet Ewoks and try to find their parents.
“Ewoks. Battle for Endor (1985)
Sequel to Caravan of the Daredevils. Tovani’s family perishes after being attacked by marauders, only Sindel remains alive. Together with the Ewoks, she must take revenge on the villains.
“Droids” (1985-1986), “Ewoks” (1985-1987) and “The Great Hip” (1986)
Animated series that were shown as part of the TV show “Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour” (Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour). The first focused on the adventures of C-3PO and R2-D2 as they faced off against agents of the Empire, Boba Fett, and other villains. The Great Hip cartoon is a 45-minute sequel to Droids. The animated series “Ewoks” told about the adventures of the forest inhabitants of Endor.
“Clone Wars” (2003–2005)
Animated series by Genndy Tartakovsky , the author of Samurai Jack . The events unfold between episodes 2 and 3. The main characters are Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, who are fighting the Separatist army. Thanks to the success of Tartakovsky’s project, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series was launched and became part of the canon.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
The full-length cartoon tells about the confrontation between the Republic and the separatists. Formally canon, but often omitted because it is an extended pilot episode of the animated series of the same name.
Star Wars: Forces of Destiny (2017–2018)
Animated anthology dedicated to the various heroines of the franchise (Ahsoka Tano, Leia Organa, Rey, Sabine Wren). The action takes place in different time periods.
Star Wars: Visions (2021 – present)
Anime anthology based on the franchise, the action takes place in different time periods. It is not canon, because it interprets some events from films or other works differently.
Upcoming projects
Untitled film by Taika Waititi
Taika Waititi ( The Real Ghouls ) will direct the film from a script he co-wrote with Christy Wilson-Cairns ( 1917 ). Waititi previously voiced the droid IG-11 in The Mandalorian, and also directed the series’ first season finale. No plot details yet. The premiere is scheduled for the end of 2023.
Rian Johnson’s untitled trilogy
In 2017, the director of episode 8 was entrusted with the development of a new trilogy, which will not be connected in any way with the Skywalker family. Since then, there has been no news about the project.
Untitled film by Kevin Feige
In 2019, it was announced that the head of the Marvel Cinematic Universe had an idea for a new movie. There are no project details.
Two more untitled films
They were announced in 2020. Release dates are slated for late 2025 and 2027. Details are unknown. It is possible that these are some of the previously announced projects that have received release dates.
“Acolyte”
Series by Leslie Headland (producer of Matryoshka Lives ). The action will unfold during the heyday of the Republic, about 100 years before the events of episode 1. The main character will study the Dark Side of the Force. The series will star Lee-Jong-jae , Amandla Stenberg and Jodie Turner-Smith . The release is scheduled for 2023.
“Ashoka”
Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice series starring Rosario Dawson . Ahsoka Tano was a prominent character in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and appeared in the second season of The Mandalorian (the first time she was played by a real-life actress). The series is being developed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni . There are no important plot details yet, but it is known that the Mandalorian Sabine Wren ( Natasha Liu Bordizzo ) and other characters from the Star Wars: Rebels animated series will appear on the screen. Release date unknown.
Star Wars: Lando
A series about the adventures of Lando Calrissian written by Justin Simien ( My Hair Wants to Kill ) was announced in 2020. It is not known whether Donald Glover , who played the hero in Han Solo: A Star Wars Story , will return to the role . Stories” . Release date not announced.
“Rogue Squadron”
A film by Patty Jenkins ( Wonder Woman ) about the legendary pilot squad that was founded by Luke Skywalker and featured in all of the key battles of episodes 4–6. Plot details are unknown. The film was originally to be directed by Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss , but they left the project. The release date is unknown, but the release will take place after the Taika Waititi film.
Skeleton Crew
The series is directed by Jon Watts and written by Christopher D. Ford ( Spider-Man: Homecoming ). The main characters are children who are lost in the galaxy and are trying to return home. One of the roles in the series will be played by Jude Law . The action will unfold after the events of episode 6. The release is scheduled for 2023.
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
Another animated anthology that will reveal the characters of Qui-Gon Jinn, Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano. The release is scheduled for October 2022.
Young Jedi Adventures
Animated series for families. The main characters are Padawans and Jedi. The action will unfold long before the events of episode 1. The release is scheduled for the spring of 2023.
