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Star Wars Movies & Shows Watch Order 2026: Complete Timeline Explained

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Star Wars used to be simple. All you had were three movies, a few lightsabers, and some really memorable one-liners that had geeks bursting out quotes in the middle of drama class.

Fast forward to 2026, and suddenly it has become a whole cinematic universe, a streaming empire, and a timeline that stretches hundreds of years in both directions.

That’s why this Star Wars movies and shows watch order in 2026 exists. Explore this least confusing chronological watch order at your pace so you don’t have to bounce between eras, accidentally spoil yourself, or pretend the animated shows don’t matter.

Star Wars Movies and Shows Watch Order 2026: Master Timeline List

This is the one table that rules them all! Here, you’ll find every show you ever need to watch in strict chronological order, and clearly marked as Movie or TV Show so you always know what you’re signing up for.

#TitleFormatSeasons / RuntimeEpisodesIn-Universe TimelineRelease Year(s)IMDb
1Young Jedi AdventuresTV Show3 Seasons55High Republic Era2023–~5.6
2The AcolyteTV Show1 Season8End of High Republic2024~4.3
3Tales of the JediAnimated TV Show1 Season6Pre-Prequel Era2022~8.1
4Episode I: The Phantom MenaceMovie136 min—32 BBY1999~6.5
5Episode II: Attack of the ClonesMovie142 min—22 BBY2002~6.6
6The Clone Wars (Animated Movie)Animated Movie98 min—22 BBY2008~5.9
7The Clone WarsAnimated TV Show7 Seasons13322–19 BBY2008–2020~8.5
8Episode III: Revenge of the SithMovie140 min—19 BBY2005~7.6
9Tales of the EmpireAnimated TV Show1 Season6Early Empire2024~7.0
10The Bad BatchAnimated TV Show3 Seasons47Post–Order 662021–2024~7.8
11Solo: A Star Wars StoryMovie135 min—13–10 BBY2018~6.9
12Obi-Wan KenobiTV Show1 Season69 BBY2022~7.0
13AndorTV Show2 Seasons245–0 BBY2022–2024~8.6
14Star Wars RebelsAnimated TV Show4 Seasons755–1 BBY2014–2018~8.1
15Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryMovie134 min—0 BBY2016~7.8
16Episode IV: A New HopeMovie121 min—0 BBY1977~8.6
17Episode V: The Empire Strikes BackMovie124 min—3 ABY1980~8.7
18Episode VI: Return of the JediMovie131 min—4 ABY1983~8.3
19The MandalorianTV Show3 Seasons249–10 ABY2019–2023~8.6
20The Book of Boba FettTV Show1 Season79 ABY2021~7.1
21AhsokaTV Show1 Season89–10 ABY2023~7.4
22Skeleton CrewTV Show1 Season8New Republic Era2024~7.0
23Star Wars ResistanceAnimated TV Show2 Seasons40Sequel Era2018–2020~5.3
24Episode VII: The Force AwakensMovie135 min—34 ABY2015~7.7
25Episode VIII: The Last JediMovie152 min—34 ABY2017~6.8
26Episode IX: The Rise of SkywalkerMovie142 min—35 ABY2019~6.3
27The Mandalorian & GroguMovieTBD—Post-Mandalorian2026TBD

 

P.S. This watch order only includes canon Star Wars movies and TV shows as officially recognized by Lucasfilm. Non-canon or Legends content, such as Star Wars: Visions, Droids, Ewoks, Caravan of Courage, Battle for Endor, and The Star Wars Holiday Special, are intentionally excluded because they either exist outside the timeline or are not part of the current continuity.

Star Wars Movies and Shows Watch Order 2026: Detailed List Explained

Star Wars is legendary, emotional, iconic, and absolutely terrible at telling its story in a straight line. So, we’re going to make things easier for you with these simple snippets that’ll give you an idea of what you’re about to step into.

1. Young Jedi Adventures (TV Show)

A promotional poster for the animated series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. The image features several main characters: Characters: From left to right, the younglings Kai Brightstar and Lys Solay, the pilot Nash Durango, the blue Pooba Nubs, and the droid RJ-83. Background: They are standing in an outdoor, possibly temple or market, setting in a galaxy far, far away. Text: The title "STAR WARS YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES" is prominently displayed at the top in a yellow logo with red letters. Text at the bottom indicates "NEW EPISODES December 8" and "disneyplus.com/whats-on". Save

DetailInfo
Seasons3
Episodes55
TimelineHigh Republic Era
Release2023–
IMDb~5.6

Turn Star Wars into your Saturday-morning comfort watch. It’s gentle, colorful, and designed to ease viewers into the Jedi world without emotional devastation.

2. The Acolyte (TV Show)

A movie poster for the Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte. The image features a central arrangement of characters, including a prominent figure in the foreground (Master Sol) and a large, partial face of a woman (Osha Aniseya) filling the left side. Several other characters are visible in smaller inset images below the main figures. Two lightsabers, one green and one red, cross diagonally through the center of the poster. Text at the bottom reads "STAR WARS THE ACOLYTE" and "June 4 Disney+". Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes8
TimelineEnd of High Republic
Release2024
IMDb~4.3

The Jedi Order has its own blind spots and moral messiness to deal with, and this show does a great job at exploring them. It’s slower and darker compared to the earlier entry.

3. Tales of the Jedi (Animated TV Show)

A movie poster for the animated anthology series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, featuring various characters from the prequel era. Prominently featured in the center are Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku, with a glowing blue lightsaber hilt between them. Other characters like Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda are visible in the background. The title "STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI" is at the bottom, along with the text "Original shorts Oct 26 only on Disney+". Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes6
TimelinePre-Prequel Era
Release2022
IMDb~8.1

These short episodes do their best to fill the massive emotional gaps you’re left with as you continue. You get answers to questions you didn’t know you needed.

4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (Movie)

A movie poster for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, featuring several main characters. The title "STAR WARS THE PHANTOM MENACE" is displayed prominently at the top. The image includes: Qui-Gon Jinn (left foreground), a Jedi Master with a beard. Padmé Amidala (center foreground), wearing elaborate headgear. Obi-Wan Kenobi (right middle ground), a younger Jedi apprentice. A large, shadowy face with yellow eyes (background), representing the villainous Darth Sidious or Darth Maul. Various starships are visible in the lower portion of the poster. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime136 min
Timeline32 BBY
Release1999
IMDb~6.5

When politics, prophecies, and a child who will definitely not cause problems later combine, you basically have the stage set for everything. Things don’t feel urgent at first, but that changes soon enough.

5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (Movie)

A movie poster for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones featuring the main characters, including Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, and Jango Fett, along with clone troopers and starfighters, under a large logo. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime142 min
Timeline22 BBY
Release2002
IMDb~6.6

You’ve got romance, rising authoritarianism, and the galaxy sliding toward war. At this stage, you realize that the pieces have started moving into very bad positions.

6. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated Movie)

A promotional poster for the 2003 animated micro-series Star Wars: Clone Wars. The image has a warm, orange and red background. Prominently featured in the foreground are several main characters: Anakin Skywalker and Mace Windu are in the center, wielding blue and purple lightsabers, respectively. Yoda is on the right side. Asajj Ventress (a bald female character with two red lightsabers) is at the top center. Several clone troopers are running in the lower portion of the image, with more clone troopers in the distant background. The title "STAR WARS CLONE WARS" is displayed in large yellow text at the bottom of the poster. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime98 min
Timeline22 BBY
Release2008
IMDb~5.9

This prologue to the animated series is a good watch, more so because it opens the door to one of Star Wars’ most important eras.

7. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated TV Show)

A promotional poster for the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+, featuring characters including Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul, and various Clone Troopers. Text on the image reads: "STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS THE FINAL SEASON Disney+ New Season Streaming Feb. 21." Save

DetailInfo
Seasons7
Episodes133
Timeline22–19 BBY
Release2008–2020
IMDb~8.5

Here’s where the prequel era really takes off. Get ready for political intrigue, character growth, and emotional damage delivered slowly over seven seasons.

8. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (Movie)

"Movie poster for Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, featuring main characters and the silhouette of Darth Vader". The image is a vertical movie poster for the film Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, released in 2005. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime140 min
Timeline19 BBY
Release2005
IMDb~7.6

Welcome to the turning point of the entire saga. This is where things start collapsing, and no amount of Jedi wisdom is enough to stop it.

9. Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (Animated TV Show)

"Star Wars: Tales of the Empire" promotional poster featuring key characters from the animated anthology series. The poster uses a circular design to frame several characters from the show. Prominently featured are the two main protagonists, Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, shown in different stages of their lives and affiliations. Other characters visible include Darth Vader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Fourth Sister, and General Grievous. The title "STAR WARS TALES OF THE EMPIRE" is displayed at the bottom, along with the release date "May 4" and the Disney+ logo. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes6
TimelineEarly Empire
Release2024
IMDb~7.0

If cold, efficient, and quietly unsettling could be combined into a show, it’s this. The short six-part animated anthology series offers a focused look at the early Empire and the people who enforce it.

10. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Animated TV Show)

A promotional poster for Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2, featuring the main characters. Details: The image shows several animated characters in armor against an orange and brown, rugged landscape. In the foreground, the character Hunter is central, holding a blaster rifle. To the right and slightly behind him is Wrecker, a larger character. Above them, the character Omega is visible, aiming a bow-like energy weapon with pink energy bolts extending from it. Other characters, including Echo and Tech, are partially visible in the background, along with a small starship in the sky. Text at the bottom reads "STAR WARS THE BAD BATCH" and "New season Jan 4 only on Disney+". Save

DetailInfo
Seasons3
Episodes47
TimelinePost–Order 66
Release2021–2024
IMDb~7.8

What happens after the galaxy changes overnight? Watch this show to find out while experiencing the best of survival, loyalty, and finding purpose when orders stop making sense.

11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (Movie)

Content Identification: The image is the official theatrical poster for the 2018 film Solo: A Star Wars Story. Visual Description: It displays key characters from the film, including a young Han Solo (played by Alden Ehrenreich), Chewbacca, Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), and Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson). Key Elements: The poster also highlights important elements like Han Solo's blaster and a version of the Millennium Falcon spaceship. Purpose: Alt text is used by screen readers to describe images for visually impaired users, providing a concise summary of the visual content and context. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime135 min
Timeline13–10 BBY
Release2018
IMDb~6.9

You come for a heist movie, and end up with an origin story. This movie answers just enough questions about Han Solo without turning him into a checklist.

12. Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV Show)

Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi" limited series poster, featuring Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a desert setting with a small figure of Darth Vader in the distance. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes6
Timeline9 BBY
Release2022
IMDb~7.0

If there’s one show you should see, it’s this one that offers a beautiful character study about regret, failure, and learning how to keep going. This isn’t an action spectacle, but a show that exists to explore emotional fallout.

13. Andor (TV Show)

A dramatic movie poster for Andor Season 2 featuring several main characters under a stormy sky above a field of wheat. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons2
Episodes24
Timeline5–0 BBY
Release2022–2024
IMDb~8.6

If you’re looking for arguably one of the most grounded Star Wars stories, then Andor is your top candidate. It’s steeped in politics, sacrifice, and rebellion.

14. Star Wars Rebels (Animated TV Show)

A promotional poster for the animated series Star Wars Rebels, featuring main characters Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, and the droid Chopper, with the show logo at the top. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons4
Episodes75
Timeline5–1 BBY
Release2014–2018
IMDb~8.1

 

The animated show starts off light, and then hits you with the devastation near the end. It does a great job at quietly setting up half of modern Star Wars while pretending it’s just a fun adventure series.

15. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Movie)

A movie poster for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", featuring the lead character Jyn Erso and other rebels against a backdrop of the Death Star and a beach battle with Imperial forces. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime134 min
Timeline0 BBY
Release2016
IMDb~7.8

A war film about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and paying the price. Watch the movie at this point because it flows directly into A New Hope (next entry).

16. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (Movie)

The poster is for the 1977 film Star Wars, later subtitled Episode IV - A New Hope. The title "STAR WARS" is prominently displayed at the bottom. Main Characters: Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are featured in the foreground. Luke holds an upward-pointing lightsaber that extends into a beam of light. Background and Elements: A large silhouette of Darth Vader's helmet is visible in the background. Other elements include the Death Star, X-wing fighters, C-3PO, and R2-D2. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime121 min
Timeline0 BBY
Release1977
IMDb~8.6

The movie that started it all! It’s simple, mythic, and still remains the emotional foundation of the franchise.

17. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (Movie)

The image is the original "Style A" theatrical poster for the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, with art by Roger Kastel. Central Figures: The poster depicts Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in a romantic embrace, while Han Solo is visible riding a tauntaun in the background. Background: A large, imposing image of Darth Vader's helmet dominates the upper portion of the poster. Other Characters: C-3PO and R2-D2 are visible near the bottom left. Title and Credits: The film's title, "The Empire Strikes Back," is displayed prominently in the center, with the full cast and crew credits listed at the bottom, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and director Irvin Kershner. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime124 min
Timeline3 ABY
Release1980
IMDb~8.7

This is the movie that proves that this franchise can hurt you. It’s set three years after the events of Star Wars, and is darker, bolder, and emotionally ruthless.

18. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (Movie)

Title and Film: The poster is for the 1977 film Star Wars, later subtitled Episode IV - A New Hope. The title "STAR WARS" is prominently displayed at the bottom. Main Characters: Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are featured in the foreground. Luke holds an upward-pointing lightsaber that extends into a beam of light. Background and Elements: A large silhouette of Darth Vader's helmet is visible in the background. Other elements include the Death Star, X-wing fighters, C-3PO, and R2-D2. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime131 min
Timeline4 ABY
Release1983
IMDb~8.3

The ongoing struggle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance finally reaches its conclusion here. It closes one chapter while quietly opening many others.

19. The Mandalorian (TV Show)

A promotional poster for The Mandalorian Season 3, featuring the Mandalorian (Din Djarin) and Grogu (Baby Yoda) prominently in the foreground. The Mandalorian stands on the right with a Darksaber, while Grogu is on the lower left. Various other characters from the series, including Bo-Katan Kryze, Greef Karga, and Moff Gideon, are visible in the background. The top of the image shows a blue and green color palette, with the Star Wars logo and the title "THE MANDALORIAN" at the bottom. The text "Now streaming on Disney+" is also present. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons3
Episodes24
Timeline9–10 ABY
Release2019–2023
IMDb~8.6

You’ve reached the backbone of modern Star Wars. Mentally prepare yourself for found family, side quests, and lore drops disguised as casual episodes.

20. The Book of Boba Fett (TV Show)

A promotional poster for the Disney+ original series Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett. It features the legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand standing back-to-back in the sands of Tatooine, with a starship flying above them. The title of the series and the streaming date of December 29 are visible at the bottom. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes7
Timeline9 ABY
Release2021
IMDb~7.1

This one is a crime-lord story about power, reputation, and learning that ruling is harder than bounty hunting.

21. Ahsoka (TV Show)

A vertical movie poster for the Disney+ series Star Wars: Ahsoka. The image features a close-up of Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi Knight. She is looking intensely towards the viewer, with her white and blue lekku (head tails) draped over her shoulder. A bright white lightsaber blade cuts diagonally across the frame in the foreground. The background is dark with faint blue lines suggesting a spatial or technological backdrop. The title "STAR WARS AHSOKA" is visible at the bottom, along with the text "Aug 23" and the "Disney+" logo. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes8
Timeline9–10 ABY
Release2023
IMDb~7.4

If you’ve paid attention to the animation, then you’re going to be rewarded. Expect deep lore, long arcs, and quiet intensity.

22. Skeleton Crew (TV Show)

A movie poster for "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" featuring Jude Law and several younger characters, including a droid and alien creatures, with spaceships in the background and the Disney+ logo and December 2 release date at the bottom. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons1
Episodes8
TimelineNew Republic Era
Release2024
IMDb~7.0

Embark on a smaller-scale adventure with big New Republic implications. It feels lighter, but it’s doing real timeline work.

23. Star Wars Resistance (Animated TV Show)

A promotional poster for the animated series Star Wars Resistance, showing the main characters Kazuda Xiono and BB-8 along with several starfighters. Save

DetailInfo
Seasons2
Episodes40
TimelineSequel Era
Release2018–2020
IMDb~5.3

This show offers a much-needed perspective shift toward everyday life during the sequel era. It’s not an essential watch, but you do get some useful context out of it.

24. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (Movie)

Description: The official movie poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Characters: It features a collage of main characters, including Kylo Ren with his red lightsaber, Rey holding a lightsaber, Finn holding a blaster, Han Solo, Chewbacca, the droids BB-8, C-3PO, and R2-D2, and a First Order Stormtrooper. Background: Various spaceships, including the Millennium Falcon and X-wings, are visible in the background against a backdrop of space and a large planet or moon. Text: The movie title "STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS" is prominently displayed, along with the release date "DECEMBER 18 IN 3D, REALD 3D AND IMAX 3D" at the bottom. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime135 min
Timeline34 ABY
Release2015
IMDb~7.7

A soft reboot that introduces a new generation and reopens old conflicts.

25. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (Movie)

A movie poster for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, featuring multiple characters in a red and black color scheme. The poster is dominated by a red and black color palette. At the top center, the face of an older Luke Skywalker is visible within a dark hooded robe. Below him, several main characters are depicted, including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, Leia Organa, and others. The title "STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI" is prominently displayed near the bottom of the poster. Below the title, smaller text indicates the release date and formats: "DECEMBER 15 IN REALD 3D AND IMAX 3D". Save

DetailInfo
Runtime152 min
Timeline34 ABY
Release2017
IMDb~6.8

Any expectations you have while watching this one will definitely get challenged. The movie is bold, divisive, and everything it does is very intentional.

26. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (Movie)

The image is a vertical movie poster with several characters and elements from the film. The central figure is Rey, holding a blue lightsaber that extends diagonally across the poster. To her left, Finn and Poe Dameron are visible, with Finn holding a blaster. Below them are other characters including Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. In the upper right background, the masked face of Kylo Ren is prominent in red light. Various spaceships, including Star Destroyers and X-wings, are shown in the background amidst red and blue light beams. The title "STAR WARS EPISODE IX THE RISE OF SKYWALKER" is displayed at the bottom of the poster. Save

DetailInfo
Runtime142 min
Timeline35 ABY
Release2019
IMDb~6.3

This movie is fast, emotional, and determined to close the saga. Does it work? Well, it’s subjective, but it is the ending.

27. The Mandalorian & Grogu (Movie)

A movie poster for The Mandalorian and Grogu featuring the character Din Djarin standing with his blaster and cape, and Grogu sitting next to him on a rocky landscape at sunset. Save

DetailInfo
RuntimeTBD
TimelinePost-Mandalorian
Release2026
IMDbTBD

This is the theatrical continuation of the Disney+ era. This is meant to connect everything built so far into one big-screen moment.

The Least Confusing Star Wars Movies and Shows Watch Order 2026

If clarity is your goal, then the chronological order is the best way to go about it. Characters grow naturally, political shifts make sense, and emotional payoffs land harder because you actually understand what led them there.

This list includes everything canon, and doesn’t pretend animated series are optional side quests. Because they’re not.

Bookmark this and share it with someone still arguing about the release order.

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