What order should you watch the Star Wars movies in?

There are two common ways to start Star Wars: release order and chronological order. For a first watch, release order is the simplest path because it preserves the way the saga was originally revealed.

Star Wars movie release order

Release order starts with A New Hope in 1977, then moves through the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy and the standalone films. The Mandalorian and Grogu, released in 2026, is now part of the official Star Wars theatrical film catalogue.

The animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie from 2008 can be treated as an optional addition around the Clone Wars era.

Why start with release order?

Chronological order looks logical, but it mixes films made in very different periods. Release order lets you experience the universe as audiences originally did: the original trilogy first, then the prequels, standalone films and later saga chapters.

It is also the easiest way to avoid jumping back and forth between movies and series on a first watch.

What about chronological order?

Chronological order is useful for a second pass through the universe. StarWars.com publishes an official guide covering both movies and series and provides a chronological viewing order, including The Acolyte, the prequels, Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Rogue One, the original trilogy and the newer series and movies. (Official Star Wars guide)

Explore the movies on dejaVu

The movies referenced on this page are linked to dejaVu movie pages when TMDB data is available. That turns the guide into a direct starting point for your history, watchlist and themed collections.

You can also explore public lists and channels.

The saga continues

The Mandalorian and Grogu was released on May 22, 2026. StarWars.com describes it as a new adventure with Din Djarin and Grogu during the New Republic era. (StarWars.com)

TMDB identifies the movie as 1228710, which lets dejaVu connect it with the rest of the Star Wars catalogue. (TMDB)

The simple rule

For a first watch: release order.

For a second pass: chronological order, then add the series using the official guide.