Star Wars – Complete Guide to Movies and Series 2025
Since a galaxy far, far away first appeared on screens in 1977, Star Wars has grown into one of the most expansive and beloved media franchises in history. With multiple film trilogies, animated and live-action series, video games, and a vast universe of characters, knowing where to start — or how to keep up — can feel overwhelming. This guide covers the movies, series, cast, games, and the best viewing orders, all grounded in the latest official information.
The franchise, created by George Lucas, began with a single film that redefined blockbuster cinema. After Lucas sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company in 2012, the universe expanded rapidly with new films, streaming series on Disney+, and a clear separation between official canon and the older Legends material. As of 2025, the galaxy continues to grow with new releases on the horizon.
Whether you are a newcomer looking for the best entry point or a longtime fan tracking the latest series and upcoming games, the following sections break down everything currently known about the franchise in one place.
Which Star Wars movies are there and in what order should I watch them?
There are currently 11 official live-action films in the Star Wars franchise: nine episodes of the Skywalker saga and two standalone anthology movies. The main saga consists of three trilogies released over four decades. The table below provides a snapshot of the franchise’s core facts.
George Lucas
Star Wars (1977)
11 (9 saga + 2 anthology)
Over 10 animated and live-action
Understanding the scale of the franchise helps when deciding on a viewing order. Here are the key insights to keep in mind:
- The Skywalker saga consists of 9 main films, with two anthology films (Rogue One, Solo).
- The recommended viewing order for new fans is release order, but chronological order is also popular.
- Star Wars canon includes all movies, series, and most books/comics post-2014; Legends are non-canon works.
- The Mandalorian and Grogu is the latest theatrical release (2025).
- Star Wars Outlaws is an upcoming open-world video game set between Empire and Jedi.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Franchise Name | Star Wars |
| Creator | George Lucas |
| First Release | Star Wars (1977) |
| Latest Film | The Mandalorian and Grogu (2025) |
| Number of Films | 11 (9 saga + 2 anthology) |
| Number of TV Series | 10+ (including animated and live-action) |
| Parent Company | The Walt Disney Company (since 2012) |
| Official Site | starwars.com |
For those who want to watch the story unfold in the order the events happen within the galaxy, a chronological viewing order is widely followed. This list begins with the earliest point in the official timeline and moves forward.
Many fans recommend watching in release order for the first time. Starting with Episode IV: A New Hope preserves the original storytelling surprises and the gradual reveal of the universe. Chronological order can spoil major plot twists from the original trilogy.
Chronological viewing order (canon timeline)
- The Acolyte (2024) – TV Series
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) – Film
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) – Film
- The Clone Wars (2008) – Film
- The Clone Wars (2008–2020) – Animated Series
- Tales of the Jedi (2022) – Animated Series
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Film
- Tales of the Empire (2024) – Animated Series
- Tales of the Underworld (2025) – Animated Series
- The Bad Batch (2021–) – Animated Series
- Maul – Shadow Lord (2026) – Animated Series
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) – Film
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) – TV Series
- Andor (2022–2024) – TV Series
- Rebels (2014–2018) – Animated Series
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) – Film
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) – Film
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Film
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) – Film
- The Mandalorian (2019–) – TV Series
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022) – TV Series
- Ahsoka (2023) – TV Series
- Skeleton Crew (2024) – TV Series
- Resistance (2018–2020) – Animated Series
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) – Film
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) – Film
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – Film
Young Jedi Adventures (2023) is set before The Phantom Menace and is also part of the canon timeline.
Release order (original viewing experience)
- 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)
- The Clone Wars (2008) – Film
- 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)
- The Mandalorian and Grogu (2025)
Upcoming films include The Mandalorian and Grogu, currently in theaters in 2025. Other rumored projects such as “Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi” and a new trilogy by James Mangold have been announced, but no confirmed dates are available at this time.
Who are the main Star Wars characters and cast?
The Star Wars universe features a vast ensemble of characters across its films and series. The main characters of the Skywalker saga include Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Darth Vader / Anakin Skywalker (David Prowse / James Earl Jones / Hayden Christensen), and Rey (Daisy Ridley). The prequel trilogy introduced Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), and Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).
The sequel trilogy brought new faces such as Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran). Anthology films added characters like Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) in Rogue One and a young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) in Solo.
The Mandalorian introduced Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, while series like The Clone Wars and Ahsoka deepened the stories of Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein / Rosario Dawson), Captain Rex, and Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). Andor features Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and includes actor Varada Sethu in a notable role; more can be found in the Varada Sethu – Age, Partner, Career in Doctor Who and Andor article.
What Star Wars series and games are available?
The television side of Star Wars has grown significantly, especially after the launch of Disney+. Animated series such as The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Bad Batch, Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire, Tales of the Underworld, Resistance, and Young Jedi Adventures are all part of the official canon. Live-action series include The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte.
On the gaming front, Star Wars has a long history of popular titles. Notable recent and upcoming games include Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world adventure set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, expected in 2025. Other major games include the Jedi series (Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor), Star Wars Battlefront II, and Star Wars: Squadrons. The franchise also includes classic Legends-era games like Knights of the Old Republic and the original Battlefront titles.
Most video games, including Star Wars Outlaws and the Jedi series, are considered part of the official canon. However, many older games from before 2014, such as Knights of the Old Republic, are classified as Legends unless explicitly incorporated into canon by newer material.
Where can I watch Star Wars movies and shows?
All official Star Wars movies and series are available exclusively on Disney+ in most regions according to starwars.com and CNET. The streaming platform hosts the complete Skywalker saga, anthology films, and all Disney+ original series. Some older films may also appear on Hulu in the U.S. as part of the Disney Bundle, as noted by Hulu. No Star Wars content is officially available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO as of 2026.
For those who prefer physical media, the films are widely available on Blu-ray and DVD. Digital purchases can be made through platforms like the Disney+ store or other digital retailers. The official Star Wars website (starwars.com) remains the primary hub for news, trailers, and official merchandise.
What is the latest Star Wars trailer and what is Star Wars genesis?
As of 2025, the most recent major theatrical release is The Mandalorian and Grogu. Trailers for this film were released through the Official Star Wars YouTube Channel and the official website. Trailers for upcoming Disney+ series like Skeleton Crew and the second season of Ahsoka are also available on these platforms.
The term “Star Wars genesis” is often used by fans and historians to refer to the origins of the franchise. George Lucas drew inspiration from classical mythology, samurai films, and serials like Flash Gordon when creating the original 1977 film. The documentary “Star Wars: The Story of the Genesis” has been discussed in fan circles, but as of 2025, no officially titled “Star Wars Genesis” film or series has been released by Lucasfilm. The early development of the franchise is well documented in books, behind-the-scenes features, and interviews with Lucas himself. He once described his intention as wanting “to make a space fantasy for kids.”
What is the difference between Star Wars canon and Legends?
In April 2014, Lucasfilm officially reorganized the Star Wars continuity. All movies, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series, and all material published after that date were declared official canon. Everything published before 2014 — including hundreds of novels, comic books, and games — was rebranded as “Star Wars Legends,” a separate and non-canon continuity. This move streamlined the universe for future storytelling but disappointed some longtime fans.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| All 11 films and all Disney+ live-action/animated series are canon. | Whether specific older characters or events from Legends will be re-canonized in new projects is not confirmed. |
| Most books and comics published after 2014 are canon. | The exact status of some video games (e.g., Knights of the Old Republic) remains ambiguous outside of explicit canon references. |
| Viewing orders (release or chronological) are fan recommendations, not official Lucasfilm directives. | Future projects like “Dawn of the Jedi” have been announced but lack confirmed release dates, making their exact timeline placement uncertain. |
The “Machete Order” — a fan-created viewing sequence that rearranges the films — is not an official viewing order. It is a popular recommendation among some enthusiasts but has no endorsement from Lucasfilm or Disney.
What is the timeline of major Star Wars releases?
- 1977: Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope)
- 1980: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
- 1983: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
- 1999: The Phantom Menace (Episode I)
- 2002: Attack of the Clones (Episode II)
- 2005: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)
- 2008: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film and series)
- 2015: The Force Awakens (Episode VII)
- 2016: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- 2017: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII)
- 2018: Solo: A Star Wars Story
- 2019: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX)
- 2019: The Mandalorian (series begins)
- 2020: Star Wars: The Clone Wars final season
- 2021: The Bad Batch (series)
- 2022: Obi-Wan Kenobi (series)
- 2023: Ahsoka (series)
- 2024: Skeleton Crew (series)
- 2025: The Mandalorian and Grogu (theatrical film)
- 2025: Star Wars Outlaws (video game)
Where can I find official sources and quotes?
Official information about the franchise is published on starwars.com. For a comprehensive list of all films with credits and ratings, IMDb is a reliable source. The Official Star Wars YouTube Channel hosts all official trailers, behind-the-scenes content, and series previews.
“I wanted to make a space fantasy for kids.”
— George Lucas, on the creation of Star Wars
“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about passing on the legacy of these characters to the next generation.”
— Dave Filoni, on the importance of storytelling in Star Wars series
How can I start with Star Wars in 2025?
For those looking to begin their journey in 2025, the simplest approach is to watch the films in release order, starting with Episode IV: A New Hope. After the main saga, viewers can explore the anthology films and then move into the Disney+ series. The Mandalorian and Grogu is the most recent theatrical release and serves as a continuation of the Mandalorian story. For fans of superhero stories, you might enjoy our guide on Ant-Man – Complete Guide to Movies, Cast and Powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Star Wars movie?
Opinions vary, but The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is widely considered the best by both critics and fans for its storytelling, character development, and iconic twist.
How many Star Wars movies are there?
There are 11 live-action films: 9 in the Skywalker saga and 2 anthology films (Rogue One and Solo).
What is the Star Wars watch order for kids?
Release order works well for most children. The animated series Young Jedi Adventures is designed for younger audiences and is set earliest in the timeline.
Is Star Wars based on a book?
No. Star Wars was created by George Lucas as an original film. However, novelizations of the films and an extensive expanded universe of books exist.
What is the Star Wars timeline?
The official timeline spans from the High Republic era (set centuries before the films) through the sequel trilogy and beyond, with events tied to a specific in-universe year system.
Who is the strongest Star Wars character?
The answer depends on canon versus Legends. In canon, characters like Palpatine, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker are among the most powerful Force-users.
What is the Star Wars opening crawl?
The opening crawl is the iconic yellow text that scrolls upward at the beginning of each main saga film, setting up the story and context.
Are Star Wars and Star Trek related?
No. They are separate franchises owned by different companies. Star Wars is owned by Disney, and Star Trek is owned by Paramount.
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