As of today, October 26, 2023, there are 12 Star Wars theatrical feature films released to the public. This count includes the Skywalker Saga films, stand-alone stories, and the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
The Definitive List: Every Star Wars Movie
This section provides a chronological list of all Star Wars movies released in theaters, allowing you to track the evolution of the franchise from its groundbreaking origins to its modern expansions. Each film is a piece of the larger tapestry that is Star Wars.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
This list represents the core of the Star Wars cinematic universe. Understanding this chronological order is crucial to appreciating the storyline and the character arcs that unfold across the franchise.
FAQs: Your Burning Star Wars Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of Star Wars cinema. These answers provide clarity on canon, spin-offs, and the broader context of the films.
Q1: What constitutes a “Star Wars Movie” for this count?
Our definition includes all theatrically released Star Wars feature films. This excludes television series, animated shorts, and other media, focusing solely on films intended for cinema exhibition. We also are not including the Ewok TV movies released in the 1980s. The criterion of theatrical release is fundamental to inclusion on the list.
Q2: Are the Ewok Adventure films considered Star Wars movies?
No. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor were made-for-television movies and did not receive theatrical releases. They are therefore not included in the official count of Star Wars movies.
Q3: Does Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) count?
Yes. Although it was initially intended as a pilot for the Clone Wars animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) received a wide theatrical release, qualifying it as a Star Wars movie according to our definition.
Q4: What is the Skywalker Saga?
The Skywalker Saga refers to the core narrative spanning Episodes I through IX. It follows the Skywalker family’s intertwined destinies and their impact on the fate of the galaxy. These films form the central backbone of the Star Wars story.
Q5: What are the “Star Wars Story” films, like Rogue One and Solo?
These are anthology films that exist within the Star Wars universe but tell standalone stories, often focusing on specific characters or events tangential to the main Skywalker Saga. They expand the lore and explore different facets of the galaxy.
Q6: Are the Star Wars Holiday Special or LEGO Star Wars movies included?
No. The Star Wars Holiday Special was a television broadcast, while LEGO Star Wars movies are primarily direct-to-video or made-for-television animations. Neither had the theatrical release necessary for inclusion in our count.
Q7: What is considered “canon” in Star Wars?
Canon refers to the officially recognized storyline and events within the Star Wars universe. Currently, all films, television series, books, comics, and video games released since April 25, 2014, are considered part of the official canon. Anything released before that date is considered part of the “Legends” continuity.
Q8: How do I watch the Star Wars movies in chronological order?
While the release order is important for understanding the impact of the films, watching them in chronological order based on the in-universe timeline is a different experience. That order is: I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. However, many purists recommend watching in release order for the best initial experience.
Q9: Are there any new Star Wars movies planned for the future?
Yes, several new Star Wars movies are in development, with potential release dates in the coming years. These include projects helmed by diverse filmmakers and potentially featuring new characters and storylines. The exact details and release dates are subject to change, so staying tuned to official announcements from Lucasfilm and Disney is key.
Q10: Where can I stream or buy the Star Wars movies?
The Star Wars movies are primarily available for streaming on Disney+. You can also purchase digital copies or physical Blu-ray and DVD versions from various retailers. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Q11: Why is the release order of the films different from the chronological order of events?
George Lucas released the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI) first, before going back to tell the story of the prequels (Episodes I-III). This was a deliberate choice to build the world and characters before delving into their origins. This unconventional narrative structure has become a hallmark of the franchise.
Q12: Will there ever be a Star Wars: Episode X?
While there are currently no official plans for a direct continuation of the Skywalker Saga with an Episode X, the future of Star Wars storytelling is vast and open to possibilities. Lucasfilm is actively developing new stories and characters, suggesting that the galaxy far, far away will continue to expand in unexpected ways. The focus seems to be shifting towards new eras and characters, rather than a direct sequel.
The Legacy Continues
The Star Wars saga continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With a rich history and an ever-expanding universe, the legacy of Star Wars is secure. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the films that have shaped the galaxy far, far away, offering a definitive answer to the question of how many Star Wars movies are out, along with answers to your most pressing questions. As new chapters are added, we will continue to update this information, ensuring you have the most accurate and comprehensive resource available.