The Star Wars saga is a sprawling, galaxy-spanning phenomenon. The answer to how many Star Wars movies exist is definitively 12 theatrically released feature films.
The Core Saga: Episodes I – IX
At the heart of the Star Wars cinematic universe lies the episodic saga, chronicling the Skywalker family’s struggles against the forces of darkness. These films are the bedrock of the franchise, influencing everything that came after.
Episodes I-III: The Prequel Trilogy
These films, released between 1999 and 2005, explore the origins of Darth Vader and the fall of the Old Republic.
- 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)
Episodes IV-VI: The Original Trilogy
The films that started it all, the Original Trilogy introduced the world to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
- 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)
Episodes VII-IX: The Sequel Trilogy
Continuing the saga decades later, the Sequel Trilogy introduces a new generation of heroes and villains, grappling with the legacy of the past.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Standalone Stories: Expanding the Universe
Beyond the core Skywalker saga, several standalone films explore different corners of the Star Wars galaxy, offering fresh perspectives and characters.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
This film tells the story of the Rebel spies who stole the plans to the Death Star, bridging the gap between Episode III and Episode IV. It’s a gritty, war-focused tale showcasing the sacrifices made for the Rebellion.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
This film delves into the early life of Han Solo, showcasing his adventures with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian before he joined the Rebel Alliance.
The Holiday Special and Ewok Adventures: Considerably Less Canon
While technically Star Wars media, these entries are often disregarded when discussing the “official” Star Wars filmography due to their reception and canonicity within the broader narrative.
Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
A notoriously bizarre and widely disowned television special that aired only once. It is generally not considered part of the core Star Wars canon.
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) & Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
Two made-for-TV movies focusing on the Ewoks. While they exist within the Star Wars universe, their canonicity is often debated. Therefore they do not contribute to the count of theatrically released feature films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the Star Wars filmography.
FAQ 1: Does the Clone Wars animated movie count as a Star Wars movie?
While Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) was released in theaters, its reception and integration into the broader animated series often exclude it from listings of core Star Wars feature films. Some fans consider it, others do not. It is often categorised as a theatrical pilot episode rather than a standalone movie. For the purposes of our definition, as a discussion of theatrical releases, it is included. Thus, 12 movies (including Clone Wars).
FAQ 2: Are the Ewok movies considered canon?
The canonicity of Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor has been debated for years. They are currently considered part of the Star Wars Legends continuity (formerly the Expanded Universe) and are not considered canon within the current Disney-era Star Wars universe.
FAQ 3: Where can I watch all the Star Wars movies?
Currently, all the theatrically released Star Wars movies are available to stream on Disney+.
FAQ 4: In what order should I watch the Star Wars movies?
There are several ways to watch the Star Wars movies:
- Release Order: Episodes IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo, Clone Wars. This preserves the surprises and reveals of the original trilogy.
- Chronological Order: Episodes I, II, III, Solo, Clone Wars, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. This tells the story from beginning to end.
- Machete Order: Episodes IV, V, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo, Clone Wars. This skips Episode I and focuses on the core Skywalker saga.
FAQ 5: Will there be more Star Wars movies?
Yes, Lucasfilm has announced several new Star Wars movies currently in development, but release dates are subject to change.
FAQ 6: Which Star Wars movie is considered the best?
This is subjective, but Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is frequently cited as the best due to its compelling story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals.
FAQ 7: Which Star Wars movie made the most money?
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens holds the record for the highest-grossing Star Wars movie, earning over $2 billion worldwide.
FAQ 8: What’s the difference between the theatrical releases and the special editions?
George Lucas made changes to the original trilogy in the 1990s and 2000s, releasing “Special Editions” with altered scenes, added special effects, and different musical cues. These are the versions most widely available.
FAQ 9: How are the Star Wars movies connected to the Star Wars TV shows?
Many Star Wars TV shows, such as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, are directly connected to the movie storylines, featuring characters and events that build upon the established canon. Watching the shows enhances the understanding of the overall Star Wars universe.
FAQ 10: What is the Skywalker Saga?
The Skywalker Saga refers to the nine episodic films (Episodes I-IX) that focus on the Skywalker family’s journey through the Star Wars galaxy.
FAQ 11: What is Star Wars Legends?
Star Wars Legends is the former Expanded Universe of books, comics, and games that were previously considered canon but were rebranded as non-canon by Disney after acquiring Lucasfilm. While not part of the current official storyline, they contain a wealth of stories and characters enjoyed by many fans.
FAQ 12: Are there any Star Wars movies that are not considered canon?
While debated amongst fandom, the Star Wars Holiday Special is generally considered non-canon due to its poor reception. The Ewok movies are considered Legends canon, thus they are no longer part of the core storytelling. While the Clone Wars movie is considered canon, it is viewed by some more as a pilot episode to the series, than a standalone movie.
In conclusion, with the Clone Wars movie included, the Star Wars franchise currently boasts 12 theatrically released feature films, offering a diverse and expansive universe for fans to explore. Future installments will continue to enrich and expand the saga, cementing its place in cinematic history.