There are currently 12 theatrically released live-action Star Wars movies. This number encompasses the Skywalker Saga, the standalone “Anthology” films, and marks the beginning of a planned expansion of the Star Wars universe on the big screen.
The Core of the Galaxy: The Skywalker Saga
The Skywalker Saga is the heart and soul of Star Wars, the epic generational conflict between good and evil that captivated audiences for decades. This saga, spanning nine films, traces the rise, fall, and redemption of the Skywalker family, forever shaping the galaxy far, far away.
Episodes I-III: The Prequel Trilogy
- 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)
These films delve into the backstory of Anakin Skywalker, his descent into the dark side, and the fall of the Old Republic, establishing the foundations for the Galactic Empire. They introduced iconic characters like Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, and Count Dooku, and explored the political complexities that led to the Clone Wars.
Episodes IV-VI: The Original Trilogy
- 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)
This is where the legend began. Luke Skywalker’s journey to becoming a Jedi Knight, the fight against Darth Vader and the Emperor, and the ultimate triumph of the Rebel Alliance. These films defined a generation and remain cultural touchstones.
Episodes VII-IX: The Sequel Trilogy
- 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)
The sequel trilogy introduced a new generation of heroes and villains, including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren. It explored the legacy of the original trilogy and brought the Skywalker Saga to a close (for now).
Expanding the Universe: The Star Wars Anthology
Beyond the Skywalker Saga, the Star Wars universe has expanded with standalone “Anthology” films, offering glimpses into different eras and corners of the galaxy.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
This critically acclaimed film tells the story of a group of rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star, events directly preceding A New Hope. Rogue One is lauded for its gritty realism and its contribution to the larger Star Wars lore.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Solo provides an origin story for the iconic smuggler Han Solo, exploring his early adventures and his fateful meeting with Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian.
The Future of Star Wars on the Big Screen
While the Skywalker Saga has concluded, the Star Wars universe continues to evolve. Lucasfilm has announced plans for future films, promising to explore new stories and expand the galaxy even further. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements and release dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Star Wars Movies
Q1: Does the Ewok Adventure movies count as Star Wars movies?
While Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985) feature characters and settings from Star Wars, they were made-for-television movies and are not considered part of the official theatrical movie canon.
Q2: What order should I watch the Star Wars movies in?
There are several viewing orders to choose from:
- Release Order: (IV, V, VI, I, II, III, Rogue One, Solo, VII, VIII, IX) – The classic way to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences.
- Chronological Order: (I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX) – Follows the timeline of events in the Star Wars galaxy.
- Machete Order: (IV, V, I, II, III, VI, Rogue One, Solo, VII, VIII, IX) – A popular fan-created order that aims to preserve key plot twists and character revelations. This order omits Solo.
The best order depends on personal preference.
Q3: Are there any animated Star Wars movies?
Yes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) is an animated movie that served as a lead-in to the popular Clone Wars animated series. While it expands the lore, it is generally considered separate from the core live-action movie series.
Q4: Are all the Star Wars movies canon?
The movies released by Lucasfilm are considered official canon. However, some aspects of older Expanded Universe (now Legends) materials have been incorporated into the new canon through various media.
Q5: Will there be more Star Wars movies after The Rise of Skywalker?
Yes! Lucasfilm has announced multiple new Star Wars projects in development, including movies with potentially new characters, and returning ones. The film schedule is still being adjusted, but more Star Wars adventures are coming to the big screen.
Q6: Where can I stream the Star Wars movies?
The Star Wars movies are primarily available on Disney+. Availability on other streaming platforms may vary by region.
Q7: Which Star Wars movie is considered the best?
This is highly subjective and depends on personal taste. However, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is frequently cited as the best Star Wars movie by critics and fans alike.
Q8: Are there any 3D versions of the Star Wars movies?
Yes, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was re-released in 3D in 2012. While initially planned for the rest of the saga, the 3D releases were put on hold after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. The Force Awakens was also released in 3D in theaters.
Q9: How many Star Wars movies feature Darth Vader?
Darth Vader is a prominent character in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. He also makes a brief appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Q10: What is the total box office gross of all Star Wars movies?
The total worldwide box office gross of all Star Wars movies is over $10 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.
Q11: Are any of the Star Wars movies based on books?
While there are many Star Wars novels, the movies are original stories conceived by George Lucas. Novelizations of the movies were later released.
Q12: Which Star Wars movie is the most recent one released?
The most recent theatrically released Star Wars movie is Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, released in 2019.