The Star Wars saga, a cornerstone of modern cinematic history, boasts a sprawling universe beyond just a simple count. As of today, there are 11 live-action theatrical Star Wars movies that form the core narrative. This article delves into the official movie count, exploring the nuances of the wider Star Wars cinematic universe and answering frequently asked questions to provide a complete picture for fans and newcomers alike.
The Core Saga: Counting the Theatrical Releases
When most people ask “How many Star Wars movies are there?”, they’re generally referring to the films that make up the main Skywalker saga and its associated prequels and sequels released in theaters. This count currently stands at 11 films. These movies are:
- 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: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
These films represent the most widely recognized and influential entries in the Star Wars franchise, driving the overarching narrative of the Force, the Jedi, the Sith, and the struggles of various characters across the galaxy.
Beyond the Main Saga: Exploring the Wider Universe
While the 11 theatrical releases are the foundation, the Star Wars universe extends far beyond these. It includes animated movies, television series, video games, books, comics, and more. However, for the purpose of this article, we’ll primarily focus on the other cinematic releases – specifically, the animated movies.
Animated Star Wars Movies: Filling the Gaps
Alongside the live-action films, there is one significant animated movie that is considered canon:
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) – This film bridges the gap between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and the Clone Wars animated series, introducing Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan.
While technically a theatrical release, many consider it an extended episode of the television show, contributing to a debate about its inclusion in the “official” count.
Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars Movies
This section aims to address some of the most common questions surrounding the Star Wars movie universe, providing clear and concise answers to enrich your understanding.
FAQ 1: How many Star Wars movies are considered canon?
The official canon includes all 11 theatrical releases mentioned earlier, as well as Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This means they are considered part of the official, interconnected storyline maintained by Lucasfilm and Disney. Other materials, especially those released before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, may be considered part of the “Legends” continuity, which is separate from the canon timeline.
FAQ 2: What is the best order to watch the Star Wars movies?
There are several popular viewing orders. The most common are:
- Release Order: Episodes IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo. This preserves the original reveals and character arcs.
- Chronological Order: Episodes I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. This presents the story in the order of events within the Star Wars universe.
- Machete Order: Episodes IV, V, I, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo. This cuts out Episode I (often considered less essential) and places Episodes II and III as a flashback within the original trilogy.
The “best” order is subjective and depends on personal preference.
FAQ 3: Will there be any more Star Wars movies after The Rise of Skywalker?
Yes, Lucasfilm has announced several future Star Wars films, including projects by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Dave Filoni, and James Mangold. These films will explore different eras and aspects of the Star Wars universe, expanding the saga beyond the Skywalker family. Release dates are subject to change.
FAQ 4: Are the Ewok movies considered canon?
The Ewok movies, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewok: The Battle for Endor, are not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. They were made for television during the original trilogy’s run and exist outside the main narrative.
FAQ 5: What Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+?
Disney+ is the primary streaming home for Star Wars content. All 11 live-action theatrical films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars are typically available on Disney+, along with numerous Star Wars television series, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content.
FAQ 6: Are there any Star Wars movies that are not suitable for children?
All Star Wars theatrical releases are generally considered suitable for older children and teenagers. However, parental discretion is advised due to themes of violence, war, and complex character relationships. None of the Star Wars movies are rated R.
FAQ 7: What is the highest-grossing Star Wars movie?
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) is currently the highest-grossing Star Wars movie worldwide, earning over $2 billion at the box office.
FAQ 8: Who owns the Star Wars franchise?
The Star Wars franchise is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Disney acquired Lucasfilm, including Star Wars, in 2012.
FAQ 9: How has the quality of Star Wars movies changed over time?
The perceived quality of Star Wars movies is subjective and has been a topic of much debate among fans. Some praise the original trilogy for its groundbreaking storytelling and special effects, while others prefer the prequel trilogy for its expansion of the Star Wars universe and political intrigue. The sequel trilogy has also been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its new characters and direction, while others criticize its perceived lack of originality and coherence.
FAQ 10: Where can I find information about upcoming Star Wars movies?
The best sources for official news and announcements about upcoming Star Wars movies are the official Star Wars website (starwars.com) and Disney’s official channels.
FAQ 11: Will there be a Star Wars movie about the Old Republic era?
Rumors and speculation about a Star Wars movie set in the Old Republic era have circulated for years. While no official announcement has been made, the immense popularity of the Knights of the Old Republic video games makes it a compelling possibility for future Star Wars storytelling. It remains a much-desired project among fans.
FAQ 12: Are there any IMAX-exclusive Star Wars movies or scenes?
While not entirely exclusive to IMAX, many Star Wars movies, including The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, featured expanded aspect ratios in IMAX theaters, offering viewers up to 26% more screen image during specific scenes. This enhanced immersive experience is a significant draw for fans.
Conclusion: The Galaxy Far, Far Away Continues to Expand
So, to reiterate, there are 11 live-action theatrical Star Wars movies, forming the core of this beloved franchise. Counting the animated film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the number increases to 12. With Lucasfilm and Disney constantly exploring new avenues for storytelling, the Star Wars cinematic universe is poised to continue its expansion, captivating audiences for generations to come. The Force will be with us, always, and that means more movies are on the horizon.