As of today, there are 11 live-action Star Wars theatrical films that constitute the core cinematic universe. This number excludes animated features and television movies, focusing solely on those released in cinemas and contributing directly to the Skywalker Saga and its established canon.
The Star Wars Cinematic Landscape: A Detailed Breakdown
The Star Wars franchise has grown far beyond its initial trilogy, expanding into a vast galaxy of films, television series, comics, novels, and video games. While the expanded universe (now often referred to as Legends) contained countless stories, our focus here is on the officially canon theatrical releases. These films tell the story of a galaxy far, far away, charting the rise and fall of empires, the struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force, and the enduring hope that persists even in the darkest of times.
This exploration aims to offer a clear understanding of the Star Wars cinematic lineup, separating what belongs to the official canon films from the extended universe and future possibilities.
The Core Eleven: The Skywalker Saga and Beyond
The 11 theatrical films can be categorized into the Skywalker Saga and anthology films:
- The Skywalker Saga (Episodes I-IX):
- Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Anthology Films:
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
These films represent the heart of the Star Wars universe, each contributing to the overarching narrative or expanding upon specific characters and events within the established timeline. They’re essential viewing for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Star Wars galaxy.
Understanding the Star Wars Canon: Films vs. Expanded Universe
It’s crucial to distinguish between the official Star Wars canon and the previously known Expanded Universe (EU), now branded as “Legends.” After Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the EU was largely relegated to non-canon status. This means that while those stories still exist, they are no longer considered part of the main Star Wars timeline. The films listed above, along with specific television series (like The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Book of Boba Fett), and certain books and comics, comprise the official canon.
This distinction is important for understanding character arcs, historical events, and the overall consistency of the Star Wars narrative. Confusing the two can lead to inaccuracies and misunderstandings of the established storyline. This is especially important considering upcoming film releases that might incorporate elements from both continuities.
The Future of Star Wars Films: What’s on the Horizon?
The Star Wars universe continues to expand, with multiple film projects in development. While release dates and details are subject to change, Lucasfilm has announced plans for future theatrical releases. These projects aim to explore new eras, introduce fresh characters, and further enrich the Star Wars lore. Fans eagerly anticipate these upcoming installments, hoping they will build upon the existing foundation while pushing the boundaries of the Star Wars universe. Currently, Lucasfilm has announced three films in development: One by James Mangold centered on the dawn of the Jedi, one by Dave Filoni that will bridge the gap between The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Rangers of the New Republic, and one from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy set fifteen years after The Rise of Skywalker featuring Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker.
Star Wars Movies: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the Star Wars cinematic landscape:
Q1: Does The Clone Wars (2008) animated movie count as one of the main Star Wars movies?
No, while The Clone Wars animated movie is canon and directly connects to the Clone Wars animated series, it is not typically considered one of the 11 main theatrical Star Wars films. It had a theatrical release, but its primary role was to introduce the Clone Wars series.
Q2: Are the Ewok Adventure television movies considered part of the official canon?
No, the Ewok Adventure television movies ( Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor) are not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. They fall under the “Legends” banner.
Q3: In what order should I watch the Star Wars movies for the first time?
There are several ways to approach this. The release order (IV, V, VI, I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo) preserves the original surprises and narrative flow. The chronological order (I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX) provides a linear understanding of the story. The “Machete Order” (IV, V, I, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX, Rogue One, Solo) removes The Phantom Menace and places the prequels as a flashback. Each approach offers a unique viewing experience.
Q4: Why is the Expanded Universe (Legends) no longer considered canon?
Lucasfilm decided to streamline the Star Wars universe after its acquisition by Disney to provide more creative freedom for new stories and ensure consistency across all media. Relegating the EU to “Legends” allowed them to build a new cohesive canon.
Q5: Will any elements from the Expanded Universe ever be incorporated into the official canon?
Yes, elements from the Expanded Universe have already been incorporated into the official canon. Characters, concepts, and storylines from the Legends universe are often adapted and re-imagined for new Star Wars projects. Grand Admiral Thrawn, for example, was a beloved character in the EU who has made his way into the canon through Star Wars: Rebels and Ahsoka.
Q6: Are there any plans for remakes or reboots of the original Star Wars trilogy?
Currently, Lucasfilm has not announced any plans for remakes or reboots of the original Star Wars trilogy. Their focus seems to be on expanding the universe with new stories and characters.
Q7: Do the LEGO Star Wars movies count as part of the official canon?
No, the LEGO Star Wars movies are not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. They are humorous adaptations and parodies of the main storylines.
Q8: What is the High Republic era, and will it be featured in future films?
The High Republic era is a publishing initiative set hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga, showcasing the Jedi Order at its peak. There are currently no confirmed films set in the High Republic era, but Lucasfilm has hinted at potential future adaptations across various media, including film.
Q9: Where can I watch all the Star Wars movies online?
All of the main Star Wars movies are currently available for streaming on Disney+. You may also find them available for purchase or rental on other digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV.
Q10: What is the deal with the unreleased Star Wars Holiday Special?
The Star Wars Holiday Special, which aired in 1978, is infamous for its poor quality and bizarre content. It is not considered part of the official canon and is generally avoided by Lucasfilm. It’s more of a historical curiosity than essential viewing.
Q11: How did Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm affect the Star Wars movies?
Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm resulted in a renewed focus on the Star Wars franchise, leading to the creation of the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), the anthology films (Rogue One and Solo), and a range of television series. It also led to the establishment of a clear canon.
Q12: What is “Star Wars: Visions” and how does it relate to the canonical films?
Star Wars: Visions is an animated anthology series on Disney+ that presents Star Wars stories created by various animation studios. While visually stunning and artistically diverse, these stories are generally considered non-canon unless explicitly stated otherwise. They offer unique interpretations of the Star Wars universe, but don’t necessarily connect to the established narrative of the films.