There are currently 12 theatrically released Star Wars movies in the main canon, including the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy, and standalone anthology films. These encompass the core saga of the Skywalker family and expand the universe with exciting, self-contained stories.
The Star Wars Cinematic Universe: A Comprehensive Overview
The Star Wars franchise, a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences for over four decades, has spawned a vast and intricate universe. While television series, books, comics, and video games contribute significantly to this tapestry, the theatrically released films remain the cornerstone of the Star Wars experience. Understanding the different categories within the film canon is crucial to accurately counting the number of “Star Wars movies.”
The Core Saga: Episodes I – IX
The heart of the Star Wars narrative lies in the nine episodic films, tracing the Skywalker family’s journey through generations of conflict and galactic upheaval. These films are often referred to as the “Skywalker Saga” and are considered the primary narrative within the Star Wars canon.
- Original Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI): A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983). These films introduced the world to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the epic struggle against the Galactic Empire.
- Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I-III): The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), Revenge of the Sith (2005). This trilogy delves into the history of Anakin Skywalker, his fall to the dark side, and the rise of the Empire.
- Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII-IX): The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), The Rise of Skywalker (2019). This trilogy continues the story decades later, introducing new heroes and villains in a galaxy grappling with the remnants of the Empire and the rise of the First Order.
The Anthology Films: Expanding the Universe
Beyond the core saga, the Star Wars universe has been further expanded with standalone anthology films. These movies explore different characters, timelines, and corners of the galaxy, offering unique perspectives and enriching the overall narrative.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): This film tells the story of a group of rebels who embark on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, directly leading into the events of A New Hope.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): This film explores the early life of Han Solo, chronicling his adventures and how he met Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Star Wars Movies
To further clarify the intricacies of the Star Wars cinematic universe, here are some frequently asked questions:
General Information
FAQ 1: Are the Ewok movies considered canon?
The made-for-TV Ewok movies, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewok: The Battle for Endor (1985), were initially considered part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (Legends) but are no longer considered canon under the current Disney-era canon policy.
FAQ 2: What constitutes “canon” in Star Wars?
In Star Wars, canon refers to the official and authoritative narrative of the universe, as designated by Lucasfilm. This primarily includes the theatrical films, select TV series (like The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Mandalorian), books, comics, and video games approved by the Lucasfilm Story Group. This ensures story consistency across various media.
FAQ 3: Will there be more Star Wars movies in the future?
Yes, Lucasfilm has announced plans for multiple future Star Wars movies, with various directors and writers attached to projects. These are expected to explore new characters, timelines, and corners of the galaxy, continuing to expand the cinematic universe.
Understanding the Films
FAQ 4: In what order should I watch the Star Wars movies?
There are several viewing orders:
- Release Order: Episodes IV, V, VI, I, II, III, Rogue One, VII, VIII, Solo, IX. This preserves the original surprises and reveals.
- Chronological Order: Episodes I, II, III, Solo, Rogue One, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. This presents the story linearly.
- Machete Order: Episodes IV, V, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX (omitting Episode I and placing Episodes II and III after Episode V). This aims to maintain the flow of the central narrative while avoiding some of the perceived weaknesses of Episode I.
- Ultimately, the best order depends on personal preference.
FAQ 5: Are there any animated Star Wars movies?
Yes, there is one major animated Star Wars movie: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008). It served as a bridge between the Attack of the Clones film and the Clone Wars television series, and is considered canon.
FAQ 6: What is the difference between a “Star Wars Story” and a “Star Wars Episode”?
“Star Wars Episodes” are the core saga films (I-IX), focusing on the Skywalker family and the overall galactic conflict. “Star Wars Stories” (or anthology films) are standalone movies that exist within the same universe but explore different characters and events, offering self-contained narratives.
Post-Release Information
FAQ 7: Where can I watch the Star Wars movies online?
The Star Wars movies are primarily available for streaming on Disney+. They can also be purchased or rented digitally through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and iTunes.
FAQ 8: What is the highest-grossing Star Wars movie?
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) is currently the highest-grossing Star Wars movie at the global box office. Its successful launch reignited the franchise and broke numerous box office records.
FAQ 9: Which Star Wars movie is considered the best by critics and fans?
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) is often considered the best Star Wars movie by both critics and fans. It is praised for its darker tone, complex characters, and iconic plot twists.
Deeper Dive
FAQ 10: How does the Star Wars TV series (The Mandalorian, Andor, etc.) relate to the movies?
The Star Wars TV series significantly expand upon the lore and characters established in the movies. They often feature connections to the film characters or events and can provide valuable context and backstory. For instance, The Mandalorian occurs between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, showing the struggles of the galaxy as it recovers from the fall of the Empire.
FAQ 11: What happened to the “Expanded Universe” or “Legends” content?
Prior to Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, there was a vast body of Star Wars content known as the Expanded Universe (EU), including books, comics, and games. This content was rebranded as “Legends” and is no longer considered canon. However, many elements and characters from Legends have been reintroduced into the new canon.
FAQ 12: Who owns the rights to the Star Wars franchise?
The Walt Disney Company owns the rights to the Star Wars franchise, having acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. This includes the rights to the movies, TV series, and all related intellectual property, giving Disney creative control over the franchise’s future.