As of today, there are 12 theatrical Star Wars movies and 13 official Star Wars television shows, representing a significant portion of the franchise’s ever-expanding universe. This number is constantly evolving with new productions in development, making it essential to stay updated with the latest releases and upcoming projects.
The Galaxy Far, Far Away: A Complete Filmography
The Star Wars saga, born from the creative mind of George Lucas, has become a cultural phenomenon. To understand the scope of the franchise, let’s break down the theatrical releases that launched it all.
The Core Saga: Episodes I-IX
The heart of the Star Wars universe lies in the nine episodic films, often referred to as the Skywalker Saga. These movies, released over four decades, chronicle the battles between the light and dark sides of the Force, focusing primarily on the Skywalker family.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): The film that started it all.
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Widely considered the best in the series.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983): The original trilogy’s epic conclusion.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999): The beginning of the prequel trilogy.
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): Expanding the prequel storyline and introducing the Clone Wars.
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): The tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015): Reigniting the saga with a new generation of heroes.
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017): A controversial but visually stunning chapter.
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019): The conclusion to the Skywalker Saga.
Star Wars Story Films: Expanding the Universe
Beyond the main saga, Lucasfilm has produced “Star Wars Story” films, which delve into standalone narratives set within the established universe. These films offer different perspectives and explore various aspects of the Star Wars galaxy.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): A thrilling prequel detailing the Rebel Alliance’s mission to steal the Death Star plans.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018): An origin story for the iconic smuggler Han Solo.
Animated Feature Films
While often overlooked, the animated feature film Star Wars: The Clone Wars bridges the gap between Episodes II and III, introducing characters and storylines that would become central to the animated series.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008): A theatrical release that launched the popular animated series.
Star Wars on the Small Screen: A Growing Galaxy
The rise of streaming services has allowed for a massive expansion of the Star Wars universe through television shows. These series offer deeper dives into characters, planets, and historical events, enriching the overall lore.
Animated Series: A Deeper Dive into the Lore
Animated series have been a cornerstone of Star Wars television, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling and dynamic visuals.
- Star Wars: Ewoks (1985-1986): A children’s series focusing on the Ewoks of Endor (decanonized Legends).
- Star Wars: Droids (1985-1986): Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO (decanonized Legends).
- Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003-2005): A 2D animated series showcasing the early battles of the Clone Wars (decanonized Legends).
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020): A 3D animated series that significantly expanded the Clone Wars era.
- Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018): Focusing on a group of rebels fighting against the Empire before the events of A New Hope.
- Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020): Set shortly before The Force Awakens, focusing on a Resistance pilot.
- Star Wars: Visions (2021-Present): An anthology series of animated shorts produced by various Japanese animation studios.
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022): An anthology series focusing on Jedi from the prequel era.
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023-Present): An animated series geared towards younger audiences, focusing on Jedi Padawans.
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024): A sequel anthology series similar to Tales of the Jedi.
Live-Action Series: Expanding the Universe
Live-action Star Wars shows have become increasingly popular, bringing familiar characters to life and introducing new ones in compelling narratives.
- The Mandalorian (2019-Present): A bounty hunter’s adventures after the fall of the Empire.
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022): Exploring Boba Fett’s rise to power in the criminal underworld.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022): A limited series chronicling Obi-Wan’s life in exile on Tatooine.
- Andor (2022-Present): A spy thriller focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to becoming a Rebel hero.
- Ahsoka (2023): Following Ahsoka Tano’s continued journey after Rebels.
- Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024): Set in the High Republic era, exploring a darker side of the Force.
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024/2025): A coming-of-age story about a group of kids lost in the galaxy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the Star Wars franchise and its various films and shows.
FAQ 1: Are the Ewok Adventures movies considered canon?
No. The Ewok Adventures movies (Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor) are not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. They are part of what is now known as “Legends,” the expanded universe stories that are not considered part of the main timeline.
FAQ 2: What is the difference between canon and Legends?
Canon refers to the official storyline established by Lucasfilm, encompassing the theatrical films, select television series, books, comics, and video games. Legends comprises the expanded universe materials published before 2014, which are no longer considered part of the official timeline.
FAQ 3: In what order should I watch the Star Wars movies for the first time?
There are several viewing orders. Chronological order (Episodes I-IX, Solo, Rogue One) is good for a first-time experience. Release order (Episodes IV-VI, I-III, VII-IX, Rogue One, Solo) preserves the original surprises and reveals. Machete order (Episodes IV-V, II-III, VI) offers a condensed experience focusing on the main storyline while minimizing the impact of Episode I.
FAQ 4: Are all the Star Wars shows available on Disney+?
Yes, all official Star Wars television shows, both animated and live-action, are exclusively available on Disney+. This includes The Mandalorian, Andor, The Clone Wars, and all the other currently released series.
FAQ 5: Is The Star Wars Holiday Special considered canon?
No. The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) is widely regarded as a notorious and non-canonical addition to the franchise. Lucasfilm generally avoids acknowledging its existence within the official timeline.
FAQ 6: Will there be more Star Wars movies after The Rise of Skywalker?
Yes, Lucasfilm has announced several new Star Wars movies in development, though release dates and specific details are subject to change. Taika Waititi, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Dave Filoni are all attached to direct separate feature films.
FAQ 7: What is the High Republic era?
The High Republic era is a period in Star Wars history set approximately 200 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. It is a time of peace and prosperity for the Galactic Republic, with the Jedi Order at the height of its power. The Acolyte is set in this era.
FAQ 8: What is Dave Filoni’s role in the future of Star Wars?
Dave Filoni is a key creative figure at Lucasfilm, serving as Executive Creative Director. He is heavily involved in the development of Star Wars television series and films, ensuring continuity and maintaining the overall vision of the franchise. He is directing one of the upcoming Star Wars movies.
FAQ 9: Are there any Star Wars shows planned for other streaming services besides Disney+?
Currently, all official Star Wars television series are exclusive to Disney+. There are no announced plans to release any official Star Wars shows on other streaming platforms.
FAQ 10: How often are new Star Wars movies and shows released?
The release schedule for Star Wars movies and shows varies. Disney aims to release new content regularly, with a mix of theatrical films and streaming series. However, production delays and strategic decisions can impact the timing of releases.
FAQ 11: What are the different eras of Star Wars storytelling?
The Star Wars timeline is generally divided into several eras: The High Republic Era, the Old Republic, the Prequel Era (Episodes I-III), the Original Trilogy Era (Episodes IV-VI), the New Republic Era (post-Return of the Jedi), and the Sequel Trilogy Era (Episodes VII-IX). Each era has its own unique characteristics and stories.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the most up-to-date information about upcoming Star Wars projects?
The official Star Wars website (starwars.com) is the best source for the latest news and announcements about upcoming movies, television shows, and other Star Wars-related projects. In addition, reputable entertainment news websites and Star Wars fan communities also provide valuable information.