The Star Wars franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its epic space battles, iconic characters, and timeless storytelling. However, for those new to the franchise or looking to re-watch the series, determining the order of the new Star Wars films can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will provide a clear and concise overview of the order of the new Star Wars films, including the original trilogy, prequel trilogy, and the sequel trilogy. From Anakin Skywalker’s rise to power to the final showdown between the Resistance and the First Order, this guide will help you navigate the complex timeline of the Star Wars universe. So, grab your lightsabers and let’s embark on this thrilling journey through a galaxy far, far away!
The Prequel Trilogy
The Phantom Menace
The Trade Federation’s Blockade of Naboo
The events of “The Phantom Menace” begin with the Trade Federation’s blockade of the planet Naboo. The Trade Federation, a group of powerful business interests, had been attempting to exert greater control over the planet and its resources. In response to their demands, the planet’s inhabitants, the Gungans, had been resisting their efforts.
The Introduction of Anakin Skywalker
The blockade has created a state of turmoil on Naboo, and it is in this context that the young slave boy Anakin Skywalker is introduced. He is a skilled pilot and quickly gains the attention of the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, who are on a mission to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The Battle of Naboo
As the situation on Naboo continues to escalate, the Jedi Knights and their newfound ally Anakin find themselves drawn into a full-scale battle against the Trade Federation and its droid army. The Battle of Naboo is a pivotal moment in the film, marking the first major conflict of the prequel trilogy and setting the stage for the events that will follow.
Attack of the Clones
- The Rise of the Galactic Republic
- The Chosen One Prophecy
- The beginning of the Clone Wars
- The formation of the Grand Army of the Republic
- The Clone Wars
- The Battle of Geonosis
- The introduction of new characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Padmé Amidala
- The rise of the Sith
- The Love Story of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala
- The meeting of Anakin and Padmé
- The growth of their relationship
- The eventual revelation of Padmé’s pregnancy and the birth of their twins, Luke and Leia.
Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith, the third installment of the prequel trilogy, takes place three years after the start of the Clone Wars. It focuses on the final downfall of the Galactic Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire. The film also marks the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader.
- The Fall of the Galactic Republic
As the Clone Wars rage on, the Jedi Order becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Galactic Republic. The Senate, controlled by the corrupt Chancellor Palpatine, begins to pass laws that strip the Jedi of their power and autonomy. Meanwhile, the war continues to escalate, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
- The Rise of the Galactic Empire
Palpatine declares himself Emperor, dissolving the Senate and establishing a dictatorship. He orders the execution of the remaining Jedi, and the clone troopers, now under his control, carry out the brutal purge. The Galactic Republic is officially replaced by the Galactic Empire, with Palpatine as its ruler.
- The Transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader
Anakin Skywalker, once a promising Jedi Knight, falls to the dark side under the influence of Palpatine. He betrays the Jedi Order and becomes a powerful Sith Lord, Darth Vader. His transformation is complete when he is forced to watch the execution of his wife, Padmé Amidala, and their unborn child. Consumed by rage and grief, he is willing to do anything to save them, including sacrificing his own moral code.
Revenge of the Sith ends with the galaxy in turmoil, the Jedi Order destroyed, and the seeds of the Rebellion against the Empire being sown.
The Original Trilogy
A New Hope
- The Battle of Yavin
- The battle of Yavin was the first major conflict fought by the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire.
- It took place in the Yavin system, where the Empire was constructing a massive planet-destroying weapon known as the Death Star.
- The Rebels, led by Luke Skywalker, successfully destroyed the Death Star, dealing a major blow to the Empire’s forces.
- The Destruction of the Death Star
- After the battle of Yavin, the Rebel Alliance discovered that the Empire was planning to build another Death Star.
- The Alliance set out to destroy the weapon before it could be completed, and this mission was entrusted to Luke Skywalker and his friends.
- In a climactic battle, Luke was able to destroy the Death Star, once again dealing a major blow to the Empire.
- The Rescue of Princess Leia
- At the beginning of A New Hope, Princess Leia is captured by the Empire and taken to the planet of Alderaan, which is then destroyed by the Death Star.
- Luke and his friends rescue Leia from the Empire’s clutches, and she joins the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Empire.
- This rescue mission sets the stage for the rest of the original trilogy, as the Rebels continue to fight against the Empire’s tyranny.
The Empire Strikes Back
The Battle of Hoth
The Battle of Hoth is a pivotal event in the Star Wars universe, marking the first major conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. It takes place on the icy planet of Hoth, where the Rebels have established a base to evade Imperial forces. The battle begins when the Empire, led by Darth Vader, discovers the Rebel base and launches a surprise attack.
The Rebels, caught off guard, struggle to mount an effective defense. Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and other Rebel pilots engage the Imperial forces in a fierce dogfight, but are eventually forced to retreat to the safety of the Rebel fleet.
The battle serves as a turning point in the story, as the Rebels suffer significant losses and are forced to flee into the unknown regions of space. It also marks the first appearance of iconic Star Wars characters such as Yoda and the Wampa.
The Capture of Han Solo
During the Battle of Hoth, Han Solo is captured by the Empire after being frozen in carbonite by Darth Vader. This event sets the stage for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, as Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance work to rescue their friend and comrade.
The capture of Han Solo also highlights the ruthlessness of the Empire, as they are willing to go to great lengths to eliminate any threats to their power. It serves as a reminder of the stakes in the ongoing conflict between the Rebels and the Empire.
The Training of Luke Skywalker
After the Battle of Hoth, Luke Skywalker sets off to find the legendary Jedi Master Yoda to continue his training as a Jedi Knight. He travels to the planet Dagobah, where he encounters the wise old Jedi and begins his training.
During his training, Luke faces numerous challenges and tests, both physical and mental. He must confront his fears and overcome his doubts, all while evading the clutches of Darth Vader and the Empire.
The training of Luke Skywalker is a critical moment in the Star Wars saga, as it sets the stage for the final showdown between the Rebels and the Empire. It also highlights the importance of the Jedi order and the need for balance in the Force.
Return of the Jedi
The final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi, picks up where The Empire Strikes Back left off. The film opens with Luke Skywalker, having completed his Jedi training with Yoda, setting out to confront Darth Vader and the Empire.
The Battle of Endor
The Battle of Endor is a pivotal event in the film, as the Rebel Alliance, led by Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, attempts to destroy the second Death Star. The battle takes place in the forest moon of Endor, where the Rebels are aided by the native Ewoks in their fight against the Empire.
The Destruction of the Second Death Star
The ultimate goal of the Battle of Endor is to destroy the second Death Star, which has been constructed by the Empire to replace the first one destroyed by the Rebels in A New Hope. The final showdown between the Rebels and the Empire takes place in the Death Star’s interior, where Luke faces off against Darth Vader and the Emperor.
The Redemption of Anakin Skywalker
One of the key plotlines in Return of the Jedi is the redemption of Anakin Skywalker, who has been transformed into the cyborg Darth Vader by the end of the previous film. Throughout the film, Luke grapples with his feelings about his father and ultimately decides to save him from the darkness. The final scene of the film shows Anakin’s spirit being reunited with his body, suggesting that he may yet be redeemed.
The Sequel Trilogy
The Force Awakens
- The Search for Luke Skywalker
- After the events of the original Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker had gone into exile.
- The First Order, a new evil force, had risen from the ashes of the defeated Empire, and they were on the hunt for Luke.
- The main characters of the film, Rey, Finn, and Poe, are all connected to this search in some way.
- Rey, a scavenger on the planet Jakku, finds Luke’s iconic lightsaber, which is an important clue in the search for Luke.
- Finn, a former stormtrooper who defects from the First Order, has knowledge about the whereabouts of Luke.
- Poe, a pilot for the Resistance, is on a mission to find Luke and gain his support in their fight against the First Order.
- The Rise of Kylo Ren
- Kylo Ren is a member of the First Order and the main antagonist of the film.
- He is portrayed as a conflicted character, torn between his loyalty to the First Order and his connection to the Light Side of the Force through his ancestry.
- Kylo Ren’s rise to power is fueled by his obsession with finding Luke Skywalker and completing his training as a Sith Lord.
- His connection to the Light Side of the Force is also shown through his struggles with his emotions and his internal conflict with his mentor, Supreme Leader Snoke.
- The Reappearance of the Millennium Falcon
- The Millennium Falcon, the iconic spacecraft that was central to the events of the original trilogy, makes a comeback in this film.
- It is piloted by Han Solo and Chewbacca, who have also returned to the galaxy after a period of exile.
- The Falcon plays a crucial role in the film’s climax, as it is used to escape from the First Order and to make a daring rescue.
- The reappearance of the Millennium Falcon is a nod to the past and a sign of hope for the future, as it represents the continuity of the struggle against evil in the galaxy.
The Last Jedi
- The Battle of Crait
- The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, arrives at the remote planet of Crait to find refuge from the First Order.
- The First Order, led by Kylo Ren, pursues the Resistance and engages them in a battle on the planet’s salt flats.
- The battle takes a toll on both sides, but the Resistance manages to escape in their old Rebel Alliance ships.
- The Revelation of Rey’s Parentage
- Rey visits Luke Skywalker on the planet of Ahch-To, seeking guidance in her training as a Jedi.
- Luke initially refuses to train her, but eventually changes his mind and begins teaching her the ways of the Force.
- Rey discovers that Luke had a vision of her using the Force to destroy the Jedi Temple on the planet of Exegol, leading to his fear of her becoming a threat.
- Luke reveals that he is her father, but not in the way she had expected, as he impregnated her mother through the Force.
- The Betrayal of Kylo Ren
- Kylo Ren confronts his mother, Leia Organa, and tries to convince her to join him in ruling the galaxy.
- Leia refuses and confronts him, causing him to have a change of heart and betray the First Order.
- Kylo Ren murders the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke and takes control of the organization, but his loyalty to the Resistance is revealed when he saves Rey from being captured by his own forces.
The Rise of Skywalker
The Final Showdown with Palpatine
The climax of the film, The Rise of Skywalker, is a final showdown between the Resistance and the evil forces led by the revived Emperor Palpatine. This epic battle takes place on the planet Exegol, where the Resistance must confront their greatest challenge yet.
- Key characters involved: Rey, Finn, Poe, and the Resistance forces, versus Palpatine and his loyal followers.
- The battle on Exegol: The Resistance and their allies engage in a fierce conflict with Palpatine’s forces, using all their strength and resources to defeat the enemy.
- The role of the Force: Both sides harness the power of the Force, with Rey and Palpatine displaying their exceptional abilities in a confrontation that will determine the fate of the galaxy.
The Redemption of Ben Solo
A central theme in The Rise of Skywalker is the redemption of Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren. This complex character arc explores the struggles and internal conflicts that Ben faces as he tries to find his way back from the dark side of the Force.
- Kylo’s journey: Throughout the film, Kylo grapples with his past and the legacy of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.
- The influence of the past: The events of previous films, particularly the choices made by his parents, continue to shape Ben’s path.
- The role of the other characters: Rey, Finn, and Poe play crucial roles in Ben’s redemption, as they work together to defeat Palpatine and save the galaxy.
The End of the Skywalker Saga
The Rise of Skywalker brings the Skywalker saga to a close, offering a sense of closure to the nine-film series that began with the original Star Wars film in 1977. This final installment ties together the many strands of the saga, providing answers to long-standing questions and setting the stage for the future of the Star Wars universe.
- Conclusion of storylines: Key characters from throughout the saga come together for a final showdown, with their fates and the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance.
- The passing of the torch: The conclusion of the Skywalker saga paves the way for new stories and new heroes to emerge in the Star Wars universe, ensuring that the legacy of the saga will live on for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is the order of the new Star Wars films?
The new Star Wars films are a part of the sequel trilogy, which includes:
1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Additionally, there are two anthology films that take place before the events of the sequel trilogy:
1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
2. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
2. Is there a specific order to watch the new Star Wars films?
Yes, the recommended order to watch the new Star Wars films is as follows:
1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2. Solo: A Star Wars Story
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
4. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
3. Are the new Star Wars films part of the original Star Wars trilogy?
No, the new Star Wars films are not part of the original Star Wars trilogy, which includes:
1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
2. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
3. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
4. Can I watch the new Star Wars films without watching the original trilogy first?
While it is not necessary to watch the original trilogy before the new Star Wars films, it is recommended to do so for a better understanding of the overall story and character development.
5. Are there any spin-off films or series set in the Star Wars universe?
Yes, there are several spin-off films and series set in the Star Wars universe, including:
1. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)
2. Star Wars: Rebels (animated series)
3. Star Wars: The Mandalorian (live-action series)
4. Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett (upcoming live-action series)
These spin-off films and series take place at various points in the Star Wars timeline and offer additional insights into the galaxy far, far away.