The Star Wars saga is a timeless and beloved tale of good versus evil, set in a galaxy far, far away. With a vast array of characters, planets, and stories, it can be easy to get lost in the expansive universe. However, fear not, young Padawan! We are here to guide you through the chronological order of the Star Wars saga, from the ancient days of the Old Republic to the rise of the First Order. So grab your lightsaber and let’s embark on this thrilling journey through the galaxy!

Overview of the Star Wars Universe

Key Players and Factions

The Force

The Force is an energy field that binds the galaxy together. It is a power that flows through all living things, and can be harnessed and used by those who are trained in its use. The Force is made up of two distinct aspects: the light side and the dark side. The light side of the Force is associated with goodness, compassion, and strength, while the dark side is associated with fear, hatred, and power.

Jedi Order

The Jedi Order is a group of warriors who use the Force for good. They are sworn to protect the galaxy from the dark side of the Force, and serve as guardians of peace and justice. The Jedi are highly trained in the use of the Force, and are skilled in the use of a variety of weapons, including lightsabers. They also have a strong sense of duty and loyalty to the Republic, and are often called upon to serve as diplomats and negotiators in times of conflict.

Sith Order

The Sith Order is a group of warriors who use the Force for evil. They are dedicated to the pursuit of power and control, and seek to dominate the galaxy through the use of the dark side of the Force. The Sith are highly skilled in the use of the Force, and are often feared by the Jedi for their ruthlessness and cunning. They are also known for their use of the dark side of the Force, which allows them to wield great power and control over others.

Galactic Republic

The Galactic Republic is a democratic government that governs the galaxy. It is made up of many different worlds and species, and is dedicated to the pursuit of peace and justice. The Republic is governed by a Senate, which is made up of representatives from each of the member worlds. The Republic is also protected by the Jedi Order, who serve as its guardians and defenders.

Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire is a dictatorship that seeks to control the galaxy through force and fear. It is ruled by an Emperor, who holds near-absolute power over the galaxy. The Empire is known for its brutality and oppression, and is feared by many in the galaxy. The Empire is also known for its use of the dark side of the Force, which allows it to wield great power and control over others.

The Skywalker Saga

The Prequel Trilogy

• Episode I: The Phantom Menace
• Episode II: Attack of the Clones
• Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

The Original Trilogy

• Episode IV: A New Hope
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

The Sequel Trilogy

• Episode VII: The Force Awakens
• Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
• Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

The Main Characters

• Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
• Luke Skywalker
• Leia Organa
• Han Solo
• Chewbacca
• C-3PO
• R2-D2
• Padmé Amidala
• Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Yoda
• Palpatine/Darth Sidious

The Galactic Conflict

• The Clone Wars
• The Empire’s Reign of Terror
• The Rebellion
• The Final Battle

The Skywalker Saga is the main storyline of the Star Wars franchise, encompassing the nine films that follow the adventures of the Skywalker family. The saga is divided into three trilogies: the prequel trilogy, the original trilogy, and the sequel trilogy.

The prequel trilogy begins with Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which introduces us to the young Anakin Skywalker, a nine-year-old slave boy who shows exceptional skill in piloting and the Force. The film follows Anakin’s journey as he becomes a Jedi apprentice under the guidance of the wise old Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, their mission to protect Queen Amidala of the planet Naboo from the evil Trade Federation quickly escalates into a full-scale war.

In Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Anakin is now a teenager and a skilled Jedi Knight. He is assigned to protect Senator Amidala from a separatist group that seeks to secede from the Galactic Republic. Along the way, he meets his love interest, Padmé Amidala, and they begin a forbidden romance. Meanwhile, the galaxy is on the brink of war, and the Jedi Order must choose sides.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith brings the galaxy to all-out war. The Jedi Order is divided, and the galaxy is on the brink of collapse. Anakin, now a young adult, is torn between his loyalty to the Jedi Order and his love for Padmé. Palpatine, the Chancellor of the Republic, uses this to his advantage and manipulates Anakin into becoming his apprentice, Darth Vader. The Jedi Order is wiped out, and Padmé gives birth to twins, Luke and Leia, before dying.

The original trilogy begins with Episode IV: A New Hope, which introduces us to Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who dreams of the stars. When he buys a droid named R2-D2, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that leads him to Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Master in hiding. Together, they join a rebellion against the Empire, led by Princess Leia Organa, to destroy the Death Star, a massive superweapon capable of destroying entire planets.

In Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, the Empire has regrouped and is launching a massive attack on the Rebellion. Luke seeks out Jedi Master Yoda to

The Prequel Trilogy

The Prequel Trilogy is the second set of movies in the Star Wars saga, released after the original trilogy. It consists of three films: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The trilogy follows the story of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Padmé Amidala as they navigate the politics and conflicts of the Galactic Republic.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

• Released in 1999, The Phantom Menace is the first film in the prequel trilogy.
• The movie is set 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars film and follows Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Amidala of the planet Naboo from the evil Trade Federation.
• The film introduces the character of Anakin Skywalker, a young slave boy who shows exceptional skill in piloting and the Force.
• The Phantom Menace also features the character of Darth Maul, a Sith Lord and apprentice to the main antagonist, Darth Sidious.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

• Released in 2002, Attack of the Clones is the second film in the prequel trilogy.
• The movie is set ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace and follows Anakin Skywalker, now a teenager, as he becomes a Padawan learner under Obi-Wan Kenobi.
• The film also introduces the character of Count Dooku, a former Jedi who turns to the dark side of the Force and becomes a Sith Lord.
• The movie centers around a plot to create a clone army for the Republic, which leads to the beginning of the Clone Wars.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

• Released in 2005, Revenge of the Sith is the final film in the prequel trilogy.
• The movie is set three years after the start of the Clone Wars and follows Anakin Skywalker’s descent into the dark side of the Force.
• The film culminates in the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire, with Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader and the Jedi Order being almost completely wiped out.
• Revenge of the Sith also introduces the character of Chancellor Palpatine, who is revealed to be the Sith Lord Darth Sidious.

The Original Trilogy

The Original Trilogy is the first set of movies in the Star Wars saga, released between 1977 and 1983. These films follow the journey of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, as he becomes a legendary Jedi hero and battles against the evil Empire.

Episode IV: A New Hope

• Title: A New Hope
• Release Date: May 25, 1977
• Story: A New Hope introduces us to Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy from Tatooine, who dreams of a life beyond his desert planet. When he purchases two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, from a ship that crashed on his uncle’s farm, he sets in motion a chain of events that will change his life forever. The droids carry a message from Princess Leia Organa, which leads Luke to join a group of Rebels in their fight against the Empire.
• Main Characters:
  • Luke Skywalker
  • Princess Leia Organa
  • Han Solo
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi
  • Darth Vader

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

• Title: The Empire Strikes Back
• Release Date: May 21, 1980
• Story: In The Empire Strikes Back, the Empire, led by Darth Vader, launches a massive attack on the Rebel Alliance, forcing them to retreat to the icy planet of Hoth. Luke Skywalker, along with Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance, must face their darkest hour as they come face-to-face with the full might of the Empire. Meanwhile, Luke sets off to find Jedi Master Yoda to further his training in the ways of the Force.
  • Yoda

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

• Title: Return of the Jedi
• Release Date: May 25, 1983
• Story: In the final installment of the Original Trilogy, the Rebel Alliance, now on the brink of victory, devises a plan to destroy the second Death Star and end the Empire’s reign of terror. Luke Skywalker, now a seasoned Jedi, must confront his father, Darth Vader, and the Emperor, Palpatine, in a final battle for the fate of the galaxy.
  • Lando Calrissian
  • Emperor Palpatine

The Sequel Trilogy

Episode VII: The Force Awakens

• Released in 2015, directed by J.J. Abrams
• Takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi
• Follows a new generation of heroes, including Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron
• Introduces Kylo Ren, the main antagonist, and brings back fan-favorite characters such as Han Solo and Leia Organa
• Marks the beginning of the sequel trilogy and sets the stage for the continuation of the Star Wars saga

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

• Released in 2017, directed by Rian Johnson
• Continues the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they face the First Order
• Explores the growing conflict between the Resistance and the First Order
• Features the return of Luke Skywalker, who has been living in solitude on an isolated island
• Introduces new characters such as Rose Tico and Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo
• Introduces a new threat, the Knights of Ren, who are affiliated with Kylo Ren

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

• Released in 2019, directed by J.J. Abrams
• Brings back the main characters from the previous films, including Rey, Finn, and Poe
• Follows the Resistance as they face a new threat from the First Order, led by the returning Palpatine
• Includes the return of fan-favorite characters such as Lando Calrissian and the Ewoks
• Features the conclusion of the sequel trilogy and the overall story of the Skywalker family
• Provides closure to the story that began with the original Star Wars film in 1977

The Spinoff Films

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone film that takes place just before the events of the original Star Wars film, Episode IV: A New Hope.
• The story follows a group of rebels who embark on a dangerous mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, which ultimately leads to the events of A New Hope.
• The film features new characters, including Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, and Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, as well as appearances by several familiar characters, such as Mon Mothma and Bail Organa.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

• Solo: A Star Wars Story is a standalone film that focuses on the early years of Han Solo, one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe.
• The film follows Solo’s journey from a young street thief to a seasoned smuggler, as he teams up with his future co-pilot, Chewbacca, and encounters several familiar characters, such as Lando Calrissian and the criminal organization, the Empire.
• Solo: A Star Wars Story was directed by Ron Howard and released in 2018.

The Mandalorian (TV series)

• The Mandalorian is a live-action television series set after the events of Return of the Jedi, but before the events of The Force Awakens.
• The series follows a lone bounty hunter, simply known as “the Mandalorian,” as he navigates the galaxy and takes on various missions.
• The show features several characters from the Star Wars universe, including Greef Karga, played by Carl Weathers, and the Child, a mysterious alien creature who is revealed to be a member of the same species as Yoda.
• The Mandalorian was created by Jon Favreau and premiered on Disney+ in 2019.

The Star Wars Expanded Universe

Canon and Non-Canon Material

Canon Material

• Novels
  • The first Star Wars novel, titled “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye,” was published in 1978 and is set between the events of the original Star Wars film and The Empire Strikes Back.
  • The Thrawn Trilogy, consisting of “Heir to the Empire,” “Dark Force Rising,” and “The Last Command,” is set 10 years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows the exploits of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
  • The New Jedi Order series, which includes books such as “The Phantom Menace,” “The Force Awakens,” and “The Last Jedi,” is set 19 years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows the next generation of Jedi Knights.
  • The Legends series, which includes books such as “Knight Errant,” “The Old Republic,” and “Fate of the Jedi,” is set in various time periods throughout the Star Wars universe.
• Comics
  • The Star Wars comic book series, published by Marvel, is set between the events of the original Star Wars film and The Empire Strikes Back.
  • The Star Wars: Darth Vader comic book series, also published by Marvel, is set between the events of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
  • The Star Wars: Rebel Alliance comic book series, published by Marvel, is set between the events of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
• Animated Series
  • The Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series is set between the events of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
  • The Star Wars: Rebels animated series is set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

Non-Canon Material

• Legends
  • The Star Wars: Legends multimedia franchise, which includes books, comics, and video games, is set in a non-canonical universe and includes stories that are not considered part of the official Star Wars canon.
  • The Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game series, set 3,000 years before the events of the original Star Wars film, is one example of a Legends story.
  • The Star Wars: The Old Republic massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is another example of a Legends story.
  • The Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire novel, published in 1996, is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and follows the exploits of bounty hunter Dash Rendar.
  • The Star Wars: Darth Bane trilogy, consisting of “Path of Destruction,” “Rule of Two,” and “Dynasty of Evil,” is set thousands of years before the events of the original Star Wars film and follows the rise of the Sith.
  • The Star Wars: Jedi Academy trilogy, consisting of “Jedi Search,” “Dark Apprentice,” and “Champion of the Force,” is set after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows the next generation of Jedi Knights.

Notable Characters and Events

Grand Admiral Thrawn

Grand Admiral Thrawn is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, introduced in the 1991 novel “Heir to the Empire” by Timothy Zahn. Thrawn is a highly intelligent and ambitious Chiss warlord who serves as a major antagonist in the original Star Wars trilogy. He is known for his tactical genius and his ability to outsmart his opponents. Thrawn’s story takes place after the events of the original trilogy, and he plays a significant role in the expansion of the Star Wars universe.

Darth Bane

Darth Bane is a Sith Lord who appears in the Star Wars: Darth Bane trilogy of novels by Drew Karpyshyn. The story takes place thousands of years before the events of the films and follows Bane’s rise to power within the Sith order. Bane is known for his mastery of the dark side of the Force and his creation of the Rule of Two, which states that there can only be two Sith at any given time. His story provides insight into the history of the Sith and their motivations.

Darth Revan

Darth Revan is a mysterious figure in the Star Wars universe who appears in the video game “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.” Revan is a former Jedi who turned to the dark side of the Force and became a Sith Lord. The story follows Revan’s journey as they attempt to uncover the truth behind their past and the force that compels them to do evil. Revan’s story is set thousands of years before the events of the films and provides a unique perspective on the history of the Star Wars universe.

The Old Republic

The Old Republic is a period in the Star Wars universe that takes place thousands of years before the events of the films. It is a time of conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire, with both sides vying for control of the galaxy. The Old Republic is the setting for several video games and novels, including “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “The Old Republic: Deceived.”

The Clone Wars

The Clone Wars is a period in the Star Wars universe that takes place between the events of the first two films. It is a time of conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Alliance, with both sides utilizing armies of clones to fight in the war. The Clone Wars is the setting for the animated television series of the same name, as well as several video games and novels.

The Great Jedi Purge

The Great Jedi Purge is a period in the Star Wars universe that takes place between the events of the first two films. It is a time of conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Sith, with the Sith utilizing the dark side of the Force to hunt down and exterminate the Jedi. The Great Jedi Purge is the setting for several video games and novels, including “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” and “The Old Republic: Deceived.”

The Galactic Civil War

The Galactic Civil War is a period in the Star Wars universe that takes place between the events of the first two films. It is a time of conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Empire, with the Empire utilizing the dark side of the Force to maintain control over the galaxy. The Galactic Civil War is the setting for the original trilogy of films, as well as several video games and novels.

The New Republic

The New Republic is a government that is established after the fall of the Empire in the Star Wars universe. It is a democratic republic that seeks to promote peace and stability throughout the galaxy. The New Republic is the setting for several video games and novels, including “Star Wars: X-Wing” and “Star Wars: The New Republic.”

The Empire’s Return

The Empire’s Return is a period in the Star Wars universe that takes place after the events of the original trilogy. It is a time of conflict between the remnants of the Empire and the New Republic, with both sides seeking to maintain control over the galaxy. The Empire’s Return is the setting for several video games and novels, including “Star Wars:

FAQs

1. What is the Star Wars saga?

The Star Wars saga is a science fiction film series created by George Lucas. It is set in a galaxy far, far away and follows the adventures of various characters, including the legendary Jedi knight, Luke Skywalker, as they battle the evil Empire and its dark lord, Darth Vader.

2. What is the chronological order of the Star Wars saga?

The chronological order of the Star Wars saga is as follows:
1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
5. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
6. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
7. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
8. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
9. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
10. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
11. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

3. Why is the order of the Star Wars saga important?

The order of the Star Wars saga is important because it helps to understand the story and the development of the characters. The events in the movies take place in different time periods, and watching them in chronological order helps to avoid confusion and provides a more coherent viewing experience.

4. Are there any exceptions to the chronological order of the Star Wars saga?

Yes, there are exceptions to the chronological order of the Star Wars saga. The spin-off movies, Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story, take place before the main episodes but are placed after Episode III in the chronological order because they do not directly affect the story of the main characters.

5. What is the best way to watch the Star Wars saga?

The best way to watch the Star Wars saga is to follow the chronological order as listed above. This will provide a more coherent and enjoyable viewing experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the story and the development of the characters.

The BEST Order To Watch STAR WARS | Mashable Explains