The Star Wars movies in order
There are 9 Star Wars films, about 20.4 hours in total. The first was released in 1977, the latest in 2019. Watching in release order is the safest way to meet the story as audiences did.
An epic space-opera theatrical film series, which depicts the adventures of various characters "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…."
- 1
Star Wars (1977)
25 May 1977 · 121 min
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.
- 2
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
20 May 1980 · 124 min
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
- 3
Return of the Jedi (1983)
25 May 1983 · 132 min
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
- 4
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
19 May 1999 · 136 min
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
- 5
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
15 May 2002 · 142 min
Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi investigate a mysterious plot into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
- 6
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
17 May 2005 · 140 min
When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker must choose a side.
- 7
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
15 Dec 2015 · 136 min
Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers.
- 8
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
13 Dec 2017 · 152 min
Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.
- 9
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
18 Dec 2019 · 142 min
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again as the journey of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle begins.
Order and dates from TMDB collection data. Unreleased entries are added once they get a release date.