How to Watch Every ‘Star Wars’ Movie In Order

May the Fourth be with you!

Traveling to a galaxy far, far away can seem like a pretty daunting proposition — particularly now that the Star Wars series is rapidly expanding both on the big and small screen. Though it started as a simple trilogy of films from the mind of George Lucas, it has rapidly expanded over the decades to include books, video games, toys and even theme park lands.

So, what is the right order to watch Star Wars? That’s pretty easy (for now): you start with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, if you’re looking to go chronologically. And then you end with the “last” film in the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. That will get increasingly more difficult as time goes on, additional films are added, and TV shows and movies jump around in time.

But for now, let’s concentrate on that sweet, sweet womp rat sandwich in the middle. If you want to get into Star Wars, just check out our rundown of how to watch the Star Wars movies in order, as well as the assorted TV shows. And just know we’ll expand this list more than the Death Star after Luke shoots a torpedo down its ventilation shaft.

RELATED: May the Fourth: Every Star Wars Movie, Show, Special, And More Streaming on Disney+

First, a visual aid — because who doesn’t love a timeline?

1. ‘The Acolyte’

   Set 100 years before the next entry on this list, The Acolyte ventures into a period that we’ve never seen in the franchise. This new series comes from Leslye Headland (Russian Doll) and is set in the waning days of the High Republic era. What seems to be a time of peace and prosperity is in reality a turning point that will ultimately plunge the galaxy into an era of Imperial domination. How does the High Republic fall and why did the Jedi not see it coming? Those are questions that The Acolyte will likely answer.

   The Acolyte premieres on Disney+ on June 4.

   WHERE TO WATCH THE ACOLYTE

2. ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’

   Yup. If you are wondering how to watch Star Wars in order, this is where one of the most beloved stories of all time starts: with a dispute over the taxation of trade routes in outlying systems. It may not be the best film in the series, but if you want to give a saga its due, start at the very beginning.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE

3. ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones’

   If you forget all about Anakin Skywalker’s creepy pursuit of Senator Amidala and ignore the references to sand, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is not half bad. Obi-Wan Kenobi chases an assassin across the universe and makes a surprising discovery that will ruin the Old Republic forever.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE II – ATTACK OF THE CLONES

4. ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’

   Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a sprawling 3D CGI animated series that breathes new life and depth into the characters of the prequel series. (Though, it’s not to be confused with the gorgeous 2003 Genndy Tartakovsky animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars, which sadly cannot be streamed and hasn’t had its berth confirmed in the new Star Wars universe.) Now, Star Wars: The Clone Wars eked its story out over seven seasons, and sometimes episodes were produced out of chronological order. Thankfully, our pals at StarWars.com have a comprehensive guide to help you watch the entire series (and film) in the correct order.  It may look daunting, but just remember that Luke was able to take down the Death Star with a shot.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS

5. ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’

   For many fans, this final installment in the prequel trilogy redeemed the failings of the other two films. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is dark to the core and shows Anakin Skywalker’s chilling slide to the Dark Side.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE III – REVENGE OF THE SITH

6. ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’

   Clone Force 99, also known as The Bad Batch, is a group of elite clone troopers with genetic mutations. This spin-off and sequel to Star Wars: The Clone Wars follows Clone Force 99 in the aftermath of the Clone Wars and their staunch resistance to Emperor Palpatine’s influence.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH

7. ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

   Get past the sort of silly origin of Han Solo’s name, and you’ve got a fun caper taking place in the Star Wars universe. Was it necessary? No. Did it set up a planned trilogy of films? No. But is it a fun look at the young version of the galaxy’s favorite rogue? Yes. Oh, and since Han Solo (Harrison Ford) was about 35 in the original Star Wars movie (meaning A New Hope), this takes place earlier in the timeline than you might expect.

   WHERE TO WATCH SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

8. ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

   After an interlude hanging out with a smuggler-to-be and his new Wookiee pal, the saga picks up a decade after the events of Revenge of the Sith. Anakin Skywalker is now Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi is getting paid meager wages to carve up blubber and meat, and the galaxy is just generally a worse place to live. Obi-Wan’s lost his old hope, but will he find another? See what I did there? Also, watching Obi-Wan right after Solo really highlights the age difference between Han and Leia.

   STREAM OBI-WAN KENOBI ON DISNEY+

9. ‘Star Wars: Rebels’

   The animated series Star Wars: Rebels is a delightful (and occasionally dark) peek into what life was like between the prequel and original trilogies. We follow a motley crew of freedom fighters as they try to fight back against the Empire and rediscover Jedi lore.

   WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: REBELS

10. ‘Andor’

    Set five years before Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (which is itself set in the days before Star Wars: A New Hope), the Disney+ live-action series Andor details Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) progression from a reckless spy and saboteur into a revolutionary in the Rebellion. Season 2 of the show, which is already underway, will fill in the rest of the 5-year gap between the start of this series and Rogue One.

    WHERE TO WATCH ANDOR

11. ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

    The very first Star Wars spin-off film focused on the ordinary men, women, and alien life forms who sacrificed their lives to steal the Death Star plans. Surprisingly dark, for a fun time watch this one right before A New Hope, as it ends mere seconds before the original Star Wars movie begins.

    WHERE TO WATCH ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

12. ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’

    Thanks to the prequels and various animated series, the original Star Wars now lands way past the saga’s midpoint. Even though it was released almost 40 years ago, there are images, musical swells, and skirmishes that leave us breathless.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE

13. ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’

    Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, the masterpiece of the Star Wars saga, takes place a few years after the events of Episode IV and features many of the series’ most classic moments and infamous twists.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

14. ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’

    For over three decades, most people thought that this would be the final word on Luke, Leia, and Han’s stories (outside expanded universe novels and comics). Given that, the film lets itself be audacious, grand, and slightly sentimental in its final moments.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: EPISODE VI – RETURN OF THE JEDI

15. ‘The Mandalorian’

    The first of many Star Wars live-action TV series on Disney+, The Mandalorian initially started as the story of a rogue bounty hunter and his young ward; and has since morphed into a crucial part of the Star Wars saga, weaving together elements from the movies, video games, books and animated series.

    While seasons 1 and 2 take place before The Book of Boba Fett, the third season should be saved and watched after Boba Fett’s miniseries.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE MANDALORIAN

16. ‘The Book of Boba Fett’

    The Mandalorian spinoff starring Ming-Na Wen and Temeura Morrison takes place after the second season of the series. In it, he attempts to establish himself as a new crime lord in the territory once controlled by Jabba the Hutt. About halfway through the season it also turns into what is essentially The Mandalorian season 2.5, so do with that what you will.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT

17. ‘Ahsoka’

    Ahsoka picks up on a few plot threads left dangling from Ahsoka’s appearances in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, namely Ahsoka’s quest to find Grand Admiral Thrawn and the lost Jedi Ezra Bridger. A live-action Star Wars spectacle from Dave Filoni, Ahsoka also acts as a Star Wars Rebels reunion with Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, and Chopper all along for the ride. And just when you think that Ahsoka is a classic Star Wars adventure, THINGS. GET. WEIRD.

    WHERE TO WATCH AHSOKA

18. ‘Star Wars: Resistance’

    Bridging multiple points in the newest Star Wars movie trilogy, the series shows what happens with the new generation of heroes piloting their way against the galaxy’s greatest evils. Technically it begins before Force Awakens, so that’s why it’s here in the timeline.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: RESISTANCE

19. ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

    The next chapter in the Star Wars saga, Force Awakens introduced us to Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), as well as the conflicted Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Oh, and it brought back a few faves, too.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

20. ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

    Rian Johnson’s masterpiece, the sequel to The Force Awakens, took everything we knew about Star Wars and both tossed it out the window, and then lovingly pulled it back through that window again, brilliantly deconstructing everything we thought we knew about George Lucas’s creation. And no fans disagreed with this statement at all!

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

21. ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’

    Phew! The final chapter of the Skywalker Saga — and the last of the Star Wars movies in order— found the return of an old bad guy, a climactic battle, and the good side of the Force winning out again. Spoilers, I guess. There are definitely more theatrical features to come, but Luke, Leia and Anakin’s story ends here.

    WHERE TO WATCH STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER