Charting Your Course Through the Galaxy
Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer who just finished their first trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is one question that always comes up: what is the best way to watch it all? While release order is the classic choice, many fans prefer the chronological approach. This method allows you to watch the rise and fall of empires exactly as they happened in the timeline.
In the world of Star Wars, time is measured relative to the Battle of Yavin, which is the climax of Star Wars: A New Hope. Events occurring before that battle are labeled BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), while events after are ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). Here is the complete breakdown of how to watch every movie and series in order as of May 2026.
The High Republic Era
This era takes place hundreds of years before the movies. It represents the golden age of the Jedi Order. To start here, you will want to check out:
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (232 BBY): An animated series that introduces a much younger Yoda.
- The Acolyte (132 BBY): Set near the end of the High Republic, this live-action series explores the shadows beginning to form in the galaxy.
The Fall of the Jedi and the Clone Wars
This is where the “Skywalker Saga” truly begins. These stories follow Anakin Skywalker and the eventual collapse of the Republic.
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (22–19 BBY): This includes both the animated film and the seven-season series.
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)
Reign of the Empire and the Dark Times
After the fall of the Republic, the Empire tightens its grip. This era is currently booming with new content on Disney+.
- The Bad Batch (19 BBY): An animated look at the immediate aftermath of Order 66.
- Maul: Shadow Lord (19 BBY onwards): The newest 2026 animated addition that follows the former Sith apprentice.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (13–10 BBY): The origin story of everyone’s favorite smuggler.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY): A look at the Jedi Master’s life during his exile on Tatooine.
- Andor and Star Wars Rebels (5–0 BBY): These series show the disparate groups of the Rebellion coming together.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY): This movie ends literally moments before the original 1977 film begins.
The Age of Rebellion and the New Republic
Next are the classic films and the expanding “Mandoverse” stories. This is the era most prominently featured at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (0 BBY/ABY)
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
- The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka (9 ABY): These shows happen simultaneously as the New Republic struggles to maintain order.
- Skeleton Crew (9 ABY): A coming-of-age story set in the same timeframe.
- The Mandalorian & Grogu (Coming May 22, 2026): This upcoming theatrical release will continue the journey of the iconic duo.
Rise of the First Order
The final chapters of the timeline focus on a new generation of heroes and villains.
- Star Wars Resistance (34 ABY): An animated series following the pilots of the Colossus.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)
Following this order gives you a front-row seat to the history of the galaxy. It makes the connections between the animated shows and the live-action films much clearer, especially when you see characters like Ahsoka Tano grow from a young Padawan to a veteran warrior.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.