Overview of the Star Wars Film Timeline
This guide provides a reliable, source-backed timeline of every official Star Wars movie and major extended release. It covers the original trilogy, prequels, sequel trilogy, standalone films, and key theatrical re-releases, including dates most relevant for viewing order, collection completions, and reference searches.
The Skywalker Saga: Main Theatrical Releases
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Premiered May 19, 1999; general release May 21, 1999.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Premiered May 16, 2002; general release May 18, 2002.
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Premiered May 15, 2005; general release May 17, 2005.
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Released in U.S. theaters on May 25, 1977; became a cultural phenomenon that defined modern blockbuster windows.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Released in the U.S. on May 17, 1980; widely regarded for its darker tone and narrative impact.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Released in the U.S. on May 25, 1983; concluded the original Skywalker saga in theaters.
The Sequel Era and Standalone Films
The Force Awakens (2015)
Released November 20, 2015 in most international markets; November 18, 2015 in the United Kingdom; December 18, 2015 in the United States.
The Last Jedi (2017)
Released December 15, 2017 in most markets, including the United States.
The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Released December 20, 2019 in most markets, including the United States.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Released December 16, 2016 in the United States and key international territories.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Released May 25, 2018 in the United States and several major markets.
Streaming, Re-releases, and Extended Editions
Beyond theatrical runs, Star Wars films have premiered on streaming and seen commemorative re-releases:
- Special Editions and IMAX enhancements rolled out across multiple re-releases from 1997 onward.
- Theatrical 4K re-premieres for milestone films, including the 40th anniversary of Episode IV in 2017.
- Disney+ premieres and curated collections that group saga films for viewing plans.
Quick Reference Table
The table below lists each film, its first theatrical release date in the United States, and its availability context.
| Title | U.S. Theatrical Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | May 21, 1999 | Wide release after May 19 premiere |
| Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones | May 18, 2002 | Wide release after May 16 premiere |
| Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith | May 17, 2005 | Wide release after May 15 premiere |
| Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | May 25, 1977 | Original blockbuster debut |
| Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back | May 17, 1980 | Second chapter in original saga |
| Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 | Conclusion of original Skywalker trilogy |
| Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | December 16, 2016 | Standalone war story; December U.S. release |
| Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 25, 2018 | Han Solo origin; late May U.S. release |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | December 18, 2015 | Launched sequel trilogy in U.S. |
| Star Wars: The Last Jedi | December 15, 2017 | Second sequel film |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | December 20, 2019 | Final episode of sequel trilogy |
Planning Viewing Order and Collections
Use these dates to build a viewing timeline, complete physical or digital collections, or schedule commemorative screenings. For formal chronology by story timeline (not release order), see our viewing sequence guide. Release patterns vary by region; consult local listings for premieres and IMAX windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the first Star Wars movie released? Episode IV: A New Hope debuted in U.S. theaters on May 25, 1977.
- Which Star Wars movie came out last? Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, released December 20, 2019, concluded the sequel trilogy.
- Are there gaps between trilogies? Yes, the prequels (1999–2005) followed the originals (1977–1983) by 16 years; the sequels (2015–2019) followed the prequels by 10 years.
- Where can I watch extended editions? Many appear in curated collections on streaming services and specialty physical media releases.
Regional Notes and Availability
Release windows differ by country. Early screenings, film-festival premieres, and region-specific re-releases can shift local dates. Check local cinema listings and official platform calendars for exact availability in your market.
Methodology and Sources
Dates reflect the best available studio and industry records from theatrical distributors and platform announcements. Where regional variability exists, U.S. release dates are prioritized as the reference baseline.
This article is for informational purposes; release windows and platform strategies may change. Verify local schedules before planning events.