Essential Star Wars Watch Order
This is the shortest path through the Star Wars story: 16 of 48 titles, arranged in release order.This list skips animated series and side stories, so you can follow the main story without watching everything.Full Star Wars release order.
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1977
1980
1983
1999
2002
2005
2015
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
Movie 34 ABYRise of the First Order2h 18minIMDb 7.7 Essential
2016
2017
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
Movie 34 ABYRise of the First Order2h 32minIMDb 6.8 Essential
2019
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Movie 35 ABYRise of the First Order2h 21minIMDb 6.3 Essential
2020
2022
2023
2025
2026
About this guide
A title is essential here when it carries the main Star Wars story forward. That is the nine Skywalker saga films, Rogue One and Andor, which lead straight into A New Hope, and The Mandalorian with its film.
This list skips the animated series, the other live-action shows and the spin-off films. Many are worth watching, and Ahsoka builds on the animated shows, but the main story makes sense without them.
Frequently asked questions
How many Star Wars titles are essential?
This list has 16 of the 48 titles in the full Star Wars watch order. Each season counts as its own title, so Andor and The Mandalorian bring 5 of them.
Can I skip the animated series?
Yes. The Clone Wars, Rebels and the other animated shows add a lot, but the movies and live-action shows on this list make sense without them.
Why is this watch order in release order?
It is the order the films came out, so the story unfolds the way it was first told. Once you know the saga, try story order.