Movies

Ultimate Guide to the Star Wars Timeline: Movies, Shows, and Hidden Secrets

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Ever since Disney bought Lucasfilm, they’ve expanded the Star Wars universe with numerous projects. These include a sequel trilogy that unfolds 30 years after the conclusion of the original series, two standalone movies set before the 1977 film, and a streaming show happening a few years following Return of the Jedi. With Disney hopping across different time periods, it can get tricky to figure out where each movie and TV show falls in the timeline.

As a devoted Star Wars connoisseur, I can attest that each fresh installment in this legendary saga skillfully weaves together elements from its rich past, often in intriguing and unforeseen manners. Characters who initially graced the small screen for younger audiences prior to Disney’s acquisition have since grown into pivotal figures within the expansive Star Wars universe. At the same time, a host of alluring new characters have managed to capture our hearts and minds with their unique contributions to this almost half-century-old cinematic phenomenon.

The Star Wars universe is still growing, as demonstrated by new seasons in shows such as Andor and Ahsoka, as well as upcoming entries like Skeleton Crew. This list has been revised to encompass the latest Star Wars media releases and future projects. (Updated on May 13, 2025, by Michael Colwander)

Star Wars Movies in Release Order

Star Wars Movies in Chronological Order

Star Wars Movies & Shows in Chronological Order

Star Wars: Visions (2021-) Is a Gorgeous Anthology Series Spanning the Star Wars Timeline

Non-canonical, numerous dates

On Disney+, the animated series titled “Star Wars Visions” was unveiled. This collection was crafted by numerous imaginative anime producers, offering them the freedom to explore the expansive Star Wars universe without being bound by any rules or constraints derived from existing storylines.

The animated series, Star Wars: Visions, offers distinct and original perspectives on the Star Wars galaxy. Each episode presents innovative interpretations of Jedi and Sith dynamics along with their use of lightsabers in combat. These tales unfold at various moments within the Star Wars timeline, yet they don’t conform to the traditional canon. As a result, the events portrayed in these episodes have no bearing on the main storyline as it is commonly understood.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023-) Puts a Much-Needed Spotlight on Younglings

~200 Years Before The Phantom Menace, or ~232 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin)

The animated series titled “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” chronicles a band of young Jedi trainees around two centuries prior to the storyline in “The Phantom Menace.” This takes place during the time known as the High Republic era, where these younglings discover the essence of being a Jedi while experiencing a variety of exciting and humorous escapades. Although primarily designed for kids, “Young Jedi Adventures” provides a rich portrayal of the High Republic period within the Star Wars universe.

This becomes particularly significant since the franchise intends to explore this period more thoroughly through future works such as “The Acolyte”. Characters like Bell Zettifar, Ember, Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm, and Jedi Knight Maru are featured, making the series a perfect fit for the timeline preceding the Star Wars: The High Republic subseries’ Phase I commencement. The goal is to introduce young viewers to the Star Wars universe through stories set in the High Republic era, allowing them to follow this chapter of the saga as they grow up.

The Acolyte (2024) Depicts the Rise of the Sith Threat

~100 years before The Phantom Menace, or ~132 BBY

In my perspective, while “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” delves deep into the High Republic period at its zenith, “The Acolyte” takes a different approach, concentrating on the waning days of that era and the escalating Sith menace. Amandla Stenberg graces our screens in this series with a double role – portraying Osha Aniseya, a former Padawan, and her sister Mae, who has succumbed to the sway of a shadowy Sith Lord. As Osha and her ex-Master, we’re on a quest for truth, as members of the Order mysteriously start meeting their ends.

Rebecca Henderson portrays Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh in “The Acolyte”. At the start of her career as a Jedi Knight, Vernestra is an essential character in the publishing initiative for the “Star Wars: The High Republic” subseries. Her presence helps weave together “The Acolyte” with other works within the High Republic timeframe. Alongside her are Lee Jung-jae as Sol, Osha’s former Master, Manny Jacinto as Qimir, Mae’s associate, and Carrie-Anne Moss makes a cameo as Jedi Knight Indara – a tribute to her character Trinity from “The Matrix” series. “The Acolyte” offers a glimpse into the peak of the Jedi Order, hinting at their future flaws that would ultimately lead to their fall. Unfortunately, it didn’t fully realize its potential, but who knows what the future holds!

Tales (2022- ) Is an Anthology Series That Tells a Different Story Across Different Factions

~40 BBY – 19 BBY

One of the latest animated Star Wars ventures, titled “Tales,” is a collection of stories, each season focusing on a different faction within the Star Wars universe. The inaugural season, “Tales of the Jedi,” delves into the prequel era of the Jedi Order, providing insight into events preceding “The Phantom Menace.” Notably, it provides a captivating glimpse into Ahsoka’s early days as a Padawan, setting the stage for her upcoming solo series. Additionally, it highlights a young Qui-Gon Jinn and his Jedi master, Count Dooku. The narrative unfolds the events leading to Dooku’s disillusionment with the Jedi and subsequent turn to the Dark Side following Qui-Gon’s demise.

The new, concise storytelling style has proven effective in providing compelling callbacks and additional details about less-explored aspects of Jedi history. The success of the initial season has sparked a sequel titled “Star Wars: Vignettes of the Past“, delving into the early lives of characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. A freshly launched third season, Star Wars: Chronicles from the Shadow Realm, reintroduces bounty hunter Cad Bane and Nightsister Asajj Ventress. So far, Chronicles has demonstrated its potential for expanding the Star Wars universe, taking over where other animated series like The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch left off.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) Begins Darth Vader’s Origin Story

32 BBY

Jar Jar Binks might not have met some fans’ expectations, as they had eagerly anticipated another installment in the saga since “Return of the Jedi” 16 years prior. However, “The Phantom Menace” does offer several commendable aspects. The dialogue between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan is engaging, and the film provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the Republic before its eventual downfall.

The Phantom Menace” is captivating, featuring numerous breathtaking scenes ranging from the pod race to the thrilling final lightsaber duel. Moreover, Darth Maul is a chilling antagonist. This film is set in the time of the Galactic Republic when the Separatist Droid Army starts emerging. However, its most significant aspects are the introduction of Anakin Skywalker and the demise of Qui-Gon Jinn – crucial events in Star Wars history that ultimately lead to the downfall of the Republic and the ascension of the Empire.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) Finally Brings Fans the Clone Wars

22 BBY

In a previous installment, titled “Attack of the Clones“, there was widespread disagreement among Star Wars enthusiasts about its quality before the release of the sequel trilogy. This movie depicts the Republic clashing with the Separatists in a war, while Anakin Skully weds Padmé on Naboo in secret. The highly-anticipated romance, however, fails to live up to expectations – one of the reasons for early criticisms – but it effectively paves the way for the subsequent Clone Wars movies and TV series.

As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I can’t help but marvel at the pivotal moments in “Attack of the Clones.” One such moment was witnessing Temuera Morrison’s debut as Jango Fett, setting the stage for his future role as Boba Fett in the Disney+ series. But that’s not all! This film also marked the introduction of Count Dooku, played by the legendary Christopher Lee, who went on to become a cornerstone character in the saga. Interestingly, Lee’s portrayal of Count Dooku was, in part, meant as a tribute to his Hammer Films co-star, Peter Cushing, who had previously brought Grand Moff Tarkin to life in another Star Wars installment. Just like Count Dooku, Tarkin’s impact on the franchise has stretched far beyond a single performance.

Star Wars Forces of Destiny Honors the Franchise’s Long History of Heroines

Although not a typical Star Wars series, “Forces of Destiny” offers an enjoyable spin on the universe. The narrative starts approximately 22 BBY and features characters like Ahsoka Tano, yet it also ventures toward the end of the timeline, incorporating characters who are as recent as Rey.

Forces of Destiny” isn’t conventionally a TV show because it wasn’t broadcast on television. Instead, it’s a web series composed of brief episodes that spotlight significant tales about female characters from the Star Wars universe. Notably, actors like Felicity Jones, Ashley Eckstein, Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, and others reprised their roles in this series, making it an important addition to the Star Wars chronology.

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2025-05-16 20:38

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