From the final days of the High Republic to the rise of the First Order, the Star Wars galaxy spans generations of Jedi, Sith, galactic wars and unforgettable heroes. Across films, animated adventures and live-action television, the franchise tells one enormous story about power, rebellion, family and the struggle between light and darkness.
What began with a single film in 1977 has expanded into a cinematic universe featuring nine mainline movies, standalone films, animated series and live-action television shows. These stories explore different generations, introduce new characters and reveal how events separated by decades are connected.
Following the chronology can be challenging because the films were not released in the order their stories take place. Several television series also overlap with the movies, while anthology series explore events across different periods.
The Star Wars timeline provides a way to understand how the galaxy evolves, from the political decline of the Galactic Republic to the rise of the Empire, the victory of the Rebel Alliance and the emergence of a new generation of heroes.
Understanding the Star Wars Timeline: What Do BBY and ABY Mean?
Before exploring the different eras, it is important to understand the dating system used throughout the Star Wars universe.
BBY stands for Before the Battle of Yavin, while ABY means After the Battle of Yavin. The Battle of Yavin is the pivotal battle in which the Rebel Alliance destroys the first Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope.
This event serves as the reference point for dating events across the galaxy.
For example, The Phantom Menace takes place approximately 32 BBY, while Revenge of the Sith occurs around 19 BBY. The original trilogy begins at 0 BBY, with The Empire Strikes Back set approximately three years later and Return of the Jedi taking place around four years after the Battle of Yavin.
The dating system makes it easier to understand the passage of time between major events, particularly when characters appear across multiple films and television series.
The five main eras covered in this timeline are the fall of the Republic, the reign of the Empire, the Age of Rebellion, the New Republic and the rise of the First Order. Together, they trace the central historical developments of the Skywalker saga and the stories surrounding it.
1. The Fall of the Republic: The Acolyte and the Prequel Era
The fall of the Republic era explores the events that lead to the destruction of the Jedi Order and the transformation of the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire.
It begins with stories set during the final years of the High Republic and continues through the political tensions, military conflicts and personal tragedies that define the prequel trilogy.
The Acolyte (132 BBY)
Set during the final years of the High Republic, The Acolyte explores a period when the Jedi Order remains powerful and influential throughout the galaxy.
The story follows a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of mysterious crimes. Their investigation leads them toward dangerous secrets and a growing threat connected to the dark side of the Force.
Unlike the later stories dominated by open warfare between the Republic and the Empire, The Acolyte focuses on mystery, the Jedi's relationship with the Force and the possibility that darkness can grow even during a period of apparent peace.
Its placement makes it one of the earliest major live-action stories in this chronology.
The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace introduces a galaxy whose political institutions appear stable but are already vulnerable to corruption and manipulation.
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, become involved in a conflict surrounding the planet Naboo. During their journey, they encounter Anakin Skywalker, a gifted young boy whose extraordinary connection to the Force attracts the attention of the Jedi.
Meanwhile, a mysterious Sith presence begins to emerge from the shadows.
The film establishes the foundations of the prequel trilogy, including Anakin's future importance, the political ambitions of Palpatine and the weaknesses that will eventually bring down the Republic.
Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)
Ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace, the Republic approaches civil war.
Anakin Skywalker is now a young Jedi, while Obi-Wan investigates an assassination attempt that leads him toward the discovery of a clone army. Across the galaxy, tensions between the Republic and the Separatist movement continue to escalate.
The film marks the beginning of the Clone Wars, a conflict that becomes central to Anakin's transformation and the Republic's eventual destruction.
The Clone Wars (22 to 19 BBY)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the conflict introduced in Attack of the Clones through large-scale battles, political intrigue and character-driven stories.
The animated film and series explore the relationship between Anakin and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, while examining the Jedi Order's increasingly difficult position in a war engineered by forces operating behind the scenes.
The series also gives greater importance to characters such as Captain Rex, Darth Maul and Count Dooku.
For viewers seeking to understand the full tragedy of Anakin Skywalker's fall, The Clone Wars provides essential context. It demonstrates how the conflict gradually changes the Jedi, the clone troopers and the Republic they have sworn to protect.
Because the series includes stories that overlap with one another, its episodes do not all fit neatly into a single uninterrupted sequence.
Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)
The fall of the Republic reaches its devastating conclusion in Revenge of the Sith.
As the Clone Wars approach their end, Chancellor Palpatine reveals his true identity as Darth Sidious and manipulates Anakin's fears into a path toward the dark side.
Anakin becomes Darth Vader, the Jedi Order is nearly destroyed, and the Republic is transformed into the Galactic Empire.
The film is the turning point of the entire saga. The democratic government that once protected the galaxy has fallen, the Jedi have been hunted down, and the stage is set for the rise of the Empire.
2. The Reign of the Empire: A Galaxy Under Imperial Rule
The Empire's victory does not end the conflict. Instead, it begins a period of oppression, resistance and survival.
The stories in this era explore what happens after the Jedi are destroyed, how Imperial power spreads and how ordinary people begin challenging the new regime.
The Bad Batch (19 BBY onward)
Taking place in the aftermath of Revenge of the Sith, The Bad Batch follows an unconventional squad of clone troopers whose genetic enhancements distinguish them from the rest of the army.
As the Republic becomes the Empire, the squad discovers that its military training and loyalties no longer guarantee a place in the new order.
The series offers a closer look at the transition from clone soldiers to Imperial stormtroopers and the consequences of the Emperor's political transformation.
Tales of the Empire and Tales of the Underworld
These animated anthology series explore different characters and periods rather than following one continuous story.
Tales of the Empire examines figures including Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, while Tales of the Underworld adds further stories involving characters shaped by crime, conflict and the changing balance of power.
Their episodes cover different points in the wider chronology, making them complementary stories rather than single, uninterrupted adventures.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (13 to 10 BBY)
Solo: A Star Wars Story follows a young Han Solo before he becomes the smuggler audiences meet in the original trilogy.
The film explores his relationship with Chewbacca, his encounter with Lando Calrissian and the circumstances surrounding the Millennium Falcon.
It also introduces a galaxy in which criminal syndicates, dangerous heists and Imperial expansion shape life beyond the main political centres of power.
Although Han begins as a self-interested survivor, the film lays the groundwork for the person who will eventually risk everything to help the Rebel Alliance.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)
Years after the destruction of the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan Kenobi lives in isolation on Tatooine, watching over a young Luke Skywalker from a distance.
The series forces him to confront his guilt over Anakin's fall and the painful reality of Darth Vader's survival.
It also explores the consequences of the Empire's Jedi purge through the people who continue hunting the remaining Jedi.
For Obi-Wan, this period is not simply about hiding. It is about rediscovering his purpose and preparing for a future in which the Jedi might rise again.
Maul: Shadow Lord
Star Wars: Maul: Shadow Lord follows Maul as he attempts to rebuild his influence during the Imperial period.
Maul's journey connects the broader conflict between the Sith and the Jedi with the criminal organizations that operate outside the Empire's formal military structure.
The series adds another chapter to a character whose history stretches from the prequel era into the years leading up to the original trilogy.
Andor (5 to 0 BBY)
Andor follows Cassian Andor's transformation from a reluctant survivor into a committed member of the rebellion.
Set during the Empire's rise, the series examines the surveillance, repression and political violence that drive ordinary citizens toward resistance. Its story builds toward the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Through Cassian's journey and the experiences of other characters, the series explores the personal sacrifices behind the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Jedi and the Force, Andor examines the political and human consequences of authoritarian rule. It demonstrates that the rebellion is built through years of sacrifice, small victories and people willing to risk their lives against a much stronger enemy.
Star Wars Rebels (5 to 1 BBY)
Star Wars Rebels follows the crew of the Ghost, a group of rebels who challenge Imperial authority while helping establish the foundations of the Rebel Alliance.
The story introduces Ezra Bridger, a young Force-sensitive individual whose journey brings him into contact with Kanan Jarrus and other members of the growing resistance.
As the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy, the crew becomes involved in increasingly dangerous missions against Imperial forces.
The series also features important developments involving Darth Vader, Ahsoka Tano and Grand Admiral Thrawn, connecting its characters to later Star Wars stories.
3. The Age of Rebellion: The Fight Against the Empire
The Age of Rebellion contains some of the franchise's most recognizable stories. It is the period in which scattered resistance becomes an organized movement capable of challenging the Emperor directly.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)
Rogue One follows a group of unlikely heroes who undertake a dangerous mission to steal the plans for the Empire's Death Star.
The film provides the immediate lead-in to A New Hope, revealing the human cost behind the intelligence that makes the destruction of the superweapon possible.
Its ending connects directly to the opening events of the original 1977 film, making it one of the clearest chronological links between two Star Wars movies.
A New Hope (0 BBY)
Luke Skywalker begins his journey as a young man living on Tatooine, far removed from the political struggle engulfing the galaxy.
After encountering the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, Luke becomes involved in a mission that brings him into contact with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo and Princess Leia.
The destruction of the first Death Star gives the Rebel Alliance a major victory and establishes Luke as a central figure in the fight against the Empire.
This is the chronological reference point from which the BBY and ABY dating system takes its name.
The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
The Empire retaliates against the Rebel Alliance, forcing its scattered forces into retreat.
Luke begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while Han and Leia attempt to evade Imperial pursuit. The film also reveals a devastating truth about Luke's family, changing his understanding of the conflict and his own destiny.
The story deepens the personal stakes of the original trilogy while demonstrating that the destruction of the first Death Star has not weakened the Empire enough to guarantee a Rebel victory.
Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
The original trilogy reaches its conclusion as the Rebel Alliance launches a mission to destroy the second Death Star.
Luke confronts Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, while the Rebellion fights to bring down the Empire's military power.
Vader's final decision to save his son brings Anakin Skywalker's story to a tragic but redemptive end.
The Emperor's apparent defeat and the destruction of the second Death Star mark a decisive victory for the Rebellion. However, the fall of the Empire does not mean that peace immediately returns to the galaxy.
4. The New Republic: A Fragile Peace
The defeat of the Empire creates an opportunity to rebuild the galaxy, but the transition proves far more complicated than the Rebel victory might suggest.
Imperial remnants remain active, criminal groups exploit the changing political landscape, and the New Republic struggles to establish lasting stability.
The Mandalorian
Set several years after Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter whose life changes after he encounters Grogu.
Their relationship becomes the emotional centre of the series, taking the story beyond traditional battles between Jedi and Sith.
The show also explores Mandalorian culture, the surviving Imperial network and the challenges facing a galaxy that has technically been liberated but remains politically unstable.
Din Djarin's journey demonstrates that the consequences of the Galactic Civil War extend far beyond the battlefield. While the New Republic attempts to restore order, people across the galaxy continue to struggle with the aftermath of Imperial rule.
The Book of Boba Fett
The Book of Boba Fett follows the former bounty hunter as he attempts to establish himself as a powerful figure in Tatooine's criminal underworld.
The series explores his transition from bounty hunter to leader, while also following his relationship with Fennec Shand.
Several episodes connect directly to Din Djarin and Grogu, making the series an important part of the broader New Republic storyline rather than an entirely separate adventure.
Ahsoka
Ahsoka Tano continues her journey after the fall of the Empire, investigating a potential threat connected to Grand Admiral Thrawn.
The series builds on characters and storylines introduced in Star Wars Rebels, bringing several animated characters into live action.
Its events expand the New Republic era and suggest that the galaxy's next major conflict may be shaped by forces that survived the Empire's defeat.
Ahsoka's search also connects the animated and live-action sides of the franchise, demonstrating how stories established in one medium can become central to another.
Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew follows a group of young people who become lost in the wider galaxy and must find their way home.
The adventure offers a different perspective on the New Republic era, focusing on discovery, danger and the experiences of ordinary people far removed from the political centres of power.
Its placement alongside The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka illustrates the expanding range of stories taking place after the original trilogy.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
The story of Din Djarin and Grogu continues onto the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Positioned within the broader New Republic period, the film continues the characters' journey while expanding the franchise's theatrical storytelling beyond the Skywalker saga's original nine episodes.
The project also demonstrates how television series can establish characters and relationships that later support major cinematic adventures.
5. The Rise of the First Order: The Sequel Trilogy
The final era covered by this timeline moves into a period when the Empire's legacy returns in a new form.
Decades after the original trilogy, the galaxy faces another threat from the First Order and its conflict with the Resistance.
Star Wars Resistance
The animated series Star Wars Resistance follows young pilot Kazuda Xiono as he becomes involved in the Resistance's struggle against the First Order.
The series begins before the events of The Force Awakens and continues into the sequel trilogy period.
Its position in the timeline is therefore more complex than a single date suggests, with portions of its story overlapping the films.
The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
Thirty years after the destruction of the second Death Star, the First Order emerges as a major military threat.
Rey, a scavenger from Jakku, crosses paths with Finn, a former stormtrooper who has abandoned the First Order. Their journey brings them into contact with Han Solo, Chewbacca and the Resistance.
The film introduces a new generation of heroes while returning the franchise to familiar themes of hope, rebellion and the legacy of the Skywalker family.
It also reveals that the galaxy's apparent peace has been far more fragile than many believed.
The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
The conflict between the Resistance and the First Order intensifies as Rey seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker.
Luke's isolation reflects the consequences of his past failures, while Rey struggles to understand her place in the galaxy.
The film challenges established ideas about the Jedi, heroism and the relationship between legacy and identity.
As the Resistance faces overwhelming odds, the story emphasizes the importance of hope even when victory appears impossible.
The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)
The sequel trilogy concludes with the Resistance confronting the return of Emperor Palpatine and the threat posed by the Final Order.
Rey continues her journey toward understanding her identity and the responsibility that comes with her connection to the Force.
The film brings the Skywalker saga to its cinematic conclusion, revisiting the franchise's central themes of family, sacrifice, redemption and the enduring struggle between light and darkness.
6. The Future of the Star Wars Timeline
The Star Wars universe continues to expand beyond the events depicted in the nine mainline films.
Projects such as Star Wars: Starfighter and the planned film about Rey's efforts to establish a new Jedi Order point toward further developments in the franchise's future.
However, announced projects can change during development, and not every upcoming film or series has a fully established chronological position.
The official Star Wars website provides information about films, television series and other projects as new details become available.
Explore official Star Wars films
Explore official Star Wars series
Star Wars Movies and TV Shows in Chronological Order
The following sequence provides a simplified guide to the major films and television series featured in this timeline.
- The Acolyte
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars
- Revenge of the Sith
- The Bad Batch
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Andor
- Star Wars Rebels
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Skeleton Crew
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Star Wars Resistance
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
This list is a broad viewing guide rather than a strict episode-by-episode chronology. Anthology series such as Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire and Tales of the Underworld cover different periods and should be placed according to their individual stories.
Andor and Star Wars Rebels also overlap, while Star Wars Resistance extends across the beginning of the sequel trilogy.
For first-time viewers, watching the original trilogy before the prequels preserves some of the saga's most famous revelations. For returning fans, chronological viewing offers a different experience by showing how the Republic's collapse leads to the Empire, how the Rebellion develops and how the consequences of those events shape later generations.
Conclusion
The Star Wars timeline is more than a list of films and television shows. It is the story of how governments rise and fall, how individuals respond to oppression and how the choices of one generation influence the next.
Anakin Skywalker's fall helps create the Empire. The Empire's brutality gives rise to the Rebellion. The Rebel victory creates the New Republic, but the failure to secure lasting peace allows another authoritarian threat to emerge.
Across these eras, characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, Din Djarin and Rey experience different versions of the same struggle: deciding what kind of future the galaxy deserves.
As the franchise continues to expand across film and television, its interconnected chronology remains central to understanding the events, characters and conflicts that have shaped the Star Wars galaxy.
Latest on Every Movie Plug · Star Wars
Taika Waititi Says His Star Wars Movie Is on Ice
Waititi says his long-delayed Star Wars film is on hold while he works on another project with writer Tony McNamara.
Read the story →
Latest on Every Movie Plug · Star Wars
Star Wars: Unlimited Confirms Legacy of Skywalker Set for 2027
A new booster set covering the Skywalker family across every era is confirmed for 2027, with no exact date yet.
Read the story →
Latest on Every Movie Plug · Star Wars
Star Wars Jedi 3 Release Date Leak Points to 2027
A leaker claims the game will launch in 2027. EA and Respawn have confirmed none of it.
Read the story →