Explore the full Star Wars timeline to understand when everything happens. This guide helps you follow the galaxy's biggest story without confusion. See how characters rise and fall, how battles shape the universe, and how the saga connects across movies and shows.
Star Wars is one of the most famous movie series ever made. It tells an epic story of battles between good and evil across a huge galaxy. Directed by George Lucas, the first movie came out in 1977. It became a hit right away. Since then, over 20 movies, TV shows, books, and games have expanded this amazing universe.
With so many stories and characters, it may get confusing to follow the story. New fans often wonder where to start. Or how all the events fit together.
That's why we made this Star Wars timeline. It helps you see the story in the right order. You'll know when key moments happen and how the movies connect.
In this article
Star Wars Timeline Explained: Watch in the Right Order
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Star Wars is packed with battles, betrayals, and legendary moments. But the timeline? It's not always clear. Who came first—Anakin or Rey?
When did the Empire rise? When did it fall?
This timeline answers it all. It reveals when things happen and how they connect. Step inside, and let the adventure unfold before your eyes.
High Republic Era
Young Jedi Adventures (232 BBY)
Release year: 2023
Set during the High Republic era, this animated series follows younglings Kai, Lys, and Nubs as they begin their journey to become Jedi. Under the guidance of Master Yoda and Master Zia, they embark on missions across the galaxy, learning about friendship, compassion, and the Force.
It is designed for a younger audience. The show offers a colorful and light-hearted glimpse into a more peaceful time in the galaxy, before the rise of the Sith and the fall of the Jedi Order.
The Acolyte (132 BBY)
Release Year: 2024
"The Acolyte" explores a period of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers during the final days of the High Republic era. The story follows a former Padawan and her Jedi Master as they investigate a series of crimes, leading them into a confrontation with sinister forces.
This series is about the complexities of the Force and the events that set the stage for the eventual rise of the Sith. It is offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe.
Fall of the Jedi
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)
Release Year: 1999
The Trade Federation blocks Naboo. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi go to help. On Tatooine, they find Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force. As trouble grows, the Sith appear again. A fierce duel takes place. This marks the start of Anakin's journey and the galaxy's path to war.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)
Release Year: 2002
Ten years later, the galaxy is falling apart. Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi looks into an attack on Senator Padmé. He finds a secret clone army. More planets want to leave the Republic, and war feels near.
Anakin Skywalker struggles too. He loves Padmé, but Jedi can't. He feels anger inside. The Clone Wars start, and the Jedi begin to fall.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (22–19 BBY)
Release Year: 2008 (film), 2008–2020 (series)
This animated series delves deep into the Clone Wars, showcasing battles across the galaxy and the evolving dynamics between Jedi and clone troopers. Anakin Skywalker takes on a Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, whose journey becomes central to the narrative.
The series explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral complexities of war, providing a richer understanding of the events leading up to the rise of the Empire.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)
Release Year: 2005
As the Clone Wars end, Chancellor Palpatine shows he is really Darth Sidious. He turns Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. Anakin becomes Darth Vader and helps kill almost all the Jedi. The Republic falls. A new Empire rises. Padmé gives birth to twins, Luke and Leia. To keep them safe, they are hidden from the Sith.
Reign of the Empire
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (19 BBY and onward)
Release Year: 2021
After the Empire takes control, a special group of clone troopers called Clone Force 99 goes rogue. They refuse to follow orders and protect a girl named Omega.
As they run from the Empire, they learn dark secrets. The story shows how hard it is to fight back and survive in a galaxy that's quickly changing.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (13–10 BBY)
Release Year: 2018
Young Han Solo escapes a life of crime on Corellia, joining a crew of smugglers and meeting key figures like Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. Through daring heists and betrayals, Han acquires the Millennium Falcon and begins his journey as a legendary smuggler.
The film offers insight into Han's early life, motivations, and the events that shape his character in the original trilogy.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)
Release Year: 2022.
Obi-Wan Kenobi hides and living in exile on Tatooine, quietly watching over Luke Skywalker. When Princess Leia is taken, he leaves exile to save her. Along the way, he must face Darth Vader—his former student.
This iconic series shows Obi-Wan's pain and guilt over Anakin's fall. As he fights old enemies, he begins to heal and find hope again.
Star Wars Rebels (5–0 BBY)
Release Year: 2014–2018
Ezra Bridger, a teen strong with the Force, joins a rebel crew on the ship Ghost. Together, they fight the Empire and stand up for what's right. Along the way, they meet well-known heroes and discover hidden truths.
The series connects the old and new stories. It highlights how hope and teamwork can rise against darkness.
Andor (5–0 BBY)
Release Years: 2022–2025
Cassian Andor starts as a thief who doesn't care about much. But as the Empire's control grows, he joins the fight for freedom. Slowly, he becomes a brave rebel spy.
The series shows the hard choices people make during tough times. It's about courage, sacrifice, and standing up against a powerful enemy—no matter the cost.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (0 BBY)
Release Year: 2016
Jyn Erso leads a team of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans, crucial for the Rebellion's survival. Their daring efforts culminate in a heroic sacrifice, setting the stage for the events of "A New Hope."
The film emphasizes the power of hope and the impact of ordinary individuals in shaping galactic history.
Age of Rebellion
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (0 BBY / ABY)
Release Year: 1977
Farm boy Luke Skywalker embarks on a journey to become a Jedi, joining forces with Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Obi-Wan Kenobi to combat the Empire. Their mission: destroy the Death Star and restore hope to the galaxy.
This iconic film launched the Star Wars saga, introducing audiences to a universe of adventure, heroism, and the enduring battle between good and evil.
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY)
Release Year: 1980
The Empire retaliates against the Rebel Alliance, forcing them into hiding. Luke seeks training from Jedi Master Yoda, while Han and Leia face peril. A shocking revelation about Darth Vader changes everything.
Regarded as one of the greatest sequels, the film deepens character arcs and presents a darker, more complex narrative.
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (4 ABY)
Release Year: 1983
The Rebels launch a final assault on the Empire, aiming to destroy the second Death Star. Luke confronts Vader, seeking to redeem him. The Emperor's defeat brings balance to the Force and freedom to the galaxy. The trilogy concludes with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of hope.
New Republic Era
The Mandalorian (9 ABY and onward)
Release Year: 2019
Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter, becomes the guardian of a mysterious child, Grogu. Their bond grows as they navigate the galaxy, encountering allies and enemies, and confronting remnants of the Empire. The series revitalizes the Star Wars universe. It blends Western motifs with rich lore and introduces beloved new characters.
The Book of Boba Fett (9 ABY)
Release Year: 2021
Boba Fett emerges from the Sarlacc pit and claims the throne of Jabba the Hutt. Seeking to rule with respect, he faces challenges from rival factions and confronts his past. The series expands on Boba Fett's character, offering insight into his motivations and the complexities of power in the galaxy's underworld.
Ahsoka (9 ABY and onward)
Release Year: 2023
Former Jedi Ahsoka Tano searches for Grand Admiral Thrawn, hoping to find missing ally Ezra Bridger. Her journey uncovers ancient secrets and tests her resolve. The series continues Ahsoka's story, intertwining with events from "Rebels" and exploring the deeper mysteries of the Force.
Skeleton Crew (9 ABY)
Release Year: 2024
A group of children, lost in the galaxy, embark on a journey to find their way home. Along the way, they encounter wonders and dangers, learning about the vastness of the universe. This coming-of-age tale offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars galaxy, emphasizing adventure and discovery.
Rise of the First Order
Star Wars Resistance (34–35 ABY)
Release Year: 2018
Pilot Kazuda Xiono is recruited by the Resistance to spy on the First Order. Disguised as a mechanic, he uncovers plots and faces challenges that test his courage. Set before "The Force Awakens," the series provides context to the rise of the First Order and the Resistance's early efforts.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (34 ABY)
Release Year: 2015
Rey, a scavenger from Jakku, discovers her connection to the Force. As the First Order threatens the galaxy, she joins forces with Finn, Poe, and Han Solo to find the missing Luke Skywalker. The film introduces a new generation of heroes, reigniting the saga for a new era.
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (34 ABY)
Release Year: 2017
Rey seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker, who is reluctant to return. The Resistance faces dire straits, and Kylo Ren's internal conflict intensifies.
The film challenges traditional narratives, exploring themes of failure, legacy, and the complexities of heroism.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (35 ABY)
Release Year: 2019
Emperor Palpatine mysteriously returns, threatening to reclaim the galaxy. Rey continues her journey as a Jedi, uncovering secrets about her lineage. The Resistance regroups for a final battle against the Final Order, as Kylo Ren faces a personal turning point.
The saga concludes with Rey embracing the Jedi legacy and choosing her own identity. The galaxy celebrates the fall of tyranny, and balance is restored once again, ending the Skywalker saga with a sense of hope and renewal.
How to Make a Star Wars Timeline in EdrawMax?
EdrawMax is a user-friendly diagramming tool that makes creating timelines way easier. It has various templates you can pick, customize, and save within minutes. The best part? Making a timeline from scratch is also simple with hundreds of customization options, thousands of symbols, and a straightforward drag-and-drop framework.
Step1Create a New File
- Download and start EdrawMax.
- Once in, you will be asked to log in. You can create a free account quickly or use your social accounts like Google and Facebook.
- Click New at the top-left corner and select Blank Drawing to create a new file.
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Step2Insert a Timeline
- Open the Insert tab from the top menu bar.
- Select Timeline from the Illustrations section.
- A new window will pop up with all the available timeline options. Scroll down until you find the right timeline. Select it and click OK.
Step3Customize the Timeline
- Let's start customizing the timeline. Select the timeline to make the floating menu appear.
- You can change the milestone appearance, number, line style, direction, picture size, and interval lengths.
- Additionally, use the right toolbar to change the timeline's visual settings like color, shade, and transparency.
Step4Break Down the Timeline
- Do you want to illustrate multiple sagas? Select the timeline and change the number of nodes for the first saga.
- Then, add another by repeating the second step. Set the number of milestones in this timeline according to your second saga. Similarly, add as many timelines as you need.
Step5Change the Text
- Select any text section to edit its content. Delete the placeholder text and start typing new content when the cursor appears.
- To add new text sections, double-click anywhere on the canvas.
- Use the floating menu when you select a text section to customize font style, size, and properties.
Step6Add Images
- Download images on your device to upload them to EdrawMax. Alternatively, copy a picture and paste it on the canvas.
- Drag an image from the canvas and place it inside the containers in our timeline.
Step7Save the Timeline
- Is everything finalized? Click the File button with the hamburger menu icon.
- Select Save to download the file in EdrawMax's default format.
- Otherwise, select Export to get the timeline in your desired format.
What's Next
Every legend has a timeline. Now you've seen the rise and fall of heroes, empires, and destinies. This universe continues to grow and your journey is just beginning. New stories are coming. More Jedi. More secrets. More battles.
Stay updated. Share the timeline with your friends and family. And if you want to create your own timeline or chart; try EdrawMax—the all-in-one diagram maker. All it takes is a few clicks to bring fan projects to life.
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