The Ultimate Guide to Star Wars Chronology

Star Wars is a vast universe filled with complex stories, and understanding its chronology can be overwhelming. From the prequel trilogy to the recent sequels and beyond, this guide will help you navigate the intricate timeline of the Star Wars saga. Join us as we explore the different timelines, extended universe, and the official chronology.

Chronological Order of Star Wars Films

Popular belief holds that the prequel trilogy is first, followed by the original trilogy, and then the sequel trilogy. However, if you want to experience the films as they were originally intended, you must follow a different order:

Original Trilogy: Start with A New Hope, then The Empire Strikes Back, and finally Return of the Jedi. Prequel Trilogy: Watch The Phantom Menace, followed by Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Sequel Trilogy: Conclude with The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

Extended Universe Chronology

The Star Wars universe extends far beyond the films, including animated series, novels, and other media. Here is a detailed breakdown of the timeline:

Old Republic Era: Chronological events leading up to the Battle of Naboo. High Republic Era: Major events that occurred during the High Republic era. Prequel Trilogy: Movies from this era include The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Rebel Era: Key events from the Rebellion, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and A New Hope to The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Mandalorian Era: The departure of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Resistance Era: Major events leading to the formation of the Resistance and the First Order. Sequel Trilogy: Rebellions leading to the battles of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

Official vs. Fan-made Chronologies

While the official Star Wars website doesn't specify a complete timeline for all stories and events, fans and enthusiasts have compiled extensive chronologies. Notable sources include:

Wookieepedia: Fans have created two timelines for both the Legends and Canon continuities. Chronology Books by Daniel Wallace: These books, The Essential Chronology (2000) and The New Essential Chronology (2005), provide a detailed overview of the events but are now considered Legends or non-Canons since 2014.

These fan-made chronologies serve as the closest thing to an official timeline and can help you understand the intricate events in the Star Wars galaxy.

The ultimate guide to understanding Star Wars chronology starts with knowing the official movie order and then delves into the rich and diverse extended universe. Fans and enthusiasts have compiled these chronologies to help navigate the vast tapestry of Star Wars history, making it easier for newcomers and long-time fans alike to enjoy the saga.