Few franchises stretch across pop culture history like Star Wars. Since 1977, Lucasfilm’s space opera has delivered unforgettable characters, epic battles, and stories that span generations — both on and off the main Skywalker Saga.Below, we walk through every Star Wars movie ever released or officially announced, in order of release.1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)Credit: LucasfilmDirected by George Lucas, A New Hope is where it all began.Mark Hamill stars as Luke Skywalker, who leaves his desert home to help Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and battles the Galactic Empire alongside Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and droids R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels).With John Williams’ legendary score, its mix of adventure and mythic storytelling reverberates through every Star Wars story that followed.2. The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)Credit: LucasfilmThe Star Wars Holiday Special gained cult infamy among fans — for all the wrong reasons.Though not a traditional Star Wars film per se, this novelty release sees the return of Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Leia, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker as they celebrate “Life Day” with Chewbacca’s Wookiee family.Known for its wild musical numbers and outlandish segments, Steve Binder’s film is considered one of the wildest, cringiest, and most laughable entries in the entire franchise.3. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)Credit: LucasfilmIrvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back is the darkest chapter in the original trilogy.The 1980 sequel sees the Empire push back against the Rebel Alliance. Luke (Hamill) trains with Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) on Dagobah while Han (Ford) and Leia (Fisher) grow closer under fire. Its twist — Darth Vader’s revelation to Luke that he is his father — is one of the franchise’s most defining moments and one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.4. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)Credit: LucasfilmReturn of the Jedi marks the end of the Skywalker Saga — at least until the sequel trilogy.Richard Marquand’s trilogy-topping finale reunites the Rebel heroes to topple the Emperor once and for all. Luke confronts Vader (James Earl Jones) and the Emperor (Ian McDiarmid), while Leia leads ground forces, and Han returns from Jabba the Hutt’s grasp. There’s thrilling action with emotional payoff as the fate of the faraway galaxy is decided.5. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)If you loved Return of the Jedi‘s cute little teddies, you might find something to enjoy here.Directed by John Korty, the TV movie Caravan of Courage — known internationally as The Ewok Adventure — follows two human children stranded on the forest moon of Endor. They befriend the furry Ewoks, led by Wicket (Warwick Davis), and undertake quests to rescue their parents from a giant creature.6. Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)The Battle for Endor isn’t much better, but it’s not the worst film in the franchise.Jim and Ken Wheat’s TV sequel brings back the cute little Ewoks and introduces Wilford Brimley as an ally to orphaned Cindel Towani. Together they defend their village from ruthless marauders in an adventure that’s more rugged and perilous than its predecessor.7. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)Credit: LucasfilmThe Phantom Menace marked the beginning of a new era for Star Wars.George Lucas returned to launch the prequel trilogy, introducing young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Set decades before A New Hope, it explores political corruption, podracing, and the rise of the Sith, including the iconic villain Darth Maul (Ray Park).8. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)Credit: LucasfilmAttack of the Clones is one of the most overlooked entries in the entire saga.Lucas returned to direct as the faraway galaxy edges toward all-out war. Obi-Wan (McGregor) investigates a clone army conspiracy while Anakin (this time played by Hayden Christensen) grows closer to former Queen of Naboo Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), marking the beginning of his journey towards becoming the Sith Lord Darth Vader.9. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)Credit: LucasfilmRevenge of the Sith is the most tragic installment in Star Wars.In George Lucas’ dark conclusion to the prequels, Anakin Skywalker’s fall to Darth Vader is complete. With the Republic collapsing into the Empire and Order 66 executed, friendships are shattered and the Skywalker legacy begins under incredibly dark circumstances.The final film in the trilogy also gets every character in their starting positions ready for A New Hope.Related: All 15 ‘Star Wars’ Movies Ranked From Worst To Best10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)Credit: LucasfilmThe Clone Wars movie isn’t great, but it started something that was.Directed by Dave Filoni, this big-screen animated feature launched the critically acclaimed, long-running TV series of the same name. It introduces Ahsoka Tano (voiced by Ashley Eckstein), Anakin’s former padawan, along with several other new and familiar characters, and expands the galaxy’s politics, battles, and storylines during the Clone Wars era.11. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)Credit: LucasfilmThe Force Awakens is now officially 10 years old.J.J. Abrams directed this long-awaited sequel that relaunched the saga for a new generation. Daisy Ridley stars as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. The Resistance rises again as familiar faces like Han Solo (Ford) and Leia Organa (Fisher) return to battle a new, galaxy-wide enemy known as the First Order.12. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)Credit: LucasfilmRogue One remains the best Star Wars film of the Disney era.Director Gareth Edwards’ standalone story follows rebel Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and a rogue team who plot to steal the Death Star plans — the pivotal act that directly leads into A New Hope. Its gritty tone and self-contained arc helped to broaden the scope of Star Wars cinema. The film also led to the critically acclaimed Disney+ live-action spinoff series Andor.13. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)Credit: LucasfilmThe Last Jedi marked the end of Star Wars for many fans.Directed by Rian Johnson, the sequel trilogy’s middle chapter pushes Rey to test her connection to the Force with reclusive Luke Skywalker (Hamill) while the Resistance fights for survival against Kylo Ren (Driver) and the First Order. The film challenges expectations and expands the lore around the Force, although it didn’t go down well with many fans.14. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)Credit: LucasfilmSolo: A Star Wars Story tells an origin story no one asked for.Ron Howard stepped in to direct this origin tale of the faraway galaxy’s most famous smuggler, Han Solo. Alden Ehrenreich plays the younger version of the “scruffy-looking nerf herder” as he meets Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and learns the rules of living life on the edge, including a team-up with future criminal legend Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover).15. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)Credit: LucasfilmThe Rise of Skywalker marked the end of the Skywalker Saga.J.J. Abrams returned to end the Skywalker Saga with this explosive finale. Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) confront the resurrected Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) while the Resistance makes its final stand against the “Final Order. The final chapter in Disney’s sequel trilogy ties together decades of storytelling and concludes the nine-film arc.16. The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026)Credit: LucasfilmThe Mandalorian & Grogu will be the franchise’s first big-screen adaptation of a TV series.Directed by Jon Favreau, the upcoming film also marks Star Wars’ return to theaters after The Rise of Skywalker. Pedro Pascal returns as Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin alongside Grogu, with Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White joining the cast.The New Republic enlists the pair against scattered Imperial warlords, bringing the hit Disney+ characters to an epic, big-screen adventure. Watch the official trailer below:17. Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28, 2027)Credit: LucasfilmStar Wars: Starfighter will fly in one year after The Mandalorian & Grogu.Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, Starfighter is set several years after The Rise of Skywalker. Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2025, the “standalone” film promises an original story with new characters (including Ryan Gosling’s unnamed lead) and settings, expanding the cinematic universe beyond the Skywalker legacy.Which is your favorite Star Wars movie? And which new installment are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments down below!The post ‘Star Wars’: A Guide to All 17 Movies in the Franchise appeared first on Inside the Magic.