Star Wars Chronology

The Star Wars chronology can be more than a little confusing. Some people refer to the chronology of the film based on their release dates, while others refer to the arc of the overall story. The first three movies released in the Star Wars saga were episodes IV, V and VI of the overall story. Later, three prequel movies were released detailing episodes I, II and III.

Star Wars Movie Chronology
The six Star Wars movies are technically two trilogy sets that tell an epic tale. Episode IV was the first movie, Star Wars: A New Hope, in 1977. Episode V was the second movie, The Empire Strikes Back, in 1980. Episode VI was the third movie, Return of the Jedi, in 1983. Episodes IV, V and VI make up the first Star Wars trilogy.

The second trilogy in the Star Wars saga is comprised of episodes I, II and III of the epic tale. Episode I was the fourth movie, The Phantom Menace, in 1999. Episode II was the fifth movie, Attack of the Clones, in 2002. Episode III was the sixth movie, Revenge of the Sith, in 2005.

Star Wars Episode Chronology

• The Phantom Menace story unfolds as two Jedi warriors, Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, become stranded on a desert planet after rescuing Queen Amidala from an impending invasion. The three travelers meet a young boy with Jedi powers, Anakin Skywalker, who wins his freedom to leave with them. As the group returns to the Queen's home world, they fight an invasion and an evil power trying to control the universe.
• Attack of the Clones takes place about 10 years after Episode I. Anakin has become a student of Obi-Wan and the two Jedi warriors are sent to protect Queen Amidala as she fights a political war to defend against evil forces. Anakin and Amidala grow close during their troubles and secretly marry.
• Revenge of the Sith details the crumbling of the democratic Republic and the overwhelming power of the evil side. Anakin is seduced by the dark forces and becomes Darth Vader. The remaining Jedi warriors go into hiding and guard the secret that although Amidala died, Anakin and Amidala's twin babies are alive.
• Star Wars: A New Hope starts with a naïve young adult, Luke Skywalker, and a mysterious message hidden in a droid. He meets Obi-Wan and begins training as a Jedi warrior. The two go on a mission to save Princess Leia, who sent the message. Obi-Wan sacrifices himself to his former student, Darth Vader, to help Luke. With the aid of a renegade space captain and his large sidekick, Luke saves the princess and damages the evil empire.
• The Empire Strikes Back story begins as the evil empire tries to crush the rebellion. Luke goes to study as a Jedi warrior with the old master, Yoda. When Luke is lured into a trap trying to save Princess Leia, Han Solo and the rest, he comes face to face with Darth Vader. Vader reveals to Luke that he used to be Anakin Skywalker and is Luke's father.
• Return of the Jedi continues the battle between the evil empire and the rebellion from The Empire Strikes Back. Luke reveals to Leia that she is his twin sister and Darth Vader is their father. In the final battle between father and son, Vader makes a last second decision before dying to save his son and destroy the empire. The rebels win and evil empire falls.