The Definitive Star Wars Timeline: How to Watch, Read, and Play the Entire Canon in Chronological Order

Want to consume the entire cannon stories of the Star Wars Universe? We've got everything you need to watch, read and play the entire Star Wars Canon in Chronological Order in the Definitive Star Wars Timeline guide!

So you want to experience all of Star Wars? Not just the movies, but the shows, the books, the comics, the games and even the VR rides where you get yelled at by Hondo Ohnaka. Buckle up, because the galaxy far, far away is a lot bigger (and messier) than lightsabers and “I am your father” reveals. Thanks to decades of storytelling, retcons and Disney’s “that’s canon, this isn’t” shuffle, the official timeline stretches from the shining days of the High Republic all the way to Rey’s showdown with Palpatine’s Final Order. This The Definitive Star Wars Timeline guide will walk you through every single canon story - in proper chronological order - so you’ll know exactly when to watch, read, or play each piece without needing a Jedi Holocron to figure it out.

The High Republic Era (382 BBY – 82 BBY)

• Light of the Jedi [Novel] – The Jedi face a galaxy-wide crisis when a hyperspace disaster threatens countless worlds.

• A Test of Courage [Novel] – A young Jedi and her allies must survive a deadly crash and sabotage during the Republic’s golden age.

• Into the Dark [Novel] – A Padawan and his companions uncover sinister secrets in an abandoned space station.

• The High Republic (2021) [Comic Series] – Ongoing stories of Jedi Knights battling the Nihil marauders and emerging threats to peace.

• The High Republic Adventures (2021) [Comic Series] – A more youthful, Padawan-focused take on Jedi missions during the High Republic.

• The Rising Storm [Novel] – As the Republic’s grand fair begins, the Nihil launch a devastating surprise attack.

• Race to Crashpoint Tower [Novel] – Young heroes must defend a communications tower during the Nihil’s chaos.

• Out of the Shadows [Novel] – Jedi and allies uncover dangerous political conspiracies as the Nihil grow bolder.

• Tempest Runner [Audio Drama] – Explores the backstory of Lourna Dee, one of the Nihil’s most ruthless leaders.

• The Fallen Star [Novel] – The Jedi’s greatest bastion, Starlight Beacon, comes under catastrophic attack.

• Midnight Horizon [Novel] – Jedi and Padawans investigate a Nihil plot targeting the core world of Corellia.

• Trail of Shadows [Comic Series] – A noir-style investigation uncovers horrifying truths behind the Jedi’s enemies.

• Path of Deceit [Novel] – A secret cult manipulates young Force-sensitives long before the Republic realizes the threat.

• The High Republic (2022) [Comic Series] – Continues the saga with new characters as the Jedi face escalating dangers.

• Convergence [Novel] – Political marriage and uneasy alliances may decide the fate of warring planets.

• The Battle of Jedha [Audio Drama] – Tensions on Jedha erupt as the Nihil and Jedi clash over the sacred moon.

• Cataclysm [Novel] – The Jedi confront betrayal and tragedy as the galaxy edges closer to chaos.

• Path of Vengeance [Novel] – Explores the Path of the Open Hand’s dark manipulations from within.

• The Eye of Darkness [Novel] – Marchion Ro tightens his grip as the Nihil carve out a terrifying “Occlusion Zone.”

• Defy the Storm [Novel] – Jedi and allies plot desperate missions to break through Nihil blockades.

• Temptation of the Force [Novel] – Love, duty, and betrayal test Jedi in an era of growing darkness.

• Star Wars Eclipse [Video Game] – A narrative-driven game set in the High Republic, exploring political intrigue and moral choices. Coming soon.

• The Acolyte [Live-Action TV Show] – A mystery-thriller following dark-side corruption at the twilight of the High Republic.

The Fall of the Jedi Era (82 BBY – 19 BBY)

• The Living Force [Novel] – The Jedi Council leaves Coruscant for a mission that tests their unity and vision of the Force.

• Master & Apprentice [Novel] – Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi struggle with trust, prophecy, and their complicated bond.

• Queen’s Peril [Novel] – A prequel to The Phantom Menace, exploring Padmé Amidala’s first days as Queen of Naboo.

• Darth Maul [Comic Series] – Chronicles Maul’s violent training and his hunger to confront the Jedi before The Phantom Menace.

• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace [Movie] – Jedi discover young Anakin Skywalker while battling the Sith’s reemergence and a trade war on Naboo.

• Obi-Wan & Anakin [Comic Series] – A stranded mission tests the Master-Padawan relationship between Obi-Wan and a restless Anakin.

• Queen’s Shadow [Novel] – Padmé transitions from queen to senator, while her handmaidens uncover political intrigue.

• Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones [Movie] – The galaxy fractures into war as Anakin falls in love with Padmé and dark forces rise.

• Queen’s Hope [Novel] – Padmé navigates her secret marriage to Anakin while balancing her role as senator and leader.

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Animated Film) [Movie] – Introduces Ahsoka Tano and sets up the Clone Wars animated series.

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars [Animated TV Show] – Seven seasons chart the Republic’s battles, Anakin’s descent, and the tragic corruption of the Jedi.

• Dark Disciple [Novel] – Jedi Quinlan Vos teams up with former Sith assassin Asajj Ventress in a daring mission to kill Count Dooku.

• Mace Windu - The Glass Abyss [Novel] – A new story of Jedi facing impossible odds during the final stages of the Clone Wars.

• Son of Dathomir [Comic Series] – Maul survives his downfall to wage war against Sidious, Dooku, and General Grievous.

• Tales of the Jedi (Prequel-era episodes) [Animated TV Special/Shorts] – Short stories spotlight the early lives of Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano.

• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith [Movie] – The Republic falls, Anakin becomes Darth Vader, and the Jedi are nearly exterminated.

The Reign of the Empire Era (19 BBY – 5 BBY)

• Star Wars: The Bad Batch [Animated TV Show] – Clone Force 99 navigates survival and shifting loyalties in the aftermath of Order 66.

• Ahsoka [Novel] – A fugitive Ahsoka Tano hides from the Empire while wrestling with her place in the galaxy.

• Lords of the Sith [Novel] – Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine are stranded on Ryloth and must fight their way out together.

• Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (2017) [Comic Series] – Chronicles Vader’s early years, his brutal Jedi hunts, and the forging of his Sith identity.

• Tarkin [Novel] – Follows Governor Tarkin’s rise to power and his iron-fisted loyalty to the Emperor.

• Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel [Novel] – Explores the Ersos’ relationship with Krennic and the origins of the Death Star project.

• Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy [Novels] – Delves into Thrawn’s backstory in the Chiss Ascendancy before he joins the Empire.

• Jedi: Fallen Order [Video Game] – Cal Kestis, a young Padawan survivor, evades Inquisitors while rediscovering his Jedi path.

• Jedi: Survivor [Video Game] – Cal continues his fight against the Empire as stakes rise and allies are tested.

• A New Dawn [Novel] – Introduces Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla as they form the beginnings of the Ghost crew.

• Thrawn [Novel] – Tells how Grand Admiral Thrawn rises through the Imperial ranks with cunning and strategy.

• Solo: A Star Wars Story [Movie] – Young Han Solo meets Chewbacca, befriends Lando, and takes his first steps into the smuggler’s life.

• Thrawn: Alliances [Novel] – Thrawn and Darth Vader team up on a dangerous mission tied to both their pasts.

• Obi-Wan Kenobi [Live-Action TV Show] – Obi-Wan emerges from exile to rescue young Leia and confront Darth Vader once more.

• Thrawn: Treason [Novel] – Thrawn’s loyalty is tested as he navigates Imperial politics and looming threats.

• Andor [Live-Action TV Show] – Cassian Andor transforms from survivor to rebel operative in a tense, ground-level story of resistance.

• Star Wars Rebels [Animated TV Show] – A small crew of rebels on the Ghost fight the Empire, setting the stage for the larger Rebellion.

The Age of Rebellion Era (5 BBY – 5 ABY)

• Leia: Princess of Alderaan [Novel] – Teenage Leia begins her path toward rebellion as she uncovers her parents’ secrets and asserts her own leadership.

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [Movie] – A ragtag team steals the Death Star plans at great cost, handing the Rebellion its first real chance.

• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope [Movie] – Luke, Leia, and Han rise from obscurity to strike the Empire with their first major victory.

• Heir to the Jedi [Novel] – A first-person look into Luke’s early Jedi training and his struggle to understand the Force.

• Battlefront: Twilight Company [Novel] – A gritty ground-level view of Rebel soldiers fighting on the front lines of the Galactic Civil War.

• Princess Leia [Comic Series] – Leia grapples with the destruction of Alderaan and takes decisive steps to aid her people.

• Chewbacca [Comic Series] – Chewie embarks on a solo adventure to free enslaved villagers while stranded on a distant world.

• Lando [Comic Series] – A pre-Rebellion Lando Calrissian takes on a dangerous heist that puts him face-to-face with the Empire.

• Star Wars (2015) [Comic Series] – Explores the core trio’s exploits between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back.

• Darth Vader (2015) [Comic Series] – Shows Vader’s rise in fearsome reputation after A New Hope and his obsession with finding Luke.

• Doctor Aphra (2016) [Comic Series] – Rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra partners with Vader (and often betrays him) in chaotic adventures.

• Star Wars: Battlefront II (Main Campaign) [Video Game] – Imperial soldier Iden Versio begins loyal to the Empire but questions everything as Endor falls.

• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back [Movie] – The Rebellion suffers crushing defeats while Luke learns shocking truths from Vader.

• War of the Bounty Hunters [Comic Series] – Bounty hunters, the Empire, and the Rebels collide in a galactic scramble for Han Solo frozen in carbonite.

• Crimson Reign [Comic Series] – Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn manipulate the underworld in a bold move against both the Empire and the Rebellion.

• Hidden Empire [Comic Series] – Qi’ra’s final gambit plays out, threatening the Emperor himself.

• Star Wars (2020) [Comic Series] – Continues the heroes’ story between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

• Darth Vader (2020) [Comic Series] – Follows Vader’s wrath and inner conflict after Luke’s rejection on Cloud City.

• Bounty Hunters [Comic Series] – Centers on the rivalries and missions of bounty hunters navigating galactic chaos.

• Tales of the Jedi (Imperial-era episode) [Animated TV Shorts] – Features a young Inquisitor’s hunt for survivors of Order 66.

• Star Wars: Squadrons [Video Game] – Players alternate between New Republic and Imperial pilots in dogfights set after Return of the Jedi.

• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi [Movie] – Luke redeems his father, the Emperor falls, and the Rebellion claims victory over the Empire.

The New Republic Era (5 ABY – 34 ABY)

• Shattered Empire [Comic Series] – Shows the immediate aftermath of Endor and how Rebel soldiers continue the fight as the Empire fragments.

• Aftermath Trilogy (Aftermath, Life Debt, Empire’s End) [Novels] – Chronicles the fall of the Empire, the rise of the New Republic, and the climactic Battle of Jakku.

• Star Wars: Battlefront II – Resurrection [Video Game DLC] – Expands Iden Versio’s story as she grapples with the First Order’s emergence.

• Alphabet Squadron Trilogy [Novels] – A ragtag team of pilots wages war against Imperial remnants while learning to trust one another.

• The Mandalorian (Seasons 1–3) [Live-Action TV Show] – Din Djarin’s bounty hunting journey changes forever when he bonds with Grogu, reshaping the New Republic frontier.

• The Book of Boba Fett [Live-Action TV Show] – Boba Fett reclaims his armor and carves out a new life as a crime lord on Tatooine.

• Ahsoka [Live-Action TV Show] – Former Jedi Ahsoka Tano investigates the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn and searches for lost ally Ezra Bridger.

• Skeleton Crew [Live-Action TV Show] – A group of kids lost in the galaxy seek a way home with help from a mysterious wanderer.

• Shadow of the Sith [Novel] – Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian race against time to protect a young Rey from dark-side cultists.

• Bloodline [Novel] – Leia grapples with political corruption, her family legacy, and the birth of the Resistance.

• Star Wars: Resistance (Season 1) [Animated TV Show] – Pilot Kazuda Xiono spies on the First Order while undercover on the Colossus station.

The Rise of the First Order Era (34 ABY – 35 ABY)

• Poe Dameron [Comic Series] – Follows ace pilot Poe and Black Squadron on missions leading directly into The Force Awakens.

• Phasma [Novel] – Reveals the brutal, secretive origins of Captain Phasma and her rise through the First Order ranks.

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance [Ride/Experience] – An immersive Disney attraction where riders join the Resistance in a battle against Kylo Ren and the First Order.

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run [Ride/Experience] – A theme park mission where fans co-pilot the Falcon on a dangerous heist for Hondo Ohnaka.

• Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens [Movie] – Rey discovers her Force sensitivity, Finn defects from the First Order, and Han confronts his fallen son, Kylo Ren.

• Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi [Movie] – The Resistance fights for survival while Rey seeks out a reluctant Luke Skywalker.

• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge (VR) [Video Game] – A virtual reality adventure mixing blaster fights, lightsabers, and encounters with familiar characters.

• Star Wars: Resistance (Season 2) [Animated TV Show] – Kaz and the Colossus crew fight alongside the Resistance as the war escalates.

• Resistance Reborn [Novel] – Poe, Finn, and Leia rally allies for the shattered Resistance ahead of their final stand.

• Allegiance [Comic Series] – Bridges the gap between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker as Leia seeks Mon Calamari aid.

• Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker [Movie] – Rey confronts her lineage, Kylo Ren seeks redemption, and the Resistance battles the Final Order in one last clash.

At the end of the day, the Star Wars canon timeline is less a straight line and more like a tangled ball of Christmas lights that somehow still spark joy to us fanboys. From ancient Jedi and galactic wars to smugglers, rebels, and Resistance fighters, every piece - whether it’s a movie, comic, an audiobook, a short or a video game - adds another layer to the saga’s ever-expanding legacy. You don’t have to consume it all (though if you do, welcome to the club), but knowing how it fits together makes the galaxy far, far away feel that much more alive. Because whether you’re crying over K-2SO’s sacrifice, cheering for Ahsoka’s return, or rage-tweeting about midichlorians, one thing remains true: Star Wars will always have another story to tell… and fans like us will always be there to dive in, in whatever order we can.