From Skywalker To New Era — Here’s The Shockingly Accurate Release Order of All Star Wars Movies!

When the saga began with Star Wars: Episode IV—a revolutionary blend of space fantasy and mythic storytelling—the galaxy far, far away launched an epic cinematic journey that has spanned decades. But what’s often overlooked is the unexpected release order of the entire Star Wars timeline. Many fans and even casual observers miss critical clues that restructure how we view the saga—especially with the shocking reversal of chronology in The Rise of Skywalker and its place in the grand arc.

Dive into this eye-opening breakdown of the ‘From Skywalker to New Era’ release order, revealing the hidden logic behind Star Wars’ epics—and how New Skywalker subtly redefines the past.

Understanding the Context


The Classic Skywalker Line-Up: Original Chronology Revisited

Traditionally, Star Wars films are remembered as:

  1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
    The original adventure that began Luke Skywalker’s journey.

Key Insights

  1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    The turning point introducing Darth Vader’s identity, heralding Skywalker’s internal and external battles.

  2. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
    The redemption arc where Skywalker and Vader reconcile amid the fall of the Empire.

These three form the core Skywalker trilogy—marco-pivotal and mythically coherent.


Hidden Layers in the Extended Saga: Prequels and Sequels

Final Thoughts

The prequel trilogy (Episodes I–III, 1999–2005) recontextualizes Skywalker’s path through a futuristic, technologically advanced era:

  1. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
    Marking Skywalker’s emergence in a galactic Republic — yet criticized by fans for shifting tone and legacy.

  2. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
    Skywalker’s transformation into a young leader amid political upheaval, critical to his later role.

  3. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
    Skywalker’s tragic turn to dark sides before becoming a Jedi Saviour—fantastic but debated for darker themes.

Then, the episodic disruptions: the rise of Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018) stood apart, serving as non-linear complements rather than direct precursors.


The Skywalker Saga – A Realigned New Era Chronology

Enter The Rise of Skywalker (2019), formally titled Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Surprisingly, this final chapter reinterprets Skywalker’s arc within a cyclical, mythic framework:

  • It ties together past threads, framing Skywalker’s journey as part of a larger, unresolved mythology.
  • Though released after The Force Awakens (2015), Rise of the Skywalker functions as the true conclusive piece—settling loose ends from decades of storytelling.

The shocking twist? Rise of the Skywalker is not just a sequel but a revival—a restoration of Skywalker’s legacy after unseen setbacks, redefining the classic Skywalker narrative.