The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, comprises a series of movies, television shows, books, and other media set in a galaxy far, far away. The franchise began with the release of the film "Star Wars" (later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope") in 1977. Here is a brief overview of each Star Wars movie in chronological order:
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"Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999) - This prequel film, set 32 years before the events of "A New Hope," follows the journey of Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect the young Anakin Skywalker, who is believed to be the "Chosen One" prophesied to bring balance to the Force.
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"Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" (2002) - This film, set 10 years after "The Phantom Menace," follows Anakin as he becomes more powerful in the Jedi Order and falls in love with Senator Padmé Amidala. It also features the beginning of the Clone Wars, a conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
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"Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" (2005) - Set three years after "Attack of the Clones," this film chronicles the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire, as Anakin succumbs to the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader.
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"Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" (1977) - This is the original Star Wars film, and it follows the hero's journey of Luke Skywalker as he learns about the Force and joins the rebellion against the Empire.
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"Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) - This film, set three years after "A New Hope," follows the continuation of the rebellion against the Empire, as well as the revelation that Darth Vader is Luke's father.
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"Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi" (1983) - Set one year after "The Empire Strikes Back," this film concludes the original trilogy as the rebels fight to defeat the Empire and bring an end to the Clone Wars.
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"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008) - This animated film takes place between "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith," and follows the adventures of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, during the Clone Wars.
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"Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens" (2015) - This film, set 30 years after "Return of the Jedi," follows a new set of heroes as they search for Luke Skywalker and try to defeat the remnants of the Empire, now known as the First Order.
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"Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi" (2017) - Set immediately after "The Force Awakens," this film follows the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order as well as the journey of Rey as she trains to become a Jedi.
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"Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker" (2019) - This film, set one year after "The Last Jedi," concludes the sequel trilogy as the heroes face off against the Final Order and try to defeat the resurrected Emperor Palpatine.