Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) movie poster

Plot Summary

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 142 min · English
Echo score 41
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
J.J. Abrams
Starring
Mark Hamill, Naomi Ackie, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels
Budget
$275M

The rise of a new threat plunges the galaxy into turmoil as Palpatine’s dark legacy returns. Rey, Finn, and Poe lead the charge against the First Order, determined to dismantle their imperial ambitions. As time dwindles, Rey confronts Kylo Ren in a climactic battle that will decide the fate of the Resistance and the future of the galaxy.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
  6. 6 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

The story begins with an ominous opening crawl, revealing that a mysterious broadcast has echoed across the galaxy, emanating from the late Emperor Palpatine. In response, General Leia Organa dispatches agents to investigate this strange occurrence. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren, now the Supreme Leader of the First Order, is on a relentless quest to find Palpatine and eliminate any threats to his rule. His journey leads him to Mustafar, where he seizes an ancient Sith artifact known as a "Wayfinder," using it to chart a course into the galaxy's unknown regions. This ultimately brings him to Exagol, the legendary home of the Sith, where Palpatine—returning through unnatural means—has been orchestrating events from the shadows. He reveals to Kylo that he has been manipulating the First Order and created Snoke as a puppet leader, urging Kylo to kill Rey and eradicate the Jedi.

As events unfold, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Chewbacca receive critical intel from a Resistance informant about a mole within the First Order. A fierce skirmish against TIE-Fighters prompts them to flee aboard the Millennium Falcon, sustaining damage but managing to escape.

On the lush jungle planet Ajan-Kloss, Rey is continuing her training under Leia’s guidance, grappling with her connection to the past Jedi. Despite her frustrations, Leia's mentorship shines through as they share visions of the past, and during a training mishap, Rey accidentally lops over a tree onto BB-8. Soon, news of Palpatine’s return reaches the Resistance, striking dread in their hearts as they realize they have little time before the dark lord unleashes his fleet—dubbed "the Final Order."

Determined to counteract this looming threat, the Resistance intrigues begin to come alive. C-3PO reveals plans to retrieve information about another Wayfinder, which leads the brave crew on a prominent quest to Pasaana to locate this artifact. Just as the heroes prepare to depart in the Falcon, they bid heartfelt farewells to their loved ones before embarking on this crucial mission.

Meanwhile, back in the First Order ranks, Kylo Ren convenes a meeting, revealing his suspicions about a spy. As tensions unfold and the First Order bears down on the heroes, Rey courageously faces off against Kylo as they engage in an epic battle. Their confrontation leads to Rey discovering the existence of Ochi's ship and an ancient Sith dagger, setting off a series of perilous escapades that include close encounters and unexpected alliances.

At one pivotal moment in Kijimi, the group encounters Zorii Bliss, who helps them navigate through security hurdles. However, upon discovering Chewbacca’s fate, Rey's desperation leads her to touch the dagger, triggering memories tied to her familial past. During her fervent attempts to save her friends and navigate her connections with Kylo, shocking truths about her lineage unravel, revealing Rey as the granddaughter of Palpatine.

In a gripping sequence, the Resistance builds their forces, banding together for a climactic battle against the First Order. They gather a diverse coalition led by Lando Calrissian, bolstering their ranks just as dark times envelop them all. The battle against Palpatine’s forces unfolds, with Rey facing her ultimate nemesis in the dark throne room of Exagol, balancing her fears and the legacy of her lineage.

With the echoes of fallen Jedi resounding in her heart, Rey stands tall against Palpatine's might, deflecting his dark energy with the strength of her ancestors. In a moment filled with tension, she summons her bravery and while declaring "and I... am all the Jedi," she disrupts Palpatine’s hold over the dark side, culminating in an explosive confrontation that transforms the fate of the galaxy.

In the wake of immense loss and newfound determination, Rey embarks on a journey back to the place where it all began, burying the Skywalker legacy at the Lars homestead on Tatooine. As the twin suns rise, she embraces her identity, affirming her new path as Rey Skywalker—a beacon of hope for the galaxy, surrounded by the spirits of those who came before her.

Last updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:03

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

How does Palpatine return in The Rise of Skywalker?

Palpatine returns through unnatural means on the Sith planet Exagol. He reveals to Kylo Ren that he has been manipulating the First Order from the shadows all along, creating Snoke as a puppet leader. His essence or spirit survived his death in Return of the Jedi through dark side sorcery, allowing him to orchestrate the First Order's rise and wait for the right moment to reveal himself.

Foreshadowing: The opening crawl hints at his return through a mysterious broadcast echoing across the galaxy.

  • palpatine return
  • exagol
  • snoke
  • first order
  • empire
Q2

Why is Rey Palpatine's granddaughter?

Rey learns she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine when she touches the Sith dagger on Kijimi, triggering buried memories. This revelation explains her powerful Force sensitivity and connects her to the dark side lineage. However, she chooses to reject this heritage and ultimately embraces the Skywalker family legacy instead.

Foreshadowing: Rey consistently experiences visions and a Force bond with Kylo Ren, hinting at a deeper connection to the dark side.

  • rey lineage
  • palpatine family
  • rey palpatine
  • force sensitivity
Q3

What is the Wayfinder and why does everyone want it?

The Wayfinder is an ancient Sith artifact that charts a course to Exagol, the hidden home of the Sith. Kylo Ren obtains one from Mustafar, which leads him to Palpatine. The Resistance needs another one to reach Exagol and stop the Final Order before it's too late.

Foreshadowing: The mysterious broadcast from Palpatine creates urgency, driving the search for the artifact.

  • wayfinder
  • sith artifact
  • mustafar
  • exagol
  • quest
Q4

What is the Final Order that Palpatine threatens the galaxy with?

The Final Order is a massive fleet of Star Destroyers, each equipped with planet-destroying lasers, that Palpatine has been building in secret on Exagol. Without the coordinates to the planet, the Resistance has no way to destroy the fleet before it can annihilate the galaxy.

Foreshadowing: Palpatine's broadcast reveals his intention to end the Resistance and reclaim power.

  • final order
  • star destroyer fleet
  • exagol
  • galactic threat
Q5

Why does Rey take the name Skywalker at the end?

Rey takes the name Skywalker to honor the family that raised her, trained her, and believed in her. Both Luke and Leia guided her Jedi journey, and she chooses to continue their legacy rather than accept Palpatine's dark heritage. She buries the Skywalker lightsabers on Tatooine, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of her new identity.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, Leia trains Rey and treats her as family, while Luke's spirit guides her.

  • rey skywalker
  • luke skywalker
  • leia
  • legacy
  • tatooine
Q6

How does Rey defeat Palpatine in the final battle?

Rey defeats Palpatine by drawing on the strength of all the Jedi who came before her. When Palpatine tries to drain her life Force to restore himself, Rey reflects his own dark energy back at him using the combined power of past Jedi, destroying him while she survives.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Rey hears the voices of past Jedi encouraging her during her training.

  • rey vs palpatine
  • jedi spirits
  • final battle
  • exagol
  • force
Q7

What happens to Kylo Ren in The Rise of Skywalker?

Kylo Ren is killed when Rey stabs him with his own lightsaber during their confrontation on the Death Star ruins. However, Rey uses the Force to heal him, bringing him back. He then sacrifices himself to help Rey and the Resistance by using his life Force to restore her after she defeats Palpatine.

Foreshadowing: The film hints at Kylo's redemption through his conflicted relationship with his mother Leia.

  • kylo ren death
  • ben solo
  • redemption
  • sacrifice
Q8

How does the Resistance discover the spy in the First Order?

The Resistance receives intel from a First Order informant about a mole within their ranks. This information comes through during the skirmish with TIE-Fighters, prompting Finn, Poe, and Chewbacca to flee aboard the Millennium Falcon. The spy ultimately proves crucial to their understanding of the First Order's plans.

Foreshadowing: Kylo Ren himself expresses suspicion about a spy during a First Order meeting.

  • first order spy
  • finn
  • poe
  • resistance intel
  • mole
Q9

Why does Rey touch the Sith dagger on Kijimi?

Rey touches the Sith dagger in desperation after learning Chewbacca has been captured. The dagger triggers Force visions that reveal her true parentage and connect her to the mystery of Ochi's ship, leading her to discover the truth about her lineage as Palpatine's granddaughter.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Rey and Kylo discover Ochi's ship and the dagger during their confrontation.

  • sith dagger
  • kijimi
  • rey visions
  • ochi ship
  • memories
Q10

How does Leia die in The Rise of Skywalker?

Leia dies from the effort of using the Force to reach out to her son Kylo Ren during Rey's vision. Her body gives out from the strain of projecting herself across the galaxy while being pulled back to the Resistance ship. She dies peacefully, having guided Rey and Kylo both toward the light.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, Leia's Force abilities are shown to drain her, and she appears exhausted during her training sessions with Rey.

  • leia organa
  • death
  • carrie fisher
  • kylo ren
  • force projection
Q11

What happens to Chewbacca in The Rise of Skywalker?

Chewbacca is captured by the First Order on Pasaana during a chaotic confrontation. The Resistance believes he has been killed when a transport ship he is on explodes, but Rey later discovers he is alive and being held prisoner. She rescues him in a daring operation on a Star Destroyer.

Foreshadowing: The explosion scene creates dramatic tension, leading the heroes to believe they have lost Chewbacca.

  • chewbacca captured
  • pasanna
  • rescue
  • first order
Q12

Why does Palpatine want Kylo Ren to kill Rey?

Palpatine orders Kylo Ren to kill Rey because she is his granddaughter and the last remaining threat to his plans. By eliminating her, Kylo would prove his loyalty to the dark side and remove the one person capable of defeating Palpatine. However, Kylo struggles with this command throughout the film, ultimately choosing not to kill her.

Foreshadowing: Palpatine's reveal of Rey's lineage creates this impossible choice for Kylo.

  • kylo ren
  • palpatine
  • rey
  • dark side
  • order

Movie threads

More Movies Like Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Desperate Galactic Races Against Time like in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

High-stakes adventures where the fate of worlds hinges on a desperate, fast-paced mission. If you enjoyed the urgent, high-stakes mission in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar sci-fi and fantasy stories where heroes undertake a desperate, fast-paced race against time to save their world or galaxy from total destruction.

  • urgent
  • thrilling
  • desperate
  • epic
  • grandiose
  • climactic
  • Tone: tense, urgent, epic
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically begin with an overwhelming threat that gives the heroes a narrow window to act. The plot unfolds as a series of escalating challenges and action sequences, often involving a quest for a crucial object or piece of information. The narrative structure is linear and propulsive, constantly reinforcing the urgency of the mission.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a core experience of relentless, high-intensity pacing and a desperate, world-ending scale of stakes. They create a tense, urgent mood through constant action and the palpable pressure of a looming deadline, making the viewer feel the weight of every second.

Bittersweet Victories and Legacy's Weight like in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

Triumphs that are earned through great sacrifice, leaving a poignant and complex legacy. For viewers who appreciated the emotionally charged, bittersweet ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, this thread highlights similar movies. Discover films where the heroes' hard-won triumphs are tempered by loss and sacrifice, exploring powerful themes of destiny, legacy, and the cost of peace.

  • bittersweet
  • poignant
  • climactic
  • heavy
  • hopeful
  • legacy
  • Tone: bittersweet, heavy, hopeful
  • Pacing: variable, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a central conflict where the hero must confront a dark legacy or make profound sacrifices for the greater good. The climax resolves the primary threat, but the aftermath is tinged with melancholy from loss or the burden of a new responsibility. The emotional journey is heavy, focusing on themes of identity, sacrifice, and what it truly means to win.

Why they belong together: These movies are connected by their shared focus on emotionally heavy journeys that culminate in bittersweet conclusions. They balance epic-scale conflict with intimate character struggles, particularly around themes of legacy and identity, resulting in a viewing experience that is both triumphant and deeply poignant.

If you liked this

Movies Like Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

Similar movies to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app