Story Order
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Enter the Dune universe

Dune Books, Movies & Series in Chronological Order

Arrakis is only the beginning.

Follow the complete Dune story timeline across Frank Herbert’s novels, expanded books, movies and television series, with adaptations and alternate game continuities clearly separated.

Machine wars, great schools, dynastic plots, Paul’s transformation and the far future all orbit the struggle for Arrakis.

Open the full timeline ↓
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Universe orientation

The desert planet sits inside millennia of history.

The quick answer

Read Dune first. Ignore the temptation to begin with ancient prequels; publication order protects how the universe reveals itself.

Switch to release order or use Starter Mode for a shorter route.

Universe explored

The Dune universe, story by story

Every mapped story, with adaptations and editions grouped together.

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Story chronology · Full mapped list

The list follows in-universe chronology. Era and continuity remain visible on each record.

Showing 47 of 47 released stories.

  1. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Hunting Harkonnens

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed before The Butlerian Jihad. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementbefore The Butlerian JihadFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
    Goodreads
  2. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Butlerian Jihad

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The distant-past conflict between humanity and thinking machines begins the Legends of Dune trilogy.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementLegends of Dune 1First release2002Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  3. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Whipping Mek

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed between Butlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementbetween Butlerian Jihad / Machine CrusadeFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  4. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Machine Crusade

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The war against the thinking machines widens across the second Legends of Dune novel.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementLegends of Dune 2First release2003Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  5. Short storyCanonExpanded

    The Faces of a Martyr

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed before Battle of Corrin. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementbefore Battle of CorrinFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  6. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Battle of Corrin

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The trilogy closes with the battle and institutions that shape the far-future Dune universe.

    Story eraButlerian Jihad / Machine Crusade eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementLegends of Dune 3First release2004Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  7. NovelCanonExpanded

    Sisterhood of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The first Great Schools novel follows the early Bene Gesserit, Mentats and other institutions after the machine wars.

    Story eraSchools of DuneContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementSchools 1First release2012Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  8. NovelCanonExpanded

    Mentats of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The struggle over human computation and anti-technology factions continues the Great Schools sequence.

    Story eraSchools of DuneContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementSchools 2First release2014Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  9. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Red Plague

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed immediately before Navigators. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraSchools of DuneContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementimmediately before NavigatorsFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  10. NovelCanonExpanded

    Navigators of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The Great Schools trilogy closes around the emergence of the Spacing Guild and its navigators.

    Story eraSchools of DuneContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementSchools 3First release2016Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  11. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Imperial Court

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed pre-Prelude. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementpre-PreludeFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  12. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Edge of a Crysknife

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed pre-Prelude. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementpre-PreludeFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  13. NovelCanonExpanded

    House Atreides

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed Prelude to Dune 1. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementPrelude to Dune 1First releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  14. NovelCanonExpanded

    House Harkonnen

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed Prelude to Dune 2. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementPrelude to Dune 2First releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  15. Short/excerptAdaptation continuityR/Expanded

    Blood and Water

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicAdaptation continuity

    Placed during House Harkonnen. Source status: R/Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring House HarkonnenFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  16. NovelCanonExpanded

    House Corrino

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed Prelude to Dune 3. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementPrelude to Dune 3First releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  17. Short/excerptAdaptation continuityR/Expanded

    Fremen Justice / Nighttime Shadows of Open Sand

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicAdaptation continuity

    Placed during House Corrino. Source status: R/Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring House CorrinoFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  18. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Wedding Silk

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed pre-Dune. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementpre-DuneFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  19. NovelCanonExpanded

    Princess of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The Heroes sequence turns to Irulan and Chani before the original novel’s central conflict.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementyoung Irulan / pre-DuneFirst release2023Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  20. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Duke of Caladan

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Duke Leto’s final years on Caladan open a trilogy set just before Dune.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementCaladan Trilogy 1First release2020Placement confidenceStrong
  21. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Lady of Caladan

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Jessica’s loyalties and Bene Gesserit ties drive the second Caladan novel.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementCaladan Trilogy 2First release2021Placement confidenceStrong
  22. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Heir of Caladan

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Paul’s preparation and the family’s impending move to Arrakis close the Caladan trilogy.

    Story eraPRE-DUNE IMPERIUMContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementCaladan Trilogy 3First release2022Placement confidenceStrong
  23. NovelCanonFrank Herbert core

    Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Paul Atreides arrives on Arrakis in the source novel and its major graphic, screen, audio and interactive adaptations—including Cryo’s 1992 game.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placement10191 AGFirst release1965 book · 1984/2021–2024 films · 1992 game · 2000 TVPlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  24. Short storyCanonExpanded

    A Whisper of Caladan Seas

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed during Dune. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring DuneFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  25. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Blood of the Sardaukar

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed during Dune. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring DuneFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  26. Short storyCanonExpanded

    The Waters of Kanly

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed during Dune. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring DuneFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  27. NovelCanonExpanded / Multi-Era

    Paul of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    A bridge novel that moves between Paul’s early reign and an earlier formative campaign.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementbetween Dune and Messiah + flashbacksFirst release2008Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  28. NovelCanon unclearFrank Herbert core

    Dune Messiah

    Direct link to this story
    WatchDune: Part Three — Denis Villeneuve adaptation (upcoming 18 Dec 2026)Canon unclear

    Paul’s rule faces conspiracy and the consequences of the jihad; the story also forms part of the 2003 Children of Dune miniseries. Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three is tracked as an upcoming screen version of this same underlying story rather than a duplicate chronology card.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityLegendary / Villeneuve continuityIn-world placement~12 years after DuneFirst release1969 book · 2003 TVPlacement confidenceApproximate
    Goodreads
  29. NovelCanonExpanded

    The Winds of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The second Heroes novel explores the political and personal aftermath around Paul’s disappearance.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementafter Messiah / retrospectiveFirst release2009Placement confidenceApproximate
    Goodreads
  30. NovelCanonFrank Herbert core

    Children of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The Atreides twins inherit an empire and a dangerous legacy in both the novel and its 2003 screen adaptation.

    Story eraPaul Atreides eraContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementnext generationFirst release1976 book · 2003 TVPlacement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  31. NovelCanonFrank Herbert core

    God Emperor of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    A vast time jump reveals Leto II’s transformed empire and the price of his Golden Path.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placement~3,500 years after ChildrenFirst release1981Placement confidenceApproximate
    Goodreads
  32. NovelCanonFrank Herbert core

    Heretics of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Millennia later, returning populations and new powers disrupt the order Leto created.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placement~1,500 years laterFirst release1984Placement confidenceApproximate
    Goodreads
  33. NovelCanonFrank Herbert core

    Chapterhouse: Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The Bene Gesserit face the Honored Matres in Frank Herbert’s sixth and final Dune novel.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementdirect sequelFirst release1985Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  34. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Sea Child

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed during Chapterhouse. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementduring ChapterhouseFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  35. NovelCanonExpanded

    Hunters of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson continue the unresolved journey after Chapterhouse.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementpost-Chapterhouse continuationFirst release2006Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  36. Short storyCanonExpanded

    Treasure in the Sand

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    Placed immediately before Sandworms. Source status: Expanded.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementimmediately before SandwormsFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  37. NovelCanonExpanded

    Sandworms of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    ReadBook / comicCanon

    The expanded continuation attempts to close the long conflict beyond Frank Herbert’s six novels.

    Story eraLeto II and far futureContinuityDune publishing continuityIn-world placementpost-Chapterhouse conclusionFirst release2007Placement confidenceStrong
    Goodreads
  38. SeriesCanonX

    Dune: Prophecy — Season 1

    Direct link to this story
    WatchTV / streamingCanon

    Placed ~10,000 years before Paul. Source status: X.

    Story eraAncient prequelContinuityLegendary / Villeneuve continuityIn-world placement~10,000 years before PaulFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
    IMDb
  39. FilmCanonX/R

    Dune: Part One

    Direct link to this story
    WatchMovieCanon

    Placed screen 10191 era. Source status: X/R.

    Story eraAncient prequelContinuityLegendary / Villeneuve continuityIn-world placementscreen 10191 eraFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    IMDb
  40. FilmCanonX/R

    Dune: Part Two

    Direct link to this story
    WatchMovieCanon

    Placed continues Part One. Source status: X/R.

    Story eraAncient prequelContinuityLegendary / Villeneuve continuityIn-world placementcontinues Part OneFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
    IMDb
  41. TV miniseriesCanonX/R

    Frank Herbert’s Dune

    Direct link to this story
    WatchTV / streamingCanon

    Placed Dune adaptation. Source status: X/R.

    Story eraSCI-FI CHANNEL MINISERIES CONTINUITYContinuitySci-Fi Channel miniseries continuityIn-world placementDune adaptationFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  42. TV miniseriesCanonX/R

    Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune

    Direct link to this story
    WatchTV / streamingCanon

    Placed adapts Messiah + Children. Source status: X/R.

    Story eraSCI-FI CHANNEL MINISERIES CONTINUITYContinuitySci-Fi Channel miniseries continuityIn-world placementadapts Messiah + ChildrenFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  43. FilmCanonX/R

    Dune (1984)

    Direct link to this story
    WatchMovieCanon

    Source status: X/R.

    Story eraDAVID LYNCH CONTINUITYContinuityDavid Lynch film continuityIn-world placementDAVID LYNCH CONTINUITYFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceApproximate
  44. Strategy gameCanonI

    Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty

    Direct link to this story
    PlayGameCanon

    Westwood’s strategy classic creates a separate three-house conflict that inspired its own game branch.

    Story eraWestwood strategy continuityContinuityDune game continuitiesIn-world placementalternate house-war campaignFirst release1992Placement confidenceStrong
  45. Strategy gameCanonI/R

    Dune 2000

    Direct link to this story
    PlayGameCanon

    Placed reinterpretation of Dune II conflict. Source status: I/R.

    Story eraWestwood strategy continuityContinuityDune game continuitiesIn-world placementreinterpretation of Dune II conflictFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  46. Strategy gameCanonI

    Emperor: Battle for Dune

    Direct link to this story
    PlayGameCanon

    Placed sequel to Dune 2000 game continuity. Source status: I.

    Story eraWestwood strategy continuityContinuityDune game continuitiesIn-world placementsequel to Dune 2000 game continuityFirst releaseRelease year not listed in sourcePlacement confidenceStrong
  47. MMO/survival gameAlternate continuityM / alternate Dune timeline

    Dune: Awakening

    Direct link to this story
    PlayGameAlternate continuity

    An official alternate timeline around the first novel’s era imagines Arrakis without Paul Atreides.

    Story eraDUNE: AWAKENING ALTERNATE TIMELINEContinuityDune: Awakening alternate timelineIn-world placementDUNE: AWAKENING ALTERNATE TIMELINEFirst release2025Placement confidenceApproximate

Not part of the checklist

Announced and unreleased

These records are tracked for context but are excluded from chronology numbers, filters and progress until release.

  • Dune: Prophecy — Season 2TBAUpcoming — date TBA

From the Library

Explore Dune

Make sense of the timeline, then find your next story.

All Dune articles →

Find your route

Dune order guide

Use one authoritative timeline, then choose the view that matches how you want to experience the universe.

Dune Books, Movies & Series Watch Order

Use the chronology for story sequence, then switch to release order when you want the original viewing experience.

Dune Books, Movies & Series Games in Order

Game entries stay in the same researched timeline, with adaptations and side stories labelled so they do not distort the play sequence.

Dune Books, Movies & Series Books in Order

Books, comics and other reading material are placed by story chronology while publication order remains available as a separate view.

Dune Books, Movies & Series Release Order

Release order re-sorts the same mapped stories by first publication or release instead of creating a duplicate guide page.

What Order Should You Read and Watch Dune?

Start with the guide’s recommended route if this is your first time. Use the full chronology when you want the complete cross-media timeline.

Quick answers

Common Dune order questions

Direct answers based on the same chronology, continuity labels and coverage notes used in the guide.

What Order Should You Read and Watch Dune?

Read Dune first. Ignore the temptation to begin with ancient prequels; publication order protects how the universe reveals itself.

Should you use chronological or release order for Dune?

Use chronological order to follow events as they happen. Use release order when you want to preserve the sequence of the original reveals. Both views use the same researched stories.

What does this Dune order guide include?

All-media guide: 48 ordered records across Frank Herbert’s core, expanded publishing and separate screen and game continuities. Editions attach to their parent work. Coverage is current through released and confirmed story material available by 22 September 2026.

Suggested routes

Choose a way in.

Use the full chronology or follow a shorter route.

01 · Reader route

Frank Herbert’s six

Dune → Messiah → Children → God Emperor → Heretics → Chapterhouse.

02 · Film route

Dune + Part Two

The Villeneuve films form one current adaptation route.

03 · Expanded route

Prequels come later

Use the official chronology only after publication order.

Abstract branching map representing separate story continuities

Story versions

Choose how to experience it.

Researched editions and adaptations stay together under one story.

See how stories are organised

Sources

What anchors this order.

Official franchise, creator and publisher sources anchor the chronology. Conflicts and uncertain placements are labelled.

Official Dune novels site ↗Frank Herbert’s original six ↗Official Dune: Awakening timeline note ↗

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Story Order

Every story has a place.

Story Order is an independent editorial guide to watching, reading and playing fictional universes in chronological or release order across film, television, books, comics, games and audio.

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Story Order is an independent editorial guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the rights holders referenced on this site. Franchise names, characters and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Story Order’s universe artwork is original; separately sourced material is identified on the artwork and sources page.