Trying to read the Twilight books in order? This guide walks through Stephenie Meyer’s main Twilight Saga novels, the companion books, the reimagined version of the first book, and the movie order so you can see exactly where everything fits.
The core series begins with Twilight and follows Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black through the four main books. After that, there are a few extra Twilight books worth knowing about, especially The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, Midnight Sun, and Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined.
Jump to:
- Best Twilight Series Reading Order
- Twilight Books in Publication Order
- Where Do Midnight Sun, Bree Tanner, and Life and Death Fit?
- Twilight Movies in Order
- What Is the Twilight Series About?
- Twilight Series FAQ
Best Twilight Series Reading Order
For most first-time readers, this is the best way to read the Twilight books in order. It keeps the main story moving, places the Bree Tanner novella where it makes the most sense, and saves the alternate versions of Twilight until after you already know the original story.
- Twilight (2005)
- New Moon (2006)
- Eclipse (2007)
- The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Novella) (2010)
- Breaking Dawn (2008)
- Midnight Sun (Companion Novel) (2020)
- Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined (2015)
Note: Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined was originally released with the 10th anniversary edition of Twilight, then later became available in standalone editions.
This order is not strict publication order, but it’s the easiest reading path. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner takes place around the events of Eclipse, while Midnight Sun and Life and Death revisit the first book in different ways instead of continuing the story after Breaking Dawn.
Twilight Books in Publication Order
Readers who want to experience the Twilight books the way longtime fans originally received them can use publication order instead. This puts The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner after Breaking Dawn, even though the novella connects more directly to Eclipse.
- Twilight (2005)
- New Moon (2006)
- Eclipse (2007)
- Breaking Dawn (2008)
- The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Novella) (2010)
- Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined (2015)
- Midnight Sun (Companion Novel) (2020)
Twilight Companion Books and Graphic Novels
These Twilight books are optional. They’re useful for fans who want more background, artwork, or visual adaptations, but they’re not required to understand Bella and Edward’s main story.
- The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide (Reference Guide) (2011)
- Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel) (2010)
- Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel) (2011)
- New Moon: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel) (2013)
The graphic novels adapt parts of the original books in illustrated form, so treat them as extras rather than replacements for the novels. The official illustrated guide is more of a reference book for characters, backstory, and world details.
Where Do Midnight Sun, Bree Tanner, and Life and Death Fit?
The four main Twilight books are easy. The companion books are what usually cause confusion, especially because they don’t all work the same way.
When to Read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is an Eclipse novella, so the most natural place to read it is after Eclipse and before Breaking Dawn. You can also read it in publication order after Breaking Dawn, but story-wise, it fits better with the third book.
When to Read Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun retells the events of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s point of view. You technically can read it right after Twilight, but I’d save it until after Breaking Dawn if this is your first time through the series. That way, you get the full Bella-led version of the saga before circling back to Edward’s side of the story.
When to Read Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined
Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined is not a sequel. It’s a gender-swapped reimagining of Twilight, with Beau Swan and Edythe Cullen in place of Bella and Edward. Read it after Twilight if you’re curious right away, or save it until after the main saga if you want the original version first.
Twilight Movies in Order
The Twilight movies are much simpler than the books. The film series follows the main saga in order, with Breaking Dawn split into two movies.
- Twilight (2008)
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
You can also get all 5 Twilight movies in a single Blu-ray collection.
Is There a Midnight Sun Movie?
There is not a Midnight Sun movie, but Netflix announced a Midnight Sun animated series based on Stephenie Meyer’s 2020 companion novel. The series is expected to retell Twilight from Edward Cullen’s perspective, just like the book.
As of now, the animated series has been announced, but there is no confirmed release date. That makes Midnight Sun worth knowing about if you’re reading the Twilight books in order, but it’s still separate from the five live-action movies listed above.
What Is the Twilight Series About?
Twilight is a YA paranormal romance series by Stephenie Meyer. The story begins when Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, and meets Edward Cullen, a mysterious classmate who turns out to be a vampire.
From there, Bella gets pulled into a hidden world of vampires, werewolves, family loyalties, supernatural danger, and impossible choices. The series follows her relationship with Edward, her bond with Jacob Black, and the consequences of becoming part of a world she was never supposed to know existed.
Although the series has vampires and werewolves, Twilight is more paranormal romance than traditional horror. The focus is on romance, identity, danger, obsession, and the life Bella chooses for herself as the story grows beyond the small town of Forks.
If you love Twilight and want similar recommendations, check out my Books Like Twilight Guide.
Twilight Series FAQ
Is Twilight a finished series?
Yes, the main Twilight Saga is complete as of now. Bella and Edward’s central story runs through the four main books, ending with Breaking Dawn. Stephenie Meyer has talked about having other Twilight stories outlined, but there is no newly published sequel after Breaking Dawn.
Is Twilight fantasy, romance, or horror?
Twilight is usually best described as YA paranormal romance. It has vampires, werewolves, and supernatural danger, but the series is much more focused on romance and character drama than traditional horror.
Are the Twilight books appropriate for younger readers?
The Twilight books are YA novels, but parents may still want to consider the romance, violence, supernatural elements, and darker relationship dynamics before handing them to younger readers. They’re generally aimed more at teen readers than middle grade readers.
Do the Twilight movies follow the books closely?
The Twilight movies follow the main shape of the books, but they still condense scenes, simplify some details, and make normal adaptation changes. The biggest structural difference is that Breaking Dawn was split into two movies.
Should I read the Twilight books before watching the movies?
You don’t have to, but reading the books first gives you more of Bella’s internal perspective and more context for the relationships. The movies work on their own, but the books give the fuller version of the story.
Looking for More Books in Order?
If you want more fantasy authors and reading-order guides like this one, start with my Fantasy Books in Order index.
4 thoughts on “Twilight Series in Order: Complete Books & Movies Guide”
Thanks for your explanations. I didn’t actually understand some parts of the franchise, but I now do.