Described herein is the first asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-harringtonolide, a natural diterpenoid with an unusual tropone imbedded in a cagelike framework. The key transformations include an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction and a rhodium-complex-catalyzed intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition to install the tetracyclic core as well as a highly efficient tropone formation.