Home
TV Shows
Movies
Watchlist
AI Recommendations

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The Star Wars saga continues.

AdventureActionScience Fiction

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

Release Date
May 20, 1980
Runtime
2h 4m
Rating
8.4/10 (18336 votes)

Director: Irvin Kershner

Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker

Collection: Star Wars Collection

Production: Lucasfilm Ltd.
rebellionandroidspacecraftasteroidrebelspace battlesnowstormspace colonyswampsequel
IMDbOfficial Site
Budget
$18M
Revenue
$538M
Full Cast (79 people)

Recommended Movies

Similar Movies

Reviews

Ian Beale - 4/10

**Overrated ** An enjoyable film - just not as engaging as parts IV and VI. The argument that Jedi was ruined by little furry creatures is laughable as this instalment features a _little green muppet_. I was expecting Kermit and Miss Piggy to show up. Once we get the impressive Hoth battle over with the film meanders and crawls along - padding out its running time with predictable romantic s...

February 16, 2017

mindfroth - 10/10

A masterpiece of cinema. The film transcends the franchise, seamlessly combining elements of myth, science fiction, fantasy, war film, romance, bildungsroman, epic and tragedy in a way that its sequels have been unable to replicate. It is a move without a moment of fluff. Cut anything and the film would suffer. Story, character, effects, cinematography, music, screenplay, acting, editing and actio...

January 1, 2018

John Chard - 10/10

It's a dark time for the rebellion; and us the audience as well. Luke, Leia and Han are fighting with the rebels in the hope of defeating the Imperial forces. But Luke gets a calling to the planet Dagobah, where under the tutelage of Jedi Master, Yoda, he hopes to become a Jedi himself, but that also brings him closer to his, and Leia's, destiny. Lets tell it as it is, The Empire Strikes Bac...

July 21, 2019

The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back

The Star Wars saga continues.

The Star Wars saga continues.

8.4
124 min

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

Share:

Sign in to track your movie progress

Production Info
StatusReleased
Original LanguageEnglish
Release Date5/20/1980
Director & Writers

Directed by

Written by

, ,

Produced by

,

Production Companies

Spoken Languages

Production Countries

Rate & Review

Sign in to rate and review

Cast

Mark Hamill

as Luke Skywalker

Harrison Ford

as Han Solo

Carrie Fisher

as Princess Leia

Billy Dee Williams

as Lando Calrissian

Anthony Daniels

as C-3PO

David Prowse

as Darth Vader

Peter Mayhew

as Chewbacca

Kenny Baker

as R2-D2

More from Irvin Kershner

Images

The Empire Strikes Back poster
Poster
The Empire Strikes Back backdrop
Backdrop

Videos

George Lucas Reveals Why Yoda Talks Backwards at ‘Empire Strikes Back’ Anniversary Screening

Featurette

Celebrating 40 Years of Empire: The Legacy

Featurette

The Empire Strikes Back Receives a Special Award: 1981 Oscars

Featurette

The Empire Strikes Back - Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection

Trailer

The Empire Strikes Back Wins Sound: 1981 Oscars

Featurette

Similar Movies

Veronica 2030
Watch Now

Veronica 2030

4.0
Phantasm: Ravager
Watch Now

Phantasm: Ravager

4.8
The Discarded
Watch Now

The Discarded

0.0
Cold Zone
Watch Now

Cold Zone

4.7
Airport
Watch Now

Airport

6.5
Insurgent
Watch Now

Insurgent

6.4
Allegiant
Watch Now

Allegiant

6.1
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
Watch Now

Ewoks: The Battle for Endor

5.4

More Like This

Return of the Jedi
Watch Now

Return of the Jedi

7.9
Star Wars
Watch Now

Star Wars

8.2
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Watch Now

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

7.3
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Watch Now

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

7.5
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Watch Now

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

6.3
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Watch Now

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

6.8
Star Trek Into Darkness
Watch Now

Star Trek Into Darkness

7.3
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Watch Now

Solo: A Star Wars Story

6.6
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
Watch Now

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire

6.2
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver
Watch Now

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver

6.1
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Watch Now

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

6.6
Star Trek: Insurrection
Watch Now

Star Trek: Insurrection

6.4

Similar but Different

AI-curated picks that share the same spirit as The Empire Strikes Back but with an unexpected twist — different era, country, tone, or perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Empire Strikes Back about?

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture L…

How long is The Empire Strikes Back?

2h 4m

When was The Empire Strikes Back released?

May 20, 1980

Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?

Irvin Kershner

Who stars in The Empire Strikes Back?

Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

What genre is The Empire Strikes Back?

Adventure, Action, Science Fiction

What is The Empire Strikes Back rated?

PG

Is The Empire Strikes Back available to stream?

Yes, on Disney Plus and Hulu