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
**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...
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.
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.
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
Watch Now
Veronica 2030
4.0
Watch Now
Phantasm: Ravager
4.8
Watch Now
The Discarded
0.0
Watch Now
Cold Zone
4.7
Watch Now
Airport
6.5
Watch Now
Insurgent
6.4
Watch Now
Allegiant
6.1
Watch Now
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
5.4
More Like This
Watch Now
Return of the Jedi
7.9
Watch Now
Star Wars
8.2
Watch Now
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
7.3
Watch Now
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
7.5
Watch Now
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
6.3
Watch Now
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
6.8
Watch Now
Star Trek Into Darkness
7.3
Watch Now
Solo: A Star Wars Story
6.6
Watch Now
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
6.2
Watch Now
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver
6.1
Watch Now
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
6.6
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…