The Empire Strikes Back
1980 | 124 min | Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Why it’s a Friday Night Flick
Audiences adore it (8.4/10), it made about 30 times its budget, people are still talking about it and it earned strong reviews (93%). Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Have you seen it?
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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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic
- AudiencesVery strong
8.4/10 from 19K viewers
- AwardsStrong
3 wins, 2 other nominations — won Academy Award for Best Sound; nominated for Academy Award for Best Production Design
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$538 million worldwide on a $18 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
782K Wikipedia readers in the past year
Where to watch in US
Disney Plus
YouTube TVRent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Trailer
Cast & crew
Directed by Irvin Kershner
- Mark HamillLuke Skywalker
- Harrison FordHan Solo
- Carrie FisherPrincess Leia
- Billy Dee WilliamsLando Calrissian
- Anthony DanielsC-3PO
- David ProwseDarth Vader
- Peter MayhewChewbacca
- Kenny BakerR2-D2
- Frank OzYoda (Voice)
- Alec GuinnessObi-Wan Kenobi