The Empire Strikes Back poster

The Empire Strikes Back

The Star Wars saga continues.

8.4(19,003)19802h 4m26

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.

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Status
Released
Budget
$18M
Box office
$538.4M
Language
English
Part of Star Wars Collection · 9 films
  • rebellion
  • android
  • spacecraft
  • asteroid
  • rebel
  • space battle
  • snowstorm
  • space colony
  • swamp
  • sequel
  • space opera
  • arctic

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

United States of America

Where to watch

All options

Availability for India. Provided by JustWatch through the TMDB API.

Gallery

Still from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes BackStill from The Empire Strikes Back

Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • PremierePGWashington, DC17 May 1980
    • Theatrical (limited)PG21 May 1980
    • TheatricalPG20 Jun 1980
    • TVNBC22 Nov 1987
    • PhysicalPGSpecial Edition4 Apr 1997
    • PhysicalPGWidescreen Limited Edition DVD12 Sept 2006
    • Theatrical (limited)PG40th anniversary25 Sept 2020
  • United KingdomGB

    • PremierePGLondon20 May 1980
    • TheatricalU21 May 1980
  • AustraliaAU

    • TheatricalPG21 May 1980
  • CanadaCA

    • TheatricalPG21 May 1980
  • AustriaAT

    • Theatrical1211 Dec 1980
  • BrazilBR

    • TheatricalL21 May 1980
  • BulgariaBG

    • TheatricalB6 Dec 1985
  • CzechiaCZ

    • Theatrical10 Apr 1997
  • DenmarkDK

    • Theatrical1115 Aug 1980
  • FinlandFI

    • TheatricalK-1214 Aug 1980
  • FranceFR

    • TheatricalTP20 Aug 1980
  • GermanyDE

    • Theatrical1210 Dec 1980

Frequently asked questions

The Empire Strikes Back was released on 20 May 1980.

Audience reviews

8
  • I

    Ian Beale

    2/16/2017

    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 sparring and an exten…

  • M

    mindfroth

    1/1/2018

    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 action are all superb. On…

  • J

    John Chard

    7/21/2019

    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 Back is a better film t…

  • W

    Wuchak

    7/26/2020

    7/10

    _**Fun, imaginative, iconic space adventure with a kick-axx cast**_ "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) was the anticipated follow-up to the initial mega-hit blockbuster from 1977. It’s an epic, but simplistic space fantasy about an evil empire and the noble souls who dare to fight it. The main cast features Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Billy Dee …

  • R

    r96sk

    2/1/2021

    9/10

    Terrific, again. <em>'The Empire Strikes Back'</em> follows up on the greatness of <em>'Star Wars'</em> with a highly enjoyable sequel. This one feels like a big moment in the franchise, at least to someone who doesn't know what's upcoming, as we get sizeable moments alongside some cool character reveals. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher continue to impress in their respective roles, as does James E…

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