Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
After the Empire overpowers the Rebel Alliance, Luke Skywalker begins training with Jedi Master Yoda, while Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett pursue his friends across the galaxy.
Directed by Irvin Kershner · Action · Adventure · Fantasy · 124 min · 1980
Trailer
Director
Irvin Kershner
Studio
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Release
18 Jun 1980
Runtime
124 min
Genres
Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Full Plot
Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi Master's help will Luke survive when the Dark Side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader.
Cast & Characters
Luke Skywalker: A pilot in the Rebel Alliance and an apprentice Jedi
Mark Hamill
Han Solo: A smuggler and the captain of the Millennium Falcon
Harrison Ford
Leia Organa: A leader in the Rebel Alliance
Carrie Fisher
Lando Calrissian: The administrator of Cloud City
Billy Dee Williams
: A humanoid protocol droid
Anthony Daniels
Darth Vader: A powerful Sith Lord
David Prowse / James Earl Jones (voice)
Chewbacca: Han's loyal Wookiee friend and co-pilot
Peter Mayhew
R2-D2: An astromech droid
Kenny Baker
Yoda: A diminutive, centuries-old Jedi Master
Frank Oz (puppeteer/voice)
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $18.0M, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back has grossed $538.4M worldwide — about 29.9x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is part of TMDb's "Star Wars Collection."
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Mark Hamill appears in 3 films in our catalog, including Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
Pre-production began in early 1978.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
The budget increased from an original estimate of $10 million to $21.5 million, more than double the original estimate.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Sets were the single largest expense, costing a total of $3.5 million.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
The film's score was composed and conducted by John Williams, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra at a cost of about $250,000.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Critical Assessment
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back holds 8.7/10 on IMDb (1,495,152 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 2, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.7/10 on IMDb (1,495,152 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back holds a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back's IMDb rating?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back has a 8.7/10 rating on IMDb from 1,495,152 votes.
What is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back's Metacritic score?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back has a Metascore of 82/100 on Metacritic.
Is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back good? What are critics saying?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back holds 8.7/10 on IMDb (1,495,152 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82/100 on Metacritic.
How long is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back has a runtime of 124 min.
Who directed Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back was directed by Irvin Kershner.
Where can I watch Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?+
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is available to stream, rent, or buy on Disney Plus, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Rakuten TV, Sky Store, JioHotstar.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The reaction to "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" is divided, with some reviewers finding it enjoyable but also criticizing its depiction of Jedi and the inclusion of certain characters. Some critics argue that the film's use of a small green creature as a character lacks the charm of other Star Wars films, such as those directed by George Lucas in the 1970s. Others find the film to be too dark and simplistic for their taste. The trailer comments are often sarcastic or ironic, with some reviewers expressing surprise at how well-made it feels despite its dated style and content.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
**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 H…
Ian Beale · 4/10A 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 any…
mindfroth · 10/10It'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 h…
John Chard · 10/10_**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 d…
Wuchak · 7/10Terrific, 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 so…
r96sk · 9/10So, I was almost 1 when this movie dropped and, well, it started the opening night tradition. OK, well, how to do this? I guess we will start with the hate. I like to address the hate in movies, especially ones that are well regarded and loved. Now, I'll excuse it for the people…
GenerationofSwine · 10/10I have reviewed this film before but I thought that it deserved an extra special mention. Yesterday, this was the first film I saw in a cinema since we were all confined to barracks - and boy what a cracker. Where to start with the superlatives? It's fantastic - right from the op…
CinemaSerf · 9/10Watched one my favorite sequels, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back . The Cast Was Stellar With Mark Hamill(Corvette Summer) as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford(Indiana Jones and The Raiders Of The Lost Ark) as Han Solo ,The Lovely Carrie Fisher() as Leia Organa, Peter Mayhew as Che…
Joogle83 · 8/10
From the trailer's comments
I can almost see Harrison Ford rolling his eyes while reading the script for this trailer.
@Bluesmith166 · 2957 likeswhile the movie still felt modern, this trailer is sooooo 70's...
@RandomUserX99 · 3163 likes"And Romance" *cuts to Brother Sister kiss*
@RogueEagle · 4884 likesCould Harrison say it in a more sarcastic tone?
@AliTaylor777 · 1139 likes"A galactic odyssey against oppression". Cuts to C3-PO tearing off a hazard sign on a door. 2 edgy 4 me.
@Fallenangelzelos · 978 likesWhen you learn Harrison Ford did the voiceover for this trailer 😳
@ZFFertig97 · 3219 likesI can hear the sarcasm in his voice when he says “and romance”
@maxschrader3884 · 93 likes"Continuing the adventures of our band of heroes..." *Luke drops dead* "Luke Skywalker !"
@The94Venom · 1212 likes
