**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 mean…
8.4/10Adventure · Action · Science Fiction
The Empire Strikes Back
“The Star Wars saga continues.”
- 1980
- 2h 04m
- PG
- EN
- Released
The story
What The Empire Strikes Back is 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 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 Empire Strikes Back is an adventure, action and science fiction film from 1980, directed by Irvin Kershner. It runs 2h 04m and is rated PG in the US. It was produced by Lucasfilm Ltd., with production in United States of America.
The main cast is led by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams. The screenplay was written by Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan. Reported worldwide gross stands at $538.4M.
Why it matters: The Empire Strikes Back currently holds 8.4/10 from 19081 TMDB user ratings and has taken $538.4M worldwide against a $18.0M budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back is best suited to a big-screen journey. At 2h 04m, it is a standard feature length. The draw is Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, directed by Irvin Kershner.
With 19,081 TMDB ratings averaging 8.4/10, this is one of the most widely seen titles in our library, so the score is a reliable signal.
TMDB tags the film with themes including rebellion, android, spacecraft and asteroid.
The US certification is PG: suitable for most viewers, with some parental guidance for younger children.
If you like this, try Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch The Empire Strikes Back
36 official sources across 5 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
Best option now
Watch on Disney+ ↗
Disney Plus
Included with a Disney Plus subscription, no extra charge · United States
United States12 options
Stream
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AMCWatch on AMC+Open ↗
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4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗Google TV & PlayOpen on Google TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗United Kingdom9 options
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1 sourceDisney PlusWatch on Disney+Open ↗Rent
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Stream
1 sourceDisney PlusWatch on Disney+Open ↗Rent
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4 sourcesPrime VideoWatch on Prime VideoOpen ↗Apple TVOpen on Apple TVOpen ↗YouTubeOpen on YouTubeOpen ↗CosmoGoCheck optionsOpen ↗Australia5 options
India1 option
Checked 4 November 2026. Listings from TMDB / JustWatch data and they change daily; the provider page always shows the final price. Compare every option on JustWatch. MovieState links only to licensed services.
Who is in it
The Empire Strikes Back cast
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
Jeremy BullochBoba Fett
Jason WingreenBoba Fett (voice - uncredited)Character names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorIrvin Kershner
WritersLeigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
ProducersGary Kurtz, Howard G. Kazanjian
MusicJohn Williams
CinematographyPeter Suschitzky
EditingMarcia Lucas
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.4/1019081 ratings
The Empire Strikes Back sits at 8.4 out of 10 from 19081 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is $538.4M.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
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,…
The facts
The Empire Strikes Back key details
| Original title | The Empire Strikes Back |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | May 17, 1980 |
| Runtime | 2h 04m |
| Certification | PG in United States, PG in United Kingdom |
| Original language | EN |
| Spoken languages | English |
| Country | United States of America |
| Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide gross | $538.4M |
| Studios | Lucasfilm Ltd. |
| Also known as | Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back, Guerre stellari - L'Impero colpisce ancora, L'Imperi Contraataca |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | May 17, 1980 | PG |
| United Kingdom | May 20, 1980 | PG |
| Canada | May 21, 1980 | PG |
| Australia | May 21, 1980 | PG |
| Austria | Dec 11, 1980 | 12 |
| Brazil | May 21, 1980 | L |
| Bulgaria | Dec 6, 1985 | B |
| Czechia | Apr 10, 1997 | NR |
| Denmark | Aug 15, 1980 | 11 |
| Finland | Aug 14, 1980 | K-12 |
Official trailer for The Empire Strikes Back, via FT Depot. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back was directed by Irvin Kershner.
Who is in the cast of The Empire Strikes Back?
The main cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels.
How long is The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back runs 2h 04m.
When was The Empire Strikes Back released?
It was released in the United States on May 17, 1980. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is The Empire Strikes Back rated?
Certification depends on the country: PG in United States, PG in United Kingdom. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch The Empire Strikes Back in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer The Empire Strikes Back in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did The Empire Strikes Back earn?
Reported worldwide gross is $538.4M against a budget of $18.0M. Box office figures update over time.
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Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record · Official site
At a glance: The Empire Strikes Back runs 2h 04m, opened in US cinemas on May 17, 1980, has 36 licensed options across 5 regions tracked here.