PG
1980    2h 4mAdventure, Action
8.793%97%8.4
Watch on Disney+
On Disney+
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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.
Directed by Irvin Kershner

Where to Watch Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

  • 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)
  • John HollisLando's Aide
  • Jack PurvisChief Ugnaught
  • Des WebbSnow Creature
  • Kathryn MullenPerforming Assistant for Yoda
  • Marjorie EatonEmperor (uncredited)
  • Clive RevillEmperor (voice)
  • Kenneth ColleyAdmiral Piett
  • Julian GloverGeneral Veers
  • Keith Southern
    Keith SouthernFebruary 15, 2025
    Best star wars movie ever. Period
  • Cubane
    CubaneAugust 10, 2026
    What about the guy trying to escape Bespin with his precious ice cream maker? What happened to him?? I NEED TO KNOW!!
  • Shane Windus
    Shane WindusJuly 25, 2026
    It's The Empire Strikes Back. The greatest sequel of all time! Don't think so? You are wrong.
  • Carter
    CarterMay 31, 2026
    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back still holds up as one of the greatest movies of all time! Positives: - The movie is very well made, well directed, well paced, well edited, and well shot - The film visually looks really good - The score is incredible - The performances are very good - There is a lot of great character moments and character arks - The action sequences are awesome, especially the Vader Vs. Luke Skywalker battle - The ending is very shocking with the bad guys winning - The movie is very iconic with a lot of iconic quotes - The movie is also pretty funny Overall Star Wars: The Empire Strikes back still holds up as one of the greatest movies of all time!
  • Hipster ZOMBIE
    Hipster ZOMBIEFebruary 25, 2025
    Very few films surpass the original by large margins like Empire Strikes Back does. The stakes are higher in this film, the action is more intense, and we get the first big screen appearances of Boba Fett and Yoda. Some people call Empire a downer, I call it the franchise’s best overall film that they have yet to surpass up to this point.
  • mdediego
    mdediegoMay 15, 2026
    This is the pinnacle of Star Wars. The movie that laid the foundation for what the Force is, what a Jedi is and the effort required to become one, and also gave us deeper look into the dark side. This should have been it. The later introduction of “midichlorians” really diminished the mystical aura of Star Wars. Before, anyone could become a Jedi if they had the right attitude, mindset, and discipline. Then it became something you were either predisposed to or not, depending on your midichlorian count. I could go on and on about how the later films eroded the legacy that “The Empire Strikes Back” established, but that is not what this review is about. It is about praising this iconic film, where a puppet has more expression than many of today’s actors, and where the good guys can lose. A movie that shows the value of loyalty, friendship, and effort, all wrapped in groundbreaking special effects (for the time) that can still give you an entertaining joyride of sound and visual spectacle today.
  • keithy077
    keithy077April 27, 2026
    How do you even rate a movie with such a cult following? Do or do not, there is no try.
  • Cynthia Thomas
    Cynthia ThomasApril 25, 2026
    I'm reminded every time I rewatch as to why I love this movie the Luke vs Darth Vader fight is absolutely amazing though 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
  • Spaceman Joe
    Spaceman JoeJune 4, 2025
    What do I need to say?
  • nessa.baudelaire
    nessa.baudelaireApril 7, 2025
    it is fitting that a film about fathers is itself the father of expections for this franchise. Empire was a vision of what star wars could be, a codification of themes, and a peak of success so insurmountable that it doomed every future star wars film to lurk in its shadow.
  • joshuacottle30
    joshuacottle30April 17, 2026
    The best Star Wars movie of all time without a doubt. Every time I watch this, it reminds me why this is one of the best 80’s movies.
  • tellum
    tellumAugust 22, 2025
    Not nearly as ripped off as the previous movie, but there is one particular twist that has become one of the biggest tropes ever, to the severe detriment of almost every piece of entertainment that has tried to use the idea. This movie being so good is why the concept of franchising exists, which is why I think this movie is just as important as the first.
  • Zokkiie
    ZokkiieFebruary 28, 2026
    Every time I watch this one, I’m reminded why it’s the best of the saga. It’s darker, deeper, and just way more confident than anything that came before it. The Battle of Hoth is iconic, the asteroid chase is pure adventure, and the stuff on Dagobah adds this mystical weight that changes everything. And that ending? Bold, emotional, unforgettable. It doesn’t just expand the universe — it makes it feel real.
  • ehrlic8
    ehrlic8February 13, 2026
    Aside for some clunky dialog it really is one of the all time greatest science fantasy adventure tales
  • Streetter
    StreetterFebruary 4, 2026
    This is easily the worst of the original 3. BUT... it's better than EVERY Prequel & Sequel.

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Watch Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Videos

  • The Empire Strikes Back
    The Empire Strikes BackTrailer
  • The Empire Strikes Back (Trailer 1)
    The Empire Strikes Back (Trailer 1)Trailer
  • The Empire Strikes Back (Trailer 2)
    The Empire Strikes Back (Trailer 2)Trailer
  • The Empire Strikes Back: Darth Vader Hires Bounty Hunters
    The Empire Strikes Back: Darth Vader Hires Bounty HuntersTrailer
  • The Empire Strikes Back: Yoda Trains Luke On Dagobah
    The Empire Strikes Back: Yoda Trains Luke On DagobahScene
  • The Empire Strikes Back: A Great Disturbance In The Force
    The Empire Strikes Back: A Great Disturbance In The ForceScene
  • The Empire Strikes Back: Luke Meets Yoda For The First Time
    The Empire Strikes Back: Luke Meets Yoda For The First TimeScene
  • The Empire Strikes Back: The Millennium Falcon Escapes Exogorth
    The Empire Strikes Back: The Millennium Falcon Escapes ExogorthScene

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Trivia