# The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/the-empire-strikes-back-1980/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 85% |
| Editorial Rating | 89/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 91% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 83/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4.1/5 |
| IMDb | 8.7/10 |
| Director | Irvin Kershner |
| Genres | Adventure, Action, Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 124 min |

## Quick answer

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) earns a 85% Celluloid Score — Recommended. IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time. Metascore 83/100. Directed by Irvin Kershner.

## Celluloid verdict

IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

## Synopsis

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.

## Cast

Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness

## Where to watch

Global: Disney+, YouTube TV
the United States: Disney+, YouTube TV
the United Kingdom: Disney+
Indonesia: Disney+
India: Disney+ Hotstar
Turkey: Disney+
South Korea: Disney+
Japan: Disney+
Malaysia: Disney+
Thailand: Disney+

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?**
The Empire Strikes Back holds a 85% Celluloid Score. IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

**What is The Empire Strikes Back 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.

**Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?**
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) was directed by Irvin Kershner.

**What is the Celluloid Score of The Empire Strikes Back?**
85% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (89/100), Metascore (83/100), Letterboxd (4.1/5), and IMDb (8.7/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?**
The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on Disney+, YouTube TV; on Disney+, YouTube TV in the United States; on Disney+ in the United Kingdom; on Disney+ in Indonesia; on Disney+ Hotstar in India; on Disney+ in Turkey; on Disney+ in South Korea; on Disney+ in Japan; on Disney+ in Malaysia; on Disney+ in Thailand. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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