The Empire Strikes Back Review (1980) — 85% Celluloid Score
Directed by Irvin Kershner · 1980 ·
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Yes. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) earns an 85% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back El Imperio contraataca L'Empire contre-attaque Das Imperium schlägt zurück Guerra nas Estrelas: O Império Contra-Ataca スター・ウォーズ エピソード５／帝国の逆襲 스타워즈 에피소드 5: 제국의 역습 星球大战5：帝国反击战
Theatrical release Where to watch
- Disney+
- YouTube TV
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch The Empire Strikes Back by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| India | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Indonesia | Disney+ |
| Japan | Disney+ |
| Malaysia | Disney+ |
| South Korea | Disney+ |
| Thailand | Disney+ |
| Turkey | Disney+ |
| United Kingdom | Disney+ |
| United States | Disney+, YouTube TV |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (89/100).
- Audiences widely enjoyed it (91%).
- Metascore signals universal acclaim (83/100).
- Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.1/5).
- IMDb users score it 8.7/10.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded adventure, action, sci-fi pick
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Yes — The Empire Strikes Back earns an 85% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded adventure, action, sci-fi pick. Read our full review (4.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.
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.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Review: The Saga Grows Up
★★★★½
The Empire Strikes Back is the darker, richer second Star Wars film, a space adventure that splits its heroes apart and gives the saga its emotional depth.
Yes. It is the high point of the original Star Wars trilogy, thrilling and surprisingly melancholy; watch the 1977 film first, as this is a middle chapter.
The Empire Strikes Back stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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The Empire Strikes Back: frequently asked questions
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Yes. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) has a Celluloid Score of 85%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?
In the United States, The Empire Strikes Back streams on Disney+, YouTube TV with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Disney+ Hotstar in India; Disney+ in Indonesia; Disney+ in Japan; Disney+ in Malaysia. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).
What is The Empire Strikes Back rated?
The Empire Strikes Back is rated PG in the United States, U in the UK, PG in Australia, PG in Canada and 12 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back is directed by Irvin Kershner and stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels.
What is the Metascore for The Empire Strikes Back?
Metacritic's Metascore for The Empire Strikes Back is 83 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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