Skip to content
MovieCove
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

1977121 minPGMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
George Lucas
Starring
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing

Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope?

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope earns 12 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope worth watching?

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 4.5M ratings across 6 sources. 92% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

85 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1970s

Critics 90 · Audience 85

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

92% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1970s
92% rated it 7–108% rated it 1–6

Critics 93% · Audience 96%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

6 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 62 wins / 29 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Costume Design

99th percentile

4.5M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$11M
Opening weekend$1.6M
Domestic gross$461M
Worldwide gross$775M

Returned 70.5× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree that Star Wars is a simple, mythic space fantasy whose pioneering special effects and John Williams' score changed cinema, but differ on whether its simplicity and dated craft are charming or shallow.

Fans praised

  • groundbreaking special effects and model work
  • John Williams' iconic, emotionally resonant score
  • instantly memorable characters and archetypal hero's journey

Detractors panned

  • wooden acting and stilted dialogue
  • formulaic, simplistic plot with no moral complexity
  • dated, poorly choreographed lightsaber fights

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive97

John Williams' landmark score; iconic sound design

Effects and spectacleDivisive92

Revolutionary model work and motion control; some dated CGI additions

AtmosphereDivisive90

Lived-in, dirty universe; immersive world-building

EndingDivisive85

Satisfying Death Star destruction and medal ceremony

OriginalityDivisive80

Groundbreaking fusion of mythology, samurai films, and space opera

CharactersDivisive75

Instantly iconic archetypes; one-dimensional writing criticized

Plot and storyDivisive60

Simple hero's journey; derivative yet effectively paced

ActingDivisive50

Performances range from wooden (Hamill, Fisher) to charismatic (Ford, Guinness)

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you fired up.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TriumphantTenseHopeful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsEpic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Playful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film maintains an earnest, adventurous tone, balancing high-stakes heroism with playful character moments.
The rideThe film builds tension through action sequences and ends with a triumphant victory, uplifting the mood.
StructureThe story unfolds in a linear, episodic fashion following Luke's journey from farm boy to hero.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the audience inspired by the rebels' victory and the triumph of good over evil.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeLuke Skywalker joins a mission to deliver the Death Star plans, rescue Princess Leia, and destroy the Empire's superweapon.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having. stakesEnsemble lead
How it treats its themeThe Rebel Alliance fights to restore freedom and defeat tyranny, embodied by the Empire and the Death Star.
StanceThe film celebrates the fight for freedom and justice, with the collective effort of the Rebel Alliance central to its success.

The world

TimelessOuter spaceIn transitWildernessScience fiction
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Williams
SettingA galaxy far, far away, featuring desert planets, a massive space station, and rebel bases.
MusicThe iconic score, with its use of leitmotifs for characters and themes, elevates every scene; the cantina band provides a unique diegetic touch.

Content guide

Is Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope okay for kids?

PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is rated PG: “Rated PG for sci-fi violence and brief mild language” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (41/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at minimal (13/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (25/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 39% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 28 other countries
  • UKU
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandPG
  • South KoreaAll
  • Brazil10
  • ArgentinaATP
  • Austria12
  • Belgium12
  • BGC
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Hungary12
  • IndiaU
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia6+
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 11% of all filmsHeavier than 39% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 63%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 7%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 20%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 45%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 46%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 63% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope: Gore or body horror (moderate), Gun violence (moderate), Torture (moderate), plus 3 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGore or body horrorGun violenceTorture

Cast and crew

Who is in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mark Hamill
as Luke Skywalker
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Harrison Ford
as Han Solo
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Carrie Fisher
as Princess Leia Organa
newcomer then · star now
Peter Cushing
as Grand Moff Tarkin
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alec Guinness
as Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Anthony Daniels
as C-3PO
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kenny Baker
as R2-D2
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Peter Mayhew
as Chewbacca
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
David Prowse
as Lord Darth Vader
James Earl Jones
as Darth Vader

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope?

Movies like Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope include Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written or directed by George Lucas, and most are films set in a fictional world.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: space opera. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope?

263 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: space opera. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.