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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

The Star Wars saga continues.

1980124 minPGMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Irvin Kershner
Starring
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams

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.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 4M ratings across 6 sources. 93% 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 Adventure99th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

87 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1980s

Critics 82 · Audience 87

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

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

93% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1980s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Awards

1 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 23 wins / 21 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Sound
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

99th percentile

4M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 21% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$18M
Opening weekend$4.9M
Domestic gross$293M
Worldwide gross$550M

Returned 30.6× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps acknowledge the film's technical craft and iconic status, but disagree on whether the characters or spectacle dominate.

Fans praised

  • Yoda's introduction and Frank Oz's voice work
  • Darker tone and higher emotional stakes
  • Character development, especially Luke's arc

Detractors panned

  • Characters take a backseat to effects
  • Action feels gratuitous and leads nowhere

What stands out

Sound and music90

Iconic score with physical weight

CharactersDivisive85

Richer character work, especially Luke and Yoda

ActingDivisive85

Mark Hamill's growth and Frank Oz's Yoda praised

Tension85

Build-up to a legendary reveal

Ending85

Satisfying, exciting resolution

Dialogue85

Memorable, quotable lines

Plot and storyDivisive80

Strong structure with a famous twist

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Impressive effects, but detractors see them as dominant

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 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
TenseThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Adventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with complete sincerity, presenting a mythic struggle between good and evil with an epic scope.
The rideThe film sustains a tense, thrilling register throughout, with moments of melancholy and dread, and reaches its emotional and narrative peak in the late-act confrontation and revelation.
StructureThe story follows a classic three-act structure with parallel storylines that converge at the climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends with the Rebels in defeat but with a renewed sense of hope and the shocking revelation that Vader is Luke's father, leaving a bittersweet and haunting aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).QuestRescue
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% (this title) · Mission 5% · 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. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeThe Empire Strikes Back follows the Rebels fleeing the Imperial hunt while Luke Skywalker trains to become a Jedi, culminating in his confrontation with Darth Vader. The story is driven by Vader's relentless pursuit and Luke's destiny as the chosen one.

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 filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · 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%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · 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% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film deeply interrogates who Luke is—his heritage, his path as a Jedi, and his choices—while loyalty is tested among the Rebels and hope is a sustaining force against Imperial might.
StanceThe film celebrates the hero's journey and self-discovery even as it warns of the dark side, centering on Luke's personal growth against galaxy-wide stakes.

The world

TimelessOuter spaceWildernessUrbanInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Williams
Settinga galaxy far, far away—ice planet Hoth, swamp planet Dagobah, floating Cloud City on Bespin
MusicIconic leitmotifs—The Imperial March, Yoda's Theme, Han Solo and the Princess—anchor the film's emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back okay for kids?

PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is rated PG: “Rated PG for sci-fi action violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at minimal (8/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (5/100) and frightening material at moderate (53/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UKU
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • BrazilL
  • Austria12
  • BGB
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Russia12+
  • SpainA
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 20% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 72%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 18%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 12%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 7%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 79%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 79% 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 V - The Empire Strikes Back have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Mark Hamill
as Luke Skywalker
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Harrison Ford
as Han Solo
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Carrie Fisher
as Princess Leia
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Billy Dee Williams
as Lando Calrissian
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Anthony Daniels
as C-3PO
David Prowse
as Darth Vader
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Peter Mayhew
as Chewbacca
Kenny Baker
as R2-D2
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Frank Oz
as Yoda
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Alec Guinness
as Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

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Movies like Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back include Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Of the 11 closest matches, two are films written by Lawrence Kasdan, and most are films set aboard a spacecraft.

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

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