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MOVIE DECISION GUIDE
The Empire Strikes Back
CAST & DIRECTOR
Directed by Irvin Kershner. With Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher.
8.4/10
MOVIHERO RATINGWHAT IT'S 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.
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8.4/10
MOVIHERO RATINGYOUR WATCHLISTThe 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…
MAKE THE CALL
Does this belong in your night?
A decision, not a review. Choose the kind of night you want and keep your queue honest.
RELEASE SNAPSHOT
Release snapshot for The Empire Strikes Back.
MoviHero lists May 20, 1980 as the release date for The Empire Strikes Back. Irvin Kershner is the listed director. The listed cast includes Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. A trailer and 5 stills are available on this page.
Release dateMay 20, 1980
GenresAdventure · Science Fiction · Action
Runtime2h 4m
DirectorIrvin Kershner
CastMark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
TrailerAvailable on this page
Images5 stills
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY
Is The Empire Strikes Back right for tonight?
Pacing, attention and emotional impact are estimates from the current MoviHero Watch Profile, not verified scene-by-scene reviews.
How much time should I set aside?
The Empire Strikes Back runs 2h 4m. Allow extra time for breaks.
Is it slow or fast?
The current MoviHero pacing estimate is 10/10: a faster-moving watch.
Is it a good choice when I am tired?
The attention estimate is 6/10. Expect to follow the story rather than use it as background viewing.
How emotionally intense is it?
The emotional-impact estimate is 4/10, suggesting a lighter emotional load. This does not tell you whether the ending is happy or sad.
CHANGE ONE THING
Like this, but...
These share a listed genre with The Empire Strikes Back. Profile differences are estimates, not a guarantee of the same story or mood.
MOVIE RATING
MoviHero Rating
MoviHero Rating: 8.4/10 from 19,101 votes. Updated Nov 8, 2026.
Rating data supplied by TMDB, shown on a 10-point scale. MoviHero audience ratings are calculated separately from scores submitted here.
MOVIHERO AUDIENCE RATING
What did you think?
Your movie rating. Your audience score.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE
Watch Profile
Seven estimates of the viewing experience, based on the stored Watch Profile. These are separate from the movie rating and are not verified scene-by-scene assessments.
Pacing10/10
Emotional Impact4/10
Mind-Bending5/10
Scary1/10
Violence6/10
Rewatchability7/10
Attention Required6/10
VIEWER REVIEWS
What viewers say about The Empire Strikes Back
Selected viewer reactions, in their own words. These excerpts reflect individual opinions, not an overall verdict.
Viewer reaction
“It's a dark time for the rebellion; and us the audience as well.”
Viewer reaction
“Overrated An enjoyable film - just not as engaging as parts IV and VI.”
Viewer reaction
“Fun, imaginative, iconic space adventure with a kick-axx cast "Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) was the anticipated follow-up to the initial mega-hit…”
More reactions (2)
Viewer reaction
“Terrific, again. 'The Empire Strikes Back' follows up on the greatness of 'Star Wars' with a highly enjoyable sequel. This one feels like a big…”
Viewer reaction
“So, I was almost 1 when this movie dropped and, well, it started the opening night tradition.”
Selected review excerpts supplied by TMDB. Opinions belong to their original authors.
WORDS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Memorable lines
Reveal a line containing a spoiler
“So certain, are you? Always with you, it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?”
A CLOSER LOOK
Stay with the image.
CAST & CREW
The people who make it land.
CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE
Follow the character.
Reviewed MoviHero character guides connected to this movie.
otherPrincess LeiaPrincess Leia appears across 3 MoviHero films from 1980-2015, portrayed by Carrie Fisher. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide voiceYodaYoda appears across 5 MoviHero films from 1980-2005, portrayed by Frank Oz. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide otherLuke SkywalkerLuke Skywalker appears across 5 MoviHero films from 1977-2019, portrayed by Mark Hamill. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide otherHan SoloHan Solo appears across 4 MoviHero films from 1977-2015, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide otherC-3POC-3PO appears across 8 MoviHero films from 1977-2019, portrayed by Anthony Daniels. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide otherChewbaccaChewbacca appears across 3 MoviHero films from 1977-1983, portrayed by Peter Mayhew. Start with the first appearance, then follow the screen path in release order.Open character guide
SIMILAR GENRES & STORY THEMES
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