Return of the Jedi (1983)
Kernel Score: 89% · 16,703 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Released: 1983-05-25
Runtime: 132 minutes
Is Return of the Jedi worth watching?
Worth watching. Return of the Jedi wraps up the original trilogy with a rescue, a huge space battle and a showdown between Luke and Vader. The Ewok sections are cute and silly, but the ending has real emotional power.
Watch it if you
- have seen the first two Star Wars films
- like space battles and a satisfying finish
- want classic adventure
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the earlier films
- dislike cute sidekicks in a serious saga
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Return of the Jedi
- Stream: Disney+, Fubo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
Return of the Jedi parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Return of the Jedi is a classic space-fantasy adventure with large-scale battle violence but no graphic content.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Features space battles, a climactic lightsaber duel, and wartime conflict, though largely bloodless and fantasy-styled.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Return of the Jedi
If you liked Return of the Jedi, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: The darker sequel that sets this one up
- Star Wars (1977) — 94%: The original film that started it all
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 87%: A grittier Star Wars war story
- Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) — 89%: The prequel-era story that leads into this saga
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) — 83%: The later return to the same universe
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 90%: Fun space adventure with a ragtag crew
Director
Richard Marquand
Cast
- Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
- Harrison Ford as Han Solo
- Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
- Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
- Sebastian Shaw as Anakin Skywalker
- Ian McDiarmid as The Emperor
- Frank Oz as Yoda (voice)
- James Earl Jones as Darth Vader (voice)
Return of the Jedi FAQ
Is Return of the Jedi worth watching?
Worth watching. Return of the Jedi wraps up the original trilogy with a rescue, a huge space battle and a showdown between Luke and Vader. The Ewok sections are cute and silly, but the ending has real emotional power.
Where can I watch Return of the Jedi?
In the US you can stream Return of the Jedi on Disney+ and Fubo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Return of the Jedi OK for kids?
Return of the Jedi is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Return of the Jedi is a classic space-fantasy adventure with large-scale battle violence but no graphic content.
What movies are like Return of the Jedi?
If you liked Return of the Jedi, try The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.