The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Kernel Score: 96% · 18,135 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Released: 1980-05-20
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Must-watch. The Empire Strikes Back is the darkest and best-regarded Star Wars film, with a daring ice-planet battle, a chase through an asteroid field and a famous final duel. It ends on a cliffhanger, but it's the standard the series is measured by.
Watch it if you
- love classic adventure
- want the series at its most daring
- like stories where the heroes lose ground
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the first Star Wars
- dislike open-ended endings
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Empire Strikes Back
- Stream: Disney+, Fubo, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Empire Strikes Back parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Empire Strikes Back is a PG space-fantasy sequel with fantasy laser-blaster combat and a dark, intense tone for a family film.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Fantasy space battles and swordfights (lightsabers) with a limb-severing scene, non-graphic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Empire Strikes Back
If you liked The Empire Strikes Back, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Star Wars (1977) — 94%: The original film that this sequel builds on
- Return of the Jedi (1983) — 89%: The conclusion that finishes the trilogy
- Alien (1979) — 96%: Classic space-set film that mixes dread and action
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) — 85%: Another well-loved space sequel with a strong villain
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 87%: Gritty Star Wars war story
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 90%: Fun, character-led space adventure
Director
Irvin Kershner
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
- David Prowse as Darth Vader
- Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
- Kenny Baker as R2-D2
- Frank Oz as Yoda (Voice)
- Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Empire Strikes Back FAQ
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Must-watch. The Empire Strikes Back is the darkest and best-regarded Star Wars film, with a daring ice-planet battle, a chase through an asteroid field and a famous final duel. It ends on a cliffhanger, but it's the standard the series is measured by.
Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?
In the US you can stream The Empire Strikes Back on Disney+, Fubo and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Empire Strikes Back OK for kids?
The Empire Strikes Back is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Empire Strikes Back is a PG space-fantasy sequel with fantasy laser-blaster combat and a dark, intense tone for a family film.
What movies are like The Empire Strikes Back?
If you liked The Empire Strikes Back, try Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, Alien and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.