The Empire Strikes Back_
OSCAR WINNER
"The Star Wars saga continues."
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.
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Disney+
30 countries
MovistarTV
2 countries
YouTube TV
1 country
AMC
1 country
Philo
1 country
KPN
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
The Empire Strikes Back earned $538.4M worldwide on a $18.0M budget — a 2,891% return on investment.
Irvin Kershner →
Year context
The Empire Strikes Back was released 46 years ago in 1980.
CAST (20)
Mark Hamill
Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford
Han Solo
Carrie Fisher
Princess Leia
Billy Dee Williams
Lando Calrissian
Anthony Daniels
C-3PO
David Prowse
Darth Vader
Peter Mayhew
Chewbacca
Kenny Baker
R2-D2
Frank Oz
Yoda (Voice)
Alec Guinness
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Jeremy Bulloch
Boba Fett
Jason Wingreen
Boba Fett (voice - uncredited)
John Hollis
Lando's Aide
Jack Purvis
Chief Ugnaught
Des Webb
Snow Creature
Kathryn Mullen
Performing Assistant for Yoda
Marjorie Eaton
Emperor (uncredited)
Clive Revill
Emperor (voice)
Kenneth Colley
Admiral Piett
Julian Glover
General Veers
CREW
BOX OFFICE
$18.0M
Budget
$538.4M
Revenue
+2891%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
STUDIOS (1)
AWARDS (3)
G
Academy Award for Best Sound
1981
WON
B
Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film
1981
WON
B
Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation
1981
WON
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
124 min (2h 4m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
8.4/10 (18,061 votes)
Popularity
9
Budget
$18,000,000
Box Office
$538,400,000
Profit
+$520,400,000
IMDB
Trailer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Empire Strikes Back 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.
How long is The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back has a runtime of 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back was directed by Irvin Kershner.
Who stars in The Empire Strikes Back?
The cast of The Empire Strikes Back includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels.
How much did The Empire Strikes Back make at the box office?
The Empire Strikes Back earned $538,400,000 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $18,000,000.
What is the rating of The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back has a rating of 8.4 out of 10 based on 18,061 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (3)
Adventure
Action
Science Fiction
KEYWORDS (13)
rebellion
android
spacecraft
asteroid
rebel
space battle
snowstorm
space colony
swamp
space opera
nostalgic
artic
excited
