# The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/the-empire-strikes-back-1980/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 86% |
| Critic Score | 89% |
| Audience Score | 91% |
| Metascore | 83/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4.1/5 |
| IMDb | 8.7/10 |
| Director | Irvin Kershner |
| Genres | Adventure, Action, Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 124 min |

## Quick answer

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) earns a 86% Celluloid Score — Recommended. IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time. Metascore 83/100. Directed by Irvin Kershner.

## Critics consensus

IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

## Synopsis

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.

## Cast

Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?**
The Empire Strikes Back holds a 86% Celluloid Score. IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

**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.

**Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?**
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) was directed by Irvin Kershner.

**What is the Celluloid Score of The Empire Strikes Back?**
86% — the average of five public sources: critics 89%, audience 91%, Metascore 83/100, Letterboxd 4.1/5, and IMDb 8.7/10.

**Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the The Empire Strikes Back page for current options.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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