The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Review

Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?

Yes — The Empire Strikes Back is worth watching, with a 89% Critic Score and 91% Audience Score on Celluloid. It earns a 86% Celluloid Score across critic reviews, audience polls, Metascore (83), Letterboxd (4.1/5), and IMDb (8.7/10).

Directed by Irvin Kershner, The Empire Strikes Back runs 124 minutes in English. On Celluloid we index it for “The Empire Strikes Back review”, “is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching”, and related discovery queries from United States.

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.

Critics consensus: IMDb Top 250 #15 (8.7/10) — The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most highly rated films of all time. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, and others.

Should you watch The Empire Strikes Back tonight?

Yes — prioritize The Empire Strikes Back tonight if you want a proven adventure with lasting rewatch value. At 124 minutes, it fits a single sitting — and the five-source score breakdown on the movie page shows where critics and audiences agree.

Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?

Streaming availability varies by region — check Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and local OTT platforms, or theatrical revivals. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is indexed on CelluloidScore.com with cast, scores, and IMDb tt0080684. Explore more from United States on our country hub or browse adventure films.