The Empire Strikes Back
1980, English. Directed by Irvin Kershner.
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.
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
Start now and it ends at ….
Absolute Cinema
Drop everything and watch it.
8.4/10 from 19,108 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on JioHotstar in India.
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JioHotstarAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
Star Wars: watch order
Cast & crew
- Irvin KershnerDirector
- Mark HamillLuke Skywalker
- Harrison FordHan Solo
- Carrie FisherPrincess Leia
- Billy Dee WilliamsLando Calrissian
- Anthony DanielsC-3PO
- David ProwseDarth Vader
- Peter MayhewChewbacca
- Kenny BakerR2-D2
- Frank OzYoda (Voice)
- Alec GuinnessObi-Wan Kenobi
- Jeremy BullochBoba Fett
- Jason WingreenBoba Fett (voice - uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 20 May 1980
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas
- Budget
- $18M
- Box office
- $538M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
Watch before The Empire Strikes Back
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
After The Empire Strikes Back
What comes next in the series.
Return of the Jedi
1983 · 7.9/10
Absolute CinemaNext in the series
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
1999 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
2002 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
2005 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeNext in the series
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2015 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeNext in the series
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2017 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
If you liked The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2015 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Star Wars
1977 · 8.2/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2016 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver
2024 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Star Trek Beyond
2016 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Star Trek Into Darkness
2013 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2019 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
2023 · 6.2/10
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2017 · 6.7/10
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Star Trek: Insurrection
1998 · 6.5/10
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The Empire Strikes Back: quick answers
What should I watch before The Empire Strikes Back?
Watch Star Wars (1977) first.
What comes after The Empire Strikes Back?
Next in the series: Return of the Jedi (1983), Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002).
Is The Empire Strikes Back worth watching?
Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 8.4/10 from 19,108 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Does The Empire Strikes Back have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Empire Strikes Back. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Empire Strikes Back parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Empire Strikes Back is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Empire Strikes Back on?
The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on JioHotstar in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Empire Strikes Back?
If you liked The Empire Strikes Back, try Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Who directed The Empire Strikes Back?
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) was directed by Irvin Kershner and stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher.