The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
📌 Available on Disney+ and Prime Video🛡️ Parental guidance PG
📖 Story
When a devastating Imperial assault scatters the Rebellion, its members face their darkest hour across distant worlds. The Empire Strikes Back with relentless force as a young warrior seeks enlightenment from an ancient master while a sinister pursuer closes in, determined to turn him to darkness. Separated by light-years, heroes endure betrayal, capture, and despair in a saga where love becomes the only rebellion against fate itself.
Will this fit your taste?
Watchprint
Reflective
92
Excellent match
EnergyCalm and observant
ToneHuman and reflective
ExperienceObservation more than conflict
Best suited forviewers who enjoy accessible storytelling
What to expect from this title?Expect a calm watch that stays close to observation, nature, and the human bond rather than plot-heavy conflict.
Easy to enter quicklyBuilt for quick funClear and accessible mood
🛡️ Age guidance & viewing advice
Parental guidance
📌 MPAA
Suitable for family viewing with some guidance.
No official rating is available, so CinemaHook shows a descriptive estimate based on the title's general data, not a final judgment.
Runtime
124 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
👥 Cast profile
6 sectionsCast & Crew
Key creators and cast in a compact, organized view.
DirectorIrvin Kershner
WritingLeigh BrackettLawrence KasdanGeorge Lucas
CastMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherBilly Dee WilliamsAnthony Daniels
ProductionGary KurtzGeorge LucasHoward G. Kazanjian
MusicJohn WilliamsGary SummersHerbert W. Spencer
CinematographyPeter SuschitzkyPaul HustonGeorge Whitear
Where to watch The Empire Strikes Back
Current viewing options based on the best data we have.
Now available through 17 official offers on 2 platforms
Availability may vary by country and by subscription, buy, or rent option. If no verified direct link exists, the button will open provider search or the official provider page.
✅ 17 official offers🎬 2 platforms🌍 May vary by country
Where to Watch
17 platforms available · Prices may vary by country
✨Availability Snapshot17 offers
The Empire Strikes Back is currently listed across official watch options including Disney+ and Prime Video.
Subscription access may be available through Disney+, depending on your country and plan. Rental starts from 3.49 GBP on Prime Video. Purchase starts from 8.99 GBP on Prime Video.
Use the offer cards below to compare providers, countries, rent, buy, and subscription options clearly.
📺Providers2🎟️Lowest rent3.49 GBP🛒Lowest buy8.99 GBP
Available 
Disney+
Available in
US
+1 more
USGBCA+1
Options
Price / note
Subscription
Available 
Prime Video
Available in
US
+1 more
USGBCA+1
Options
Price / note
Rent from 3.99 USD
Does your platform stream this title?
Reach thousands of daily viewers — list your platform for free
List your platform 🎬 Official videos magazine
Videos for The Empire Strikes Back
A compact viewing magazine that gathers the trailer, teasers, and official clips related to this title in one place.
🎞️ 5 videos
📊 Title-specific financial analysis
Commercial performance analysis
An editorial snapshot using the title’s recorded currency: budget, revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple without forcing USD conversion.
🏆Historic outlier29.9x
💱Analysis currency: USD
Commercial takeaway
Revenue became exceptional against a very small cost base
The return multiple is extremely high because the reported production budget is unusually small compared with the recorded box office revenue.
Quick pulse
Historic commercial outlier
💹 Return multiple: 29.9x📈 ROI: +2,891%🧾 Historic outlier
💰Budget
$18M18 million USD
Reported production cost in USD.
🌍Worldwide revenue
$538.4M538.4 million USD
Total reported box office return in USD.
🏆Commercial gap
+$520.4M+520.4 million USD
Gap between revenue and budget.
🏆Return multiple
29.9x29.9x
How many times revenue covered the budget.
Relative map for a low-budget outlier
Relative scale — outlier figures
Budget: $18M • Revenue: $538.4M • Commercial gap: +$520.4M ROI +2,891%
This commercial analysis treats the title as an exceptional low-budget/high-return case, so the return multiple should be read as an outlier rather than a normal blockbuster comparison. — Return multiple is far above normal blockbuster ranges.
Note: this figure sits outside normal commercial ranges, so it is treated as an outlier rather than a standard comparison.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.
Note: this figure sits outside normal commercial ranges, so it is treated as an outlier rather than a standard comparison.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.
Screenshots and images
Cast & crew
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
Show the rest of the cast
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
Director: Irvin Kershner
❓ FAQ
Short, focused questions that help you decide quickly without repeating details already shown above.
1Where can I watch The Empire Strikes Back?
The film is available on both Prime Video and Disney+, so you can choose based on your subscription. The total duration is 124 minutes.
2Is the film suitable for children and families?
It's an adventure, action, and sci-fi film suitable for general audiences, but recommended for children over 10 years old due to action scenes and intense moments. Check the age rating on your streaming platform.
3What is the main storyline of the film?
The story follows a resistance movement that discovers safety is merely an illusion. When their base is attacked, the companions split on separate dangerous journeys filled with peril and betrayal. It's a tale of survival and struggle against a powerful enemy force.
4Who are the stars of this classic film?
The film features legendary actors including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and Anthony Daniels. It was directed by Irvin Kershner and released in 1980.
5What year was the film produced and is it part of a series?
The film was produced in 1980 and is the second installment of the original classic series. If you're new to the franchise, we recommend watching the first film before this one.
6What is the duration of the film?
The film runs for 124 minutes (2 hours and 4 minutes), which is a reasonable length for an action-adventure film packed with exciting events. You can plan your viewing time accordingly.
Ratings
TMDB is shown first here, and you can also add your own CinemaHook rating for this title 👌
Your review spaceAdd your rating for this titleYour rating helps visitors quickly — comments that include links are automatically rejected.
Ratings compass86.7/100
No user ratings yet… be the first 👑