Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Play trailer

2:01

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

PG

1977

2h 1m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

206 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

The Imperial Forces -- under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) -- hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

A legendarily expansive and ambitious start to the sci-fi saga, George Lucas opened our eyes to the possibilities of blockbuster filmmaking and things have never been the same.

Read Critics Reviews

Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

Apr 23

George Lucas' Star Wars is not a film that readily leads itself to comparisons, so it may as well begin with the superlatives. This captivating science fantasy is the finest pure entertainment to reach the screen in ages.

Go to Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Apr 23

3.5/4

Not a great movie in the sense that it describes the human condition. It simply is a fun picture that will appeal to those who enjoy Buck Rogers-style adventures. What places it a sizable cut above the routine is its spectacular visual effects.

Go to Full Review

Pete Hamill

New York Post

Apr 23

This Hamill's name is Mark and we are not related. He plays a kid named Luke Skywalker, who is the classic dumb hero, and he plays that dumbness with terrific conviction. A true family gift.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 12

4/4

It became a cultural touchstone and a font of trivial pursuits.

Go to Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

May 4

The special effects pushed the boundaries of what anyone thought possible in 1977, yet audiences were so swept up in the imagery, the adventure, and the momentum of the journey that they never stopped to marvel at the technological achievement.

Go to Full Review

Wayne Harada

Honolulu Advertiser

Apr 23

A cinematic toy, a blissful concoction of wit and imagination, the brainchild of George Lucas of American Graffiti fame. It quickly is becoming everybody's movie of the year -- and add me to the list. But rightfully so: It is an out of this world delight.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Lesley

Feb 8

atmosphere of the theater

See more

Patti C

May 27

Best movie ever made!

See more

Luis Ángel S

@RT53585431 1d

This is the cornerstone of modern cinema. What makes it work so well, even decades later, is its fairy-tale structure transmuted into space. The art direction and sound design establish a gritty, lived-in universe that feels real. It's a perfect introduction that balances the mysticism of the Force with pure adventure.

See more

Marco G

@ser0bi1392 4d

A masterclass in storytelling that feels both simple and timeless. The pacing is tight, the structure is clean, and it never wastes a moment. At its core, the story isn’t original. A New Hope leans into classic "farm boy saves the princess" tropes. But what sets it apart is the world-building. The galaxy feels lived-in, the lore runs deep, and suddenly a familiar story feels fresh again. Luke Skywalker’s journey is backed by an iconic cast, Ben Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and two scene-stealing droids who bring humor and charm. A New Hope didn’t reinvent the story, it wonderfully reminded everyone why it works so well. The Force is with this film!

See more

Landen C.

@landenjcook Feb 26

Did Luke just mf one shot the Death Star🤨🤨 also peak score and goated movie excited to finally watch all the ogs 🙂‍↔️

See more

Matthew F.

@MK_ultra Feb 21

This movie cured me of the flu when I was 9.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

George Lucas

Director

Mark Hamill

Luke Skywalker

Harrison Ford

Han Solo

Carrie Fisher

Princess Leia Organa

Alec Guinness

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Peter Cushing

Grand Moff Tarkin

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

93%

97%

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

83%

94%

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

54%

59%

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Superman: The Movie

87%

86%

Superman: The Movie

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Superman: The Movie

Superman II

88%

76%

Superman II

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Superman II

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

8 More LGBTQIA+ Outlets from Regional Archives in Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, and Beyond

87 Fearless Women Movie Heroes Who Inspire Us

Know Your Critic: Rolling Stone Senior Editor David Fear

Best Star Wars Moments Ever

24:20

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope: Teaser Trailer 1

2:01

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope: Trailer 1

1:07

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

The Imperial Forces -- under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) -- hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.

Director: George Lucas
Producer: Gary Kurtz
Production Co: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 25, 1977, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 1982
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $345
Runtime: 2h 1m
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now