Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

PG

1977

2h 1m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

208 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.

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.

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

04/23/2025

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.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

04/23/2025

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.

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Pete Hamill

New York Post

04/23/2025

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.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

May 27

2/5

If I had seen this in 1977, I might not have chosen to stick with the series based off this film.

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Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

May 27

3/5

I forgot how slow this first "Star Wars" movie is. Nonetheless, it has iconic scenes and Harrison Ford made a classic character with his performance.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 12

4/4

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

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Wes

May 8

Amazing movie! Too bad Disney can’t make Star Wars even half as good as the original George Lucas 6 movies.

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Todd P

May 5

The Paris Theater as AMAZING sound system that was OUT OF THIS WORLD FOR STAR WARS!!!

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Lesley

Feb 8

atmosphere of the theater

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Patti C

05/27/2025

Best movie ever made!

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Ali C.

@Ali89Club 3d

I Undrestand This Movie Has New Age For That Time And When i See Say To Myself Really This 1977 Movie And i Say This Movie is Magic For Peaple For That Time

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David M.

@Dmesuda 5d

It’s almost sacrilege to critique this movie. My 8 year old self sat wide-eyed with wonder as it unfolded on screen.

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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

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

2:01

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

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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