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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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Lesley

Feb 8

atmosphere of the theater

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Patti C

May 27

Best movie ever made!

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Mike D.

@BuckeyeMike 3d

A Classic! Amazing!

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Chris P

@Xiao_Proxies 5d

This film redefined what was possible in storytelling, worldbuilding, and cinematic imagination. George Lucas didn't just create a film-he crafted a universe. A universe filled with compelling characters, timeless themes, and a mythological structure that resonates across generations. The visual effects, though obviously dated by today's standards, still carry a certain practical charm that CGI rarely replicates. Every costume, model, and set design is infused with passion and detail. What truly sets A New Hope apart is its balance: an accessible adventure story with deep allegorical layers, heroic arcs, political undertones, and an emotional core that's still moving today. Luke Skywalker's journey is the blueprint for the classic hero's path. Vader is one of the most iconic villains in film history. Even today, with countless Star Wars films and shows behind us, Episode IV holds up because it was crafted with vision, love, and a desire to do something no one had ever dared.

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Guilherme M

@RT21202523 5d

Amazing. I'm starting the Star Wars films in the 4 5 6 1 2 3 7 8 9 order. It's the first time I ever watched a Star Wars movie, and it was a truly amazing experience. Some say it's too dragged by the two hours length of the film, but I was glued to screen the whole movie. It's atmosphere and effects are amazing for it's time. I think the only bad thing about this is the super ankward lightsaber fight between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. I'm surely going to watch the next.

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Ethan L S

@RT09037589 Apr 11

This movie is very good. All the villains were amazing and I definitely recommend it. The only thing that keep me from giving 5 stars were the characters because there story was slow in the beginning of the movie but other than that it’s amazing

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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

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

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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

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