Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

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Released May 25, 1977

2h 1m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

144 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.

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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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Tom Shales

NPR

The greatest kids' picture for adults since "The Wizard of Oz."

May 4, 2022

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Molly Haskell

Village Voice

I don't see how I can come out ahead panning Star Wars, George Lucas's science-fiction film that has been acclaimed by children of all ages as the Fun Movie of the year.

Feb 27, 2020

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Richard Combs

Sight & Sound

Without the simple spiritual convictions of his predecessors, or the philosophical speculations of his contemporaries, Lucas has rather left his audience out in the cold.

Dec 12, 2019

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Calum Cooper

Movies We Texted About

Star Wars is a thoroughly entertaining experience of awe-inspiring escapism, but it is also an ode to unity – how ordinary people from all walks of life can come together and face anything no matter the odds against them.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 14, 2024

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Carson Timar

ClapperCast

There truly is just a magic to this film that is undeniably fun and touching.

Jun 7, 2024

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Akhil Arora

AkhilArora.com

[There’s] a charm to the simplicity, be it the cantina, the low-IQ Stormtroopers, or the film’s structure itself.

May 31, 2024

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Will G

One of my favorite movies. The original trilogy is the best. The special effects are great. Very talented actors. Nice costumes. Awesome world building. Fantastic music. A wonderful director.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

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Obi-wan K

One of the best movie i've seen in my life

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

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Tayton P

One of the best films of all time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

Will G

This Movie is so good! But it’s so basic compared to the other films in the series.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/05/24

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Hemish W

One of the all time best movies. What a way to start a franchise. Even though this movie is more than 50 years old the visuals stilll hold up great, and the use of "The Hero's Journey" is amazing. The characters are fun to follow, and the adventure is amazing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/04/24

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Professional D

I love this film and even the graffics .

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/30/24

Full Review

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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

1:07

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Synopsis

Director: George Lucas
Producer: Gary Kurtz
Screenwriter: George Lucas
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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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

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