40 years later Empire Strikes Back is still the best Star Wars film

It has now been 40 years since the Empire Strikes Back released and to this day it remains the best Star Wars film.

[@bl3187]

Not only the best Star Wars movie but one of the greatest movies of all time.

[@JangosJunk77]

Facts

[@heitorgandra1931]

Rian Johnson:You LIAR!!

[@navirantunga6068]

fax

[@desto6923]

Not One of the greatest... The greatest

[@saltybiscuit8949]

can't like, at 69 (good soldiers follow orders)

[@SANFRANCISCO49ERS_PYRO]

Empire Strikes Back is a PERFECT FILM. There is not many of them.

[@Mr.Sozzled]

interstellar is another perfect film

[@ultimate.tobi.3609]

It's not perfect

[@diadokhoi5722]

It's far from perfect

[@TrueNorthProductions]

@@ultimate.tobi.3609 what's wrong about it. Be specific.

[@ross3986]

Not a perfect film but the perfect Star Wars film for sure

[@bananawaltz8807]

“That is the ESB, a movie from a more civilized age.”

[@fuzzybacca4997]

Please pin this comment

[@Brandon-ew8mr]

To be honest, I wish I could forget I ever watched this film, and watch it for the first time again. Just to get mind blown by the plot twister...

[@pointlessskean6964]

So true

[@benaiah2119]

Just watched it for the first time but I new the twist and have seen some Star Wars movies before hand and it didn’t matter because I ended up loving this movie more than any Star Wars movie I’ve seen.

[@BRONZALiVE]

Whoever says the last jedi is better, may God have mercy on their soul

[@mn8886]

Not even God can forgive such blasphemy lol

[@diadokhoi5722]

Jesus calm down it's just a movie

[@matthewstephen4014]

@@diadokhoi5722 Jesus calm down it's just a comment.

[@BGOutOfService]

I love TLJ but no, you can't beat Empire

[@alexolds9840]

It’s a great movie, but nothing can top Empire.

[@dbg-dabraziliangamer8163]

This is without a shadow of a doubt the Star Wars film that I am always the most engaged while watching. NO scene is wasted whatsoever in my opinion. There is no moment in this film where I'm not absolutely glued to the screen. It's so fucking good.

[@ontasbulent5709]

Many people say George wasn’t involved much in ESP and TCW but he was. Just listen to the interviews and documentaries.

[@Mr.Sozzled]

he was involved with the story yes, but the execution no he wasnt

[@sikid4000]

@@Mr.Sozzled He was involved in almost everything. Especially the story. He had all the ideas for the battles and different worlds, and ships etc. Pretty much everything iconic about the film was because of George.

[@ariesroc]

@@Mr.Sozzled Why does this myth persist? It's one of the most well documented movie productions of all-time. The pretense he wasn't completely involved with it is simply nonsensical. The point is that after Kurtz was fired he had to go in and save the whole thing because Kershner simply couldn't hack the production. He was overwhelmed and Kurtz once again failed. It's Lucas' story, his characters, his script (the fact that he didn't properly credit himself is bizarrely held against him). Apparently he should have given himself the proper lead scripting credit and delete Leigh Brackett (who he gave credit to because he liked and appreciated she tried) as well as co-directing credit. For anyone who wondered what Kasdan really did just look at TFA and Solo for what he did without George. Yeah not so good. He did try to pull back on the on-set shooting side early on because of the nightmare A New Hope was to him personally but that was a mistake that lead to the disastrously going over schedule and budget.

[@huntersolo8322]

Its because they dont want to admit gorge is a good director and everything

[@dougpassat]

@@Mr.Sozzled So true. Lucas sycophants will always deny deny deny.

[@williamkennedy7593]

Still the best Star Wars film and one of the best films ever

[@Momy69420]

William Kennedy ROTS better than it

[@matteopinn1754]

@@Momy69420 nah close tho

[@ultimate.tobi.3609]

@@Momy69420 BIG FAX, mate

[@Momy69420]

Pinnaldo11 nah better than it

[@obi-wankenobi3168]

@@Momy69420 I agree my apprentice

[@0094Gengar]

Definitely agree with you, Star Wars needed Lucas's storytelling but it definitely needed people to say no. Forever the best Star Wars movie, absolutely no competition.

[@sikid4000]

George's involvement is actually downplayed by some people trying to explain why they didn't like the prequels. George had to save The Empire Strikes back and help Irvin Kershner. And of course the big twist was all George. No one told George no as far as I know he had the final say on everything.

[@sikid4000]

@@quicklyform5162 You should read the interview with George StarWars.com did recently. SWOnly says George wasn't involved but that isn't true. George wanted to just be a producer but he ended up being a lot more hands on than he wanted to due to issues and Irvin struggling. George was actually on set for almost all of it.

[@quicklyform5162]

sikid4000 ight

[@hanshotlast]

sikid4000 he just takes shots on George whenever he can, cause he’s a little bitch

[@StarWarsOnly]

George had a cut of the film that was rejected by Kershner and Kurtz and it led to a huge falling out, so no he didn't have final say on everything. Even for ROTJ he said many times that Richard is in charge when people asked questions. Being on set doesn't mean being in charge, George is quiet and avoids confrontations

[@sikid4000]

@@StarWarsOnly "Richard is in charge" was George avoiding the confrontations, he was still in charge. Empire went George's way from what I understand. George would actually use this same tactic when making Episode 3 by saying "Spielberg wants it." Which is proof he didn't go unchallenged. The first cut of TESB was a disaster before George saved it.

[@patsfan4life]

This is the greatest love note to my favorite movie of all time !!!!

[@VinzKlortho]

The best Star Wars hands down. The music, the story, the cinematography. I still get goosebumps during certain scenes.

[@pencapchew42]

Annnd this movie has the least annoying Special Edition edits. I actually don’t think I have any issues with anything they edited into this one.

[@matthewhirt6092]

The only big change I remember is them adding Ian McDirmad as the emperor, which actually makes tons of sense!

[@albertgt3007]

The only thing that doesn't make sense in the special edition changes of TESB is that they added some lines in the scene between vader and palpatine where vader finds out that luke is his son (but since the start of the movie he's been looking for luke)

[@pencapchew42]

Albert Skywalker don’t they just say the son of skywalker in that scene though?

[@pencapchew42]

Matthew Hirt yes and extra wampa footage! The original didn’t show it eating a carcass in the cave.

[@scottwallace1]

To that I would point to “Alert my Star Destroyer to prepare for my arrival”, followed by a momentum killing ramp exit shot obviously take from Return of the Jedi instead of the original line that always struck me as super badass, “Bring my shuttle”. If you’re a real fan, I don’t need to explain the context or when that occurs. Now, continue your discussion ;)

[@maxmead077]

Yeah, I love ROTS, but it's nothing compared Empire.

[@elijahlee3610]

It completely destroys empire

[@ElhTil]

@@elijahlee3610 Revenge of the Sith is good, But Empire is a masterpiece

[@elijahlee3610]

@@ElhTil with that logic i could say revenge of the sith is a masterpiece

[@chickenintranslation2919]

@@elijahlee3610 How is Revenge a masterpiece. It's a mediocre movie that's only praised due to its greater context within the Star Wars story. Empire not only enhances the Star Wars story, it is a great film without it. It is lighting in a bottle, and objectively is a masterpiece.

[@elijahlee3610]

@@chickenintranslation2919 revenge of the sith not only enhances the star wars story, it is a great film without it. It is lightning in a bottle, and objectively is a masterpiece.

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

If I lived in a universe where Empire (the 1980 version) was the only Star Wars movie in existence, I would be perfectly happy! :-)

[@dungeoneering1974]

I held that belief for a long time. Rewatching them with my kids recently I came to the conclusion ANH is the best, it's just perfect. I do agree ESB is the best sequel of all time, well it might be tied with Two Towers for that title.

[@pencapchew42]

I feel like at the time this movie proved to Hollywood, and the world, that good sequels could exist. In this case arguably better than the original. Before this I don’t think making sequels was regular occurrence. Correct me if I’m wrong!

[@john.michael01]

I watched a new hope when I was 4 years old, and I was blown away. Watching Empire Strikes back for the first time officially got me hooked onto this franchise. It is a perfect film, literally everything about it is amazing. The characters, story, dialogue, it didn’t split the fanbase or need 10+ years for people to like it, no it revolutionized film and kicked off this franchise. I still cant find anyone who dislikes this film. This is Star Wars at its best.

[@thor2012]

Here’s some reasons why Empire Strikes Back is the greatest Star Wars film and one of greatest films period... Yoda - from his initial humor to his wise words so quotable that they are relevant to real life situations. Lando - a black dude that owns a city in the clouds and wears capes and has a right hand man that was probably a regular dude but could have just as easily been an Android like Data. Boba Fett - had a reputation that even Vader knew of and it appears actually went around disintegrating people! And had one of the coolest right side up flying space ships that you’d ever seen. Bounty hunters - space bounty hunters because the patrons of the Cantina weren’t shifty and bizarre looking enough. You get a motley collection of space bounty hunters. AT-ATs - there’s tanks and there’s heavily armored 10 story tall 4 legged assault vehicles - again something you’d never seen. With a sneak peak at AT-STs. Plus badass looking “evil round hooded klan” Snowtroopers lol. Dagobah - a bizarre swamp like something out of nightmare that was very dangerous and had evil caves - which told you little ass Yoda had to be badass living there by himself. Cloud City - a damn floating city in the clouds again something you’d never seen before. Hoth - had we ever seen a whole planet of snow before then and that had... Wampas - like Sasquatch but bigger and meaner with horns razor sharp teeth and oversized bear claws. The Millennium Falcon being chased through an asteroid belt - in one of the craziest space chase scenes ever put to film at the time (the odds 3,720 to one for survival) that ended with the Falcon zipping through the closing mouth of a space slug the size of ten skyscrapers. Han frozen in Carbonite - who drops people into cambers that freezes them with a painful looking expression left on their face, but they’re still alive persevered for who knows how long... the following guy does and last but not least Darth Vader - you thought he was scary and bad in A New Hope, nah he was just getting started. He was Superbad in Empire and you died if you failed him and were replaced like an empty roll of toilet paper. Plus you see this ultra badass bow to this guy that’s implied is even deadly than he is. Vader then not only blocked laser gun fire with his palms and then asked you to join him for dinner only to torture you and not ask you a damn thing, but he toyed with Luke, cut his hand off and then told the dude he was his father - making people jump up out their seats. And mind you all of the above was effortlessly and cohesively woven into the storyline. Solid acting, great pacing, poetic dialogue and themes, stunning cinematography, easily some of John Williams best score themes - Imperial March & Asteroid belt chase. Find me any Star Wars movie let alone any movie that introduces that many iconic characters, iconic dialogue and quotes, and things and places in two hours. Yeah Revenge of the Sith is balls to the walls badass and Return of the Jedi is exceptional good, and of course A New Hope started it all, but pound for pound against the other Star Wars films, the Empire Struck Back and won hands down!

[@Omhikmat]

I had an ESB anniversary party with my children last night and the movie was just as magical as ever. It thrilled and enthralled my girls as well. Star Wars just doesn't get any better than this.

[@pml-starwars9043]

Don't bet me wrong, I love Return Of The Jedi and Revenge Of The Sith, but people need to stop pretending Revenge of the Sith is better than Empire.

[@revengeofthesith.]

I mean its objectively better, but people can have opinions on what they like more

[@pencapchew42]

Yeah like just because RotS has more memeable moments doesn’t mean it’s better.

[@enteryourname8991]

exactly

[@masterjedi5674]

These are people's opinions. Ep 3 is the only dark movie and some don't just look at nostalgia, for some ep 5 is boring

[@pencapchew42]

XVanX ep5 is also a dark movie

[@bizu953]

For me, I think that both ANH and ESB are the best Star Wars films. ANH had a perfect pace, great characters, an understandable and good story, and very intense and adventure filled action. While ESB had a slower pace, character development, darker tone, an amazing twist and better to explore the universe the series is in. Both are honestly 10 out of 10 films, flaws and all. They both changed the world and how movies are and I can't imagine a world without it.

[@nginamandouma4246]

It’s my 2nd favorite movie of all time

[@LILGHETTI]

The biggest and best plot twist of all time!! RIP Irvin Kershner *No, I am your father*

[@patsfan4life]

Tony Stark Back when spoilers could be passed along only by word of mouth 😉

[@diadokhoi5722]

I thought isn't was a bit cringe. But prequels helped me

[@pjskywalker2457]

I am so thankful that you made this video! You hit the nail in the head in every possible way possible. I was in the Theater for all of the first trilogy and it gave me more pleasure and entertainment than any that has come after. Way to get the clear picture of the best Star Wars movie ever made and it will hold it’s place in the filmography of anything that would try to better it!!!

[@antiqueashes]

Love this movie so much

[@peterpapadimitriou7744]

At the Age of 54 this is simply the best - )

[@Manny4movies]

I was 12 when I watched Empire and it was at one of Toronto's biggest theater in 1980, The university theater which had a seating capacity of 1,300 seats and a balcony. The screen was huge in 70mm print. I was blown away!! It changed my life forever. To this day it's the best film I experienced along with ROTJ :) so glad to see other fans on here. May the force be with you all my fellow empire fans.

[@x_alpienos_xd1100]

Trully the best Star Wars movie and one of the best movies ever made.

[@lookie4642]

I %100 percent agree, not just my favorite but THE BEST Star Wars film!

[@Momy69420]

Lookie ROTS better than it

[@diadokhoi5722]

ROTS

[@jordangoulet6536]

@@Momy69420 hell nah

[@thethoughtcriminal8786]

Empire made me love winter.

[@leonardvicari2857]

The Empire Strikes Back the greatest star wars movie ever I was 14 when I saw it in 1980 a perfect screenplay by Leigh Bracket and Lawrence Kasden

[@Slick_Nick7567]

Personally my favorite film is A New Hope but I know that Empire Strikes Back was the most universally loved. I love Revenge of the Sith, Clone Wars, and even Rogue One. I understand the Prequels have flaws but it tells a story and has great moments. I'm grateful for what George Lucas set up it's a shame people didn't appreciate him until he left his IP.

[@DavyDredd14]

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is a Magnificent Masterpiece !!!

[@ontasbulent5709]

Isn’t it an absolute saying Empire strikes back is the greatest Star Wars movie and saying the others aren’t?

[@goodsuc81]

Yep Star Wars only is a sith

[@sikid4000]

I think Star Wars only is a Sith Lawd.

[@vikingraider8061]

Only a sith deals in absolutes.

[@LilWindex1378]

No it isn't

[@J1O2C3K4E5S]

One of cinemas masterpieces! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Lunar_Pendragon]

Doctor Zhivago and the classic Hollywood films of the 50s and 60s inspired the romance of Attack Of The Clones - and anyone who knows their cinema can see this very clearly. Lucas wanted the romance to be this way, and it's what he desired, he said it himself - he also said fans wouldn't get it, and it seems 20 years later, they still haven't got it.

[@michaelhorning6014]

I literally grew up with Star Wars. The first film came out when I was 10 and the simplicity of it was perfect. I was 13 when Empire arrived and the darker and more complex tone, with mere survival the only victory, resonated with an adolescent becoming aware of three larger world. At 16 on the edge of adulthood, along came Jedi, with themes of legacies fulfilled, hope restored, taking ones place in the world.

[@nginamandouma4246]

I could not agree more

[@104.shagunsuvarna7]

Because Empire Strikes Back made the best plot twist of all-time, so nowadays, people want to break the record and so these days every film is filled with plot twist. You don't need to have a plot twist to make a great movie, try makin' movies without plot twists...

[@beplatinum2014]

The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers hold in the argument of great sequels of all time as well,

[@youknowihaduwuittoem]

11:38. Smooth move, my friend. Smooth move indeed.

[@Marcbr73]

The level of creative special effect shots compared to Star Wars was huge and yes it’s still one of the best movies period, the effects just kept progressing but ESB having daylight practical effects like the walkers was beyond groundbreaking and most of the footage still holds up against ILM grade cgi👍

[@chadchesney3858]

U bet. My favorite movie. Greatest sequel of all time. And I think the greatest cinematic accomplishment of all time. The expectations had never been greater. Self financed so everything was riding on its success. Just awesome, AWESOME. Yes Kershner’s contributions cannot be overstated.

[@theminecraft2516]

My ranking of the movies 1. Starwars Empire Strikes Back 2. Starwars Return of the Jedi 3. Starwars 4.Starwars Revenge of the Sith 5. Starwars The Last Jedi 6. Starwars The Force Awakens 7. Starwars Rogue One 8. Starwars Attack of the Clones 9. Starwars Solo 10.Starwars Rise of Skywalker 11. Starwars The Phantom Menace 12.The Clone Wars Movie 13. Holiday Special

[@jacobcasmus1882]

"You love him don't you?" "Yes, but not bc of that" 😘

[@scottwallace1]

No one would argue that TESB is anything but a monumentally great film. In fact, it’s my second favorite film of all time. Topped only by.....Star Wars (and yes, I mean Star Wars. I was 9. I was there. Not A New Hope. Star Wars). So I will never throw shade on Empire. It’s about as perfect as a film could be. Star Wars however, IS perfect. Star Wars set the stage for all that was to come. It introduced innumerable new characters and ideas and concepts. Imagine a time before there was a Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2D2, C3PO, or Jedi Knights, lightsabers, Mos Eisley cantina, or the Millenium Falcon, X-Wings, Tattooine, Alderaan, Sand People, Jawas, and no I didn’t forget Chewbacca. It was Star Wars that brought these things to our world and cultural consciousness. And it remains the only of the nine ‘Skywalker Saga’ films that can truly live on its own without needing another movie or book or explanation after the fact to explain it. The genius of the fairytale beginning with ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...’ does an incredible bit of psychology on the viewer by immediately giving us what appears to be a time capsule from a distant past, rather than the unrelatable, unknowable future. And that is a distinctly different feeling. So while Empire is incredible... Star Wars is truly the greatest film of all time. There’s no shame in being the second best movie ever either! (insert obligatory reference to the magical powers of John Williams score for Star Wars).

[@waynesimpson2074]

I recall, intensely watching this film for the first time ever when it was initially released, no social media or web chat to tip you off about the narrative. At the big reveal a whole row of seated bewildered strangers looked at each other with the same 'did you know?' accusatory glance. When the last act ended without us knowing Han's fate the cinema manager/projectionist nearly got lynched with people turning around at the injustice of it all protesting to the beam of light; 'thats it?'....'you can't leave it like this?' That's when you know you were totally drawn in and you just watched something truly great.

[@douglasmyers5239]

I was there. May 21,1980. My 21st Birthday! The best then, and still, the best now.

[@SORRYBUTYOURENEXT]

Empires strikes back was just amazing,as a kid I watched the prequels, I rally enjoyed those but as I grew up I now realize the OT has a lot of character building

[@marcheskitv]

Dang, I realized the Empire Strikes Back came out on my birthday

[@holygramatha4978]

Empire is probably objectively the best one. But subjectively, for me, I find Revenge of the Sith is

[@scifiguy26]

This brings back the good ole days i seen The Empire Strikes Back 13 times in the theaters as a kid loved that movie👍🏾...but now with the Disney trilogy it's kinda depressing to watch it now knowing what comes afterwards😢

[@jughead4845]

Just simply pretend the sequels dont exist and never watch them again. That's what I do. I still love ESB and will always be my favourite film.

[@scifiguy26]

@@jughead4845 good advice 👍

[@chadwick1e466]

I was 7 when I saw Star Wars, and was 10 when I saw the Empire Stokes Back....the first movie there were no toys, and for ESB cliffhangers like that were unheard of...really left you feeling incomplete and like you said...”wanting more”. Needles to say, we were all in agony for closer, and that’s exactly what Return of the Jedi was. Looking back it’s clear Empire was the best...and oddly enough messed with (re-edited)the least by George Lucas.

[@ict113090]

I was born 10 years after this film came out. The prequels were targeted for my age group and I still consider Empire my favorite. Even seeing the prequels in theaters I was generally more entertained at the OT on VHS. I was also mesmerized by the story of Shadows of the Empire which is a solid bridge between this film and return of the Jedi. Oh. And I will NEVER refer to this film as “Episode 5”. I call Star Wars “A New Hope” and that’s as far as I’m willing to go.

[@williamtaylor1273]

I wish Irvin Kirshner had directed Return of the Jedi.

[@rainydeyy]

Best movie ever bruh

[@zackbeatty4889]

Whats the background music in your videos?

[@LoDoFilmUnlimitedMedia]

In 1977 I was 5. Star Wars was one of the first movies I ever saw. In 1980, I was 8 when Empire came out. I remember that the line to the theater was a quarter mile long, down the street! TRIVIA: Luke and Leia weren't brother and sister until Lucas needed a good reason for Vader to push Luke to the darkside, in Return of the Jedi. It's true. The "there is another" line, was just thrown in there to make the audience think that Luke could die in Cloud City. For 3 years, I couldn't wait for "Revenge" of the Jedi - Later changed to "Return" at the last minute, to see if Han Solo would be rescued or not. (Harrison Ford had become very popular and I wanted him to reprise the role). I was 11 when Jedi came out and it was the Star Wars movie I saw the most in theaters - but my least favorite of the 3, ironically. The OT will never be topped for me. That said, I do like them all, for their own reasons. Every new release brings its own experience.

[@rainydeyy]

Did I not hear “starwars only idk what the f*ck your problem is?” I was so used to it lol

[@makutamiserix5612]

Rogue One: Am I a joke to you?

[@petteraven3761]

Spot on, StarWarsOnly. This is the qualitative high water mark of Star Wars, in my not so humble opinion. I am both grateful that it was attained and disappointed that it couldn't be maintained.

[@patsfan4life]

The BEST sequel of all time!

[@kannaman211]

Personally I think that unless you were born by 1972 and saw Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back in the theater when they came out you don't really understand how great both of those movies were seeing what's now called A New Hope in 1977 and waiting 3 years for the sequel to come out really helped to make Star Wars a bigger thing. Seeing ESB for the first time was an incredible event and to me it is easily still the best Star Wars movie by far. There are some that try to rewrite history and say it wasn't well received at first but I don't remember anyone who didn't like it maybe there were critics that didn't like it but what I do remember was going back an seeing it several more times and the theater was always full of other people who had the same idea. All who were born to late to see it for the first time in the theater are not going to be as impressed with it because they haven't really got to live through the whole experience so their feelings about the OT are a little bit different because they have been exposed to movie making and game making that was all inspired by what Star Wars did to the entertainment industry in the late 70s and early 80's.

[@teoweldon]

Well said man. I found this video just googling 'Empire Strikes Back best Star Wars film'. I completely agree with the reasoning here, and it's interesting to hear some of your theories about why Empire Strikes Back came to pass the way it did and to learn about some of the figures & backstory behind its development. I think the film has one of those rare combinations of perfect balance- in character arcs, character types, and this internal world suspended emotionally between the dual sides of Force, being played out through these amazingly diverse outer worlds. It's no longer such an easy conclusion to dismiss the dark side when you learn your own father is on that side. Yet Luke is able to hold the balance somehow. The story is heavily mythological and the character development is arguably some of the best in film history. Then, there is what is maybe John Williams' best score to complement and inform the many overlapping themes. Empire Strikes Back remains my favorite Star Wars film for many reasons. Thanks for the insightful video.

[@raulequitelarios6770]

I grew up with the prequel’s and even though I love them but my favorite Star Wars movie all time is the Empire strikes back

[@MovingBlanketStudio]

I'm giving this an "amen" before I even watch this

[@cameramanu]

Thanks for this video. Empire is my favourite Star Wars movie with the emotions etc. 2nd would be New Hope but I loved the part when Luke was under Cloud city where he calls out Ben then Leia. She said we have to go back. I know where Luke is. We didn’t know it at the time but that was the first sign they are twins. She herd him though the force.

[@bananafanafoferry6970]

Luke and Leia kissing was supposed to be part of the love triangle storyline. It was ruined by George Lucas when he took the lazy way out and made Leia and Luke siblings instead. The sister was supposed to be an entirely different character originally.

[@SoapNugget]

Definitely The Greatest Star Wars Film and my favorite film of all time

[@tylervogt4128]

I’m 37 and old enough to remember Star Wars when there were only 3 excited for the TPM. Wore the VHS’ out watching the originals over and over as a kid. Now it’s been 2 decades since the second prequel film and I just finished watching “the Skywalker Saga” and I can honestly say ANH is a damn good movie. ESB is one of the greatest movies ever made and the rest are good looking bad movies. I know I’m gonna get hate for putting ROTJ in there with the rest but I can’t watch the 1st third of that of that movie… Honestly anymore I just stick to Solo, Rogue, Hope, Empire, (skip Jaba’s new song and dance) finish Jedi, The Mandalorian. Give Solo another shot, it’s fun. We’re passed the TLJ backlash now😉

[@franklinnash]

40 years old. I know they say it's the best of the saga and I can still remember how excited I was back in 1980 for the sequel to my favorite movie. However, it didn't have the same impact on the audience and the industry as the original Star Wars. Notice I don't use Episode IV or A New Hope. Star Wars could, so easily, have been a single standalone movie and it still would be considered the greatest blockbuster movie ever made. #TESB #40THANNIVERSARY

[@cianmahan1]

Empire Strikes Back is not just my favorite Star Wars movie, it’s my personal favorite movie of all time. I love New Hope but personally Empire is the best

[@LoopHoleLeeRoy]

Terminator 2 was a great sequel too

[@josephbrown9685]

This movie is THE reason why Star Wars is still a popular brand to this day. Not only was it a virtually flawless movie, it fleshed out Vader’s character and made him the iconic character that people know today.

[@davidg4726]

Great Video! Empire Strikes Back is my Favorite Star Wars film. I enjoyed traveling to the worlds of Hoth and Dagobah and meeting Yoda. Plus, Boba Fett + Carbonite = Frozen Han Solo! So, Lucas Rules, and Star Wars Needs Him Back!

[@hakimzane]

NOTHING touches ESB...and it may never come close. At least not in this lifetime. What I'd give for great SW movies again.

[@diadokhoi5722]

ROTS

[@sikid4000]

Still in my top 3 for sure. The best is still Revenge of The Sith and Return of The Jedi (if you hate Ewoks you have no joy.)

[@JangosJunk77]

Ewoks are goat

[@muki_the_coyote_17]

Ace Donkey Kong especially in battlefront 2

[@patsfan4life]

ROTJ?

[@breadd7]

I liked the video, and I love esb (rots is my first with esb in a close second) but the way that you talk seems to be against people who like the prequels and the other movies. Just thought I’d share my opinion, I think you talked slightly rude during some of the points in the video.

[@AndreNitroX]

ESB being the best 40 years later is awesome but sad at the same time. Only the clone wars has rivaled it.

[@HairyHands]

Rogue One don't get enough love

[@troypol343]

I was there in 1980 and witnessed greatness and history. The Empire Strikes Back grew the Star Wars universe without destroying it. Return of the Jedi, on the other hand, had some questionable things added like Luke and Leia being made brother and sister, and killing everyone off so fast (Jabba, Boba Fett, Yoda, The Emperor, Darth Vader), but what still irks me the most to this day is Ben Kenobi's stupid line: "What I told you was true, from a certain point of view". Ugh, I was 11 when I saw that in theaters and I knew that was a stupid thing for a wise Jedi to say. To me, it made Ben Kenobi look like a decitful liar. Anyway, I always thought Return of the Jedi could have been two movies. One focusing on rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and the final defeating the Empire. Also, just a side note: I did not have any issue with the Ewoks, as some do. The Empire Strikes Back was and is the greatest Star Wars film. It has stood the test of time and I remember being a kid that was so excited to see it in the theater and loved the Kenner Star Wars toys that accompanied it in stores. The Force was indeed strong with this one, The Empire Strikes Back Forever!!!

[@claudiushenry8879]

It is the best Star Wars film. This is also one of the greatest science fiction films ever made.

[@matttaylor4415]

Couldn’t have said it better!

[@The.Crawling.Chaos.]

Props for the runtime! ;) And yes, not only is Empire the best Star Wars movie, it is one of the best movies of all time!

[@charles-antoineturcotte7608]

You guys can say whatever you want the prequels with the clones wars (specially last season with that fkg incredible ending) is so great and makes the star wars universe a masterpiece in character development, I agreed my fav Star Wars is Empire strike, but god we has some good Star Wars even in Walt Disney right like Rogue one and The Clones wars ending.

[@derangedcrouton1864]

I loved the maturity, cinematic quality and just the way it IS a movie before its star wars, nowadays people that make star wars try to emulate star wars... but back then the identity of star wars was still being written, so it had so much space to work with... thats the biggest problem, if you want to make star wars content on this level again, you gotta stop trying to make star wars... and make a compelling show or film first, just set it within this galaxy.. and excluding George isn't the best idea, but you shouldn't let him have a hand on its production in anyway, he should shoot his ideas and the people who produce the film with their own vision and proffesional quality should do what they do best and decide what works and what doesnt. The story is so clear and well structured, there are no plot holes and even with what wasnt even decided beforehand, darth vader being lukes father, they cleverly worked around it to make it work. I just wish more people listened to george and worked off of the ideas he had that worked or didn't but know when to say NO to him, and be creative with your own vision and forge these characters and their personalities the story etc.. people say the prequels are great at world building but honestly, this film also shows that such a thing isn't neciserally good, it depends on where its used... this film was personal and storybased more than anything about expanding the universe, its exploration was based entirely on the narrative, it accomplished that balance perfectly. After watching mando season 2- bobf I realise that... they've run out of creativity and care for story and polish, it has become about characters like collectibles in a lego set, and about milking as much fan service and nostalgia as possible, it has also become event based, borrowing from media and lore, a presentation of literally just an EVENT like avengers endgame, not a show or film... if they tried to make shows and films again that happened to be set in this universe, with new characters and a narrative and character building based experience, I'd consider watching star wars content again, I've kinda given up on it, there's only so much nostalgia juice you can milk out of me

[@phalera]

This is the film that turned me into a Star Wars fan. Every film since has just not matched its quality. Even ROTJ was disappointing after three years of waiting. Guess the bar was raised too high.

[@boottothehead1839]

Each of the OT were my favorite in their own way. I honestly could not say which one was the best film. To me, No other film or trilogy comes close.

[@MadLFC]

You can't top perfection. That is why Empire will never be topped. Empire captured the purest essence of Star Wars and George Lucas' vision. The concept and story was George's but the execution was Ervin Kershner's. Without Kershner's involvement, the movie would never have been as great. Kershner understood character and mood, which Empire has in spades. The pacing was perfect, the shocks and revelations provided maximum impact without becoming contrived. The Empire Strikes back is a movie rich in everything and lacking in nothing. Even George Lucas' uneccessary special edition tweeks were minimal enough not to diminish the movie thankfully. As a final point, the debate over whether George Lucas' involvement hampered the remaining four Star Wars movies under his control...it is true that had Lucas stepped back in the same way as he did in Empire, then the following movies would have have turned out better. If however, Lucas had not written the stories of those movies, then we would have had another catastrophy of storytelling and characterization that was the sequel trilogy.

[@darthgonk798]

I’m glad to see it won though I would have loved to see ROTS win

[@loomman5296]

The Empire Strikes Back is definitely the best as a Star Wars movie, and also one of the best sequels ever made. As much as I love Revenge of the Sith, that's only because of The Clone Wars. I don't need a TV show to care about this film. The stakes were high, with the good guys losing in the end. If Darth Vader wan't Luke's father, who knows what Star Wars as a franchise would be? We were introduced to Yoda, Boba Fett, Lando, crazy new worlds and creatures. We learned more about the Force and how powerful and corrupt Vader is. The characters felt more real. Star Wars is my favorite film of all time, but even I have to admit that the characters aren't as "real" in that film. And on top of all of this, it's the only original trilogy film that wasn't fucked over by the special edition. All we got was Captain Rex's voice as Boba Fett, which was only changed for continuity.

[@EasyEd1955]

I think the scenes added by George on the DVD's detract from the original theatrical released movies, especially The Empire Strikes Back, because it was such a perfect film. George's meddling, once again, doesn't help. Great at story telling not so great at dialog and emotion.

[@HMMadsen]

I've always found it interesting that there exists such a distinction between a movie and a film in the USA to the point where there're two words to differentiate the two, given that this isn't the case for many European countries. In many European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Denmark etc, there exist no two words to differentiate the two, but only one, unifying word; film. I get that the reason the term 'movie' was created in the USA probably due to their more capitalistic approach to the media of film, but it's still interesting nonetheless from a non-American point of view.

[@thatguyyouthoughtyouknewon7620]

I have no idea how people think Revenge of the Sith is better than this masterpiece

[@goodsuc81]

Quickly form doesn’t make it a better film

[@thatguyyouthoughtyouknewon7620]

Quickly form this entire movie is godly

[@patsfan4life]

Me too, and I do absolutely enjoy ROTS for what it was

[@raul3494]

Movie had good fight scenes but doodoo dialogue & acting.

[@schmamsch5992]

Im not the biggest Star Wars fan but the empire strikes back is the only star wars movie that is one of the best movies of all time.

[@liamdadeppo6113]

Epic

[@dbg-dabraziliangamer8163]

The video is 11 minutes and 38 seconds long 😏. I see what you did there 😂.

[@AmeerHamza-VaPr]

Good shot Janson!

[@darthduck1524]

I think if george lucas saw your vids he would be like “we need this guy “. I really belive you should be on the top of star wars channels on KZbin, in my opinion you are very underrated.