Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

PG

Released May 25, 1977

2h 1m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

93%

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143 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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Eunika P

From zero to hero, typically ‼️🙄🥱🥱🥱 🥱 🥱 🥱 The only plus is that Jabba is a wonderful human being 🤩🤩 Cheers from Poland 🇵🇱😘

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Brett W

For me, and I stress, for me, this is the greatest movie made. From when I first saw it as an 8 year old to watching an original trilogy marathon with my daughter's, it means more to me than any other. From the good vs evil to laser guns to lightsabers, it's perfect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/25

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tim s

What can be said that hasn't been said already? Star Wars is a pinnacle of sci-fi filmmaking. The groundbreaking visuals still look good nearly 50 years later and iconic characters and locations never cease to endear. Perhaps there won't ever be a film again that defined cinema or a generation such as Star Wars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/25

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mean s

STAR WARS was the name of the movie my father took me to go see in the summer of 1977 when I was 7 years old, not "A New Hope"! A new hope will be that Lucas will change the name of this most awesome film back to what it was originally called. STAR WARS defined the end of the 1970s. It made us feel good about the future and gave of hope. It truly brightened what we thought about what the future would be.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/25

Full Review

John S

It's kinda amazing that this movie launched everything that Star Wars has become. I give it a lot of slack as a product of its time but it really is a little bit terrible. There are way better stories in the franchise.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/05/25

Full Review

Matt B

Kind of a slow burn and the worst lightsaber fight between to old geezers, but the chemistry of the stars is great, the story is interesting (before you learn the backstory and expanded universe). It was made in the 70s so the effects are hit and miss, but DO NOT forego the authentic New Hope movie for the re-released version with a nightmare CG Jabba and Dewbacks walking in front of the camera.... Good movie though

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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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

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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
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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