Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV News
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily Entertainment GuideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsCannes Film FestivalStar WarsAsian Pacific American Heritage MonthSummer Watch GuideSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign In
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

  • 1983
  • PG
  • 2h 11m
IMDb RATING
8.3/10
1.2M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
232
47
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, Warwick Davis, David Prowse, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Carter, and Larry Ward in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
Official Trailer
Play trailer1:13
16 Videos
99+ Photos
Action EpicAdventure EpicDark FantasyDystopian Sci-FiEpicFantasy EpicGlobetrotting AdventureQuestSci-Fi EpicSpace Sci-Fi

After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.

  • Director
    • Richard Marquand
  • Writers
    • Lawrence Kasdan
    • George Lucas
  • Stars
    • Mark Hamill
    • Harrison Ford
    • Carrie Fisher
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.3/10
    1.2M
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    232
    47
    • Director
      • Richard Marquand
    • Writers
      • Lawrence Kasdan
      • George Lucas
    • Stars
      • Mark Hamill
      • Harrison Ford
      • Carrie Fisher
    • 1KUser reviews
    • 163Critic reviews
    • 58Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #92
    • Nominated for 4 Oscars
      • 25 wins & 23 nominations total

    Videos16

    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
    Trailer 1:13
    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
    Trailer 0:17
    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
    Trailer 0:17
    Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi
     "The Mandalorian" Season 2: Is Boba Fett Back?
    Clip 3:28
    "The Mandalorian" Season 2: Is Boba Fett Back?
    "The Mandalorian" Takes Star Wars to Wild West of Space
    Clip 4:02
    "The Mandalorian" Takes Star Wars to Wild West of Space
    How Does Emperor Palpatine Fit Into 'The Rise of Skywalker'?
    Clip 4:03
    How Does Emperor Palpatine Fit Into 'The Rise of Skywalker'?
    The Evolution of Anakin Skywalker
    Clip 3:23
    The Evolution of Anakin Skywalker

    Photos542

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 536
    View Poster

    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Mark Hamill
    Mark Hamill
    • Luke Skywalker
    Harrison Ford
    Harrison Ford
    • Han Solo
    Carrie Fisher
    Carrie Fisher
    • Princess Leia
    Billy Dee Williams
    Billy Dee Williams
    • Lando Calrissian
    Anthony Daniels
    Anthony Daniels
    • C-3PO
    Peter Mayhew
    Peter Mayhew
    • Chewbacca
    Sebastian Shaw
    Sebastian Shaw
    • Anakin Skywalker
    Ian McDiarmid
    Ian McDiarmid
    • The Emperor
    Frank Oz
    Frank Oz
    • Yoda
    • (voice)
    James Earl Jones
    James Earl Jones
    • Darth Vader
    • (voice)
    David Prowse
    David Prowse
    • Darth Vader
    Alec Guinness
    Alec Guinness
    • Ben 'Obi-Wan' Kenobi
    Kenny Baker
    Kenny Baker
    • R2-D2…
    Michael Pennington
    Michael Pennington
    • Moff Jerjerrod
    Kenneth Colley
    Kenneth Colley
    • Admiral Piett
    Michael Carter
    Michael Carter
    • Bib Fortuna
    Denis Lawson
    Denis Lawson
    • Wedge
    Tim Rose
    Tim Rose
    • Admiral Ackbar
    • Director
      • Richard Marquand
    • Writers
      • Lawrence Kasdan
      • George Lucas
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1K

    8.31166.5K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Return of the Jedi' concludes the original Star Wars trilogy with mixed reactions. The character arc of Darth Vader and the climactic battle are praised, while new characters like Ewoks receive varied responses. Special effects are lauded, but pacing and inconsistencies are criticized. The film is celebrated for its closure and contribution to the Star Wars legacy, despite its flaws.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    9ladysolo

    A touching end

    I'm sick of people whining about Ewoks! True, they're not the best thing that ever happened to Star Wars, but they DID happen, so deal with it! Besides, they ARE cute, and I don't care if they're marketable. Yubb Nubb!

    This movie always leaves me in tears. It's perfect. The end could not be better. I'm excited for The Phantom Menace because it will suddenly throw the focus of the whole story from Luke to Anakin. I love how he is revealed at the end - it would be too unresolved any other way. So those of you who are complaining that Vader's helmet was removed, take a moment to think about it. It's very effective. Vader, the man who hid behind a mask for 20 years, is finally revealed as a sick-looking man. He is not entirely machine - he's vulnerable.

    I don't know how the casting director happened to pick such good actors in A New Hope. They all do so well. They are believable characters. Hamill does an excellent job with his dramatic character development. Fisher does a fine job being a female role model (I mean, come on! She killed Jabba even when so many others had failed!). Harrison Ford - need I say more?

    The music is once again brilliant. It's so very touching and significant when you can pick out character themes at different parts of the movie. The best climax is when Luke shouts "NOOO!" and jumps out to fight his father in the Final Battle. John Williams is nothing short of a genius! What an amazing man!

    Already, the movie has so much more meaning for me because of Episode I. I can't wait to finally see it in the theatres (CAN I WAIT???) and then watch the original trilogy yet again.

    Bravo!
    TxMike

    Fitting closure to the 'Star Wars' series, now out on DVD.

    My five children were growing up but all still at home when 'Return of the Jedi' came to the theater. While there had been other Sci-Fi movies with a theme of conflict in outer space, the 'Star Wars' trilogy filled our imaginations like no other movies before them. The fantastic, strange worlds were presented almost like we were there too. Aliens sitting around a tavern, enjoying drinks and speaking in all sorts of languages. Nothing before had approached the sheer size of the space ships depicted here, huge cities traveling all over the galaxy. And how about the jump to hyper speed, then disappearing from the screen as the speed exceeds light speed! And the light sabres of the Jedi Knights. The Jedi Knights, a striking parallel to the Japanese Samurai.

    After the fantastic 'Star Wars' and 'Empire Strikes Back' (now called parts IV and V on DVD), the last episode 'Return of the Jedi' was bound to be somewhat of a let down, but not much of one. It was made to achieve resolution. Of the rebels' battle with the evil Empire. The relationship between Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and the Princess, and her relationship with Han Solo. We witness Luke's Jedi training at the hands of Yoda, as Luke becomes the Last Samurai, I mean Jedi. The DVDs finally came out last month, and they are near perfect, as we should expect from Lucas Films and THX. The bit rate is high, and the picture is nothing short of superb. As is the Dolby EX surround track.

    My wife and I watched all three of the movies on DVD this week -- Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi (now on DVD called parts IV, V, and VI) -- compliments of our local public library. It was an appropriate reminder how good these movies are, and still ahead of their time. Nothing else has been made to compare to them.
    10UniqueParticle

    The most peculiar Star Wars and under appreciated

    Totally should've won at least some of the awards it was nominated for! A very different adventure story with lots of adorable characters, more truths and the epic Emperor Palpatine! I love all the majestic forest aspects. Still crazy to me that they filmed so many parts especially the chases. The bulk of this art in cinema is done so well and always entertaining. Quite lovable many years later and not many movies have that kind of force!
    10kevin_robbins

    This movie doesnt get as much credit for its greatness that it should

    Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) is a movie in my DVD collection that I recently rewatched on Disney+. The storyline follows the Jedi and Luke needing to save their ally, Solo, who even after being saved will need to settle his debt with Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, Luke seeks out Yoda to finish his training and the Jedi sets out for one last battle against the evil empire. For them to be successful, Luke will likely need to face his father one last time.

    This movie is directed by Richard Marquand (Jagged Edge) and stars Mark Hamill (Sushi Girl), Harrison Ford (Blade Runner), Carrie Fisher (Sorority Row), Billy Dee Williams (Batman), Ian McDiarmid (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and James Earl Jones (Conan the Barbarian).

    The entire Jabba the Hutt opening is always one of my favorite sequences in the series and a great way to start the movie. Harrison Ford was hilarious both in his lines and his body language. He couldn't have been better cast. The escape scene in this is everything you could want and every scene on Endor is magic. The chase through the woods opening and the mystery and unveiling of the Ewoks was super cool. The final two battles involving Luke, Vader and the Emperor is classic science fiction gold and a wonderful depiction of the force and the dark side.

    Overall this movie doesnt get as much credit for its greatness that it should. I would score this an easy 10/10 and strongly recommend it.
    10saveliydalmatov

    I love this trilogy

    The incredible ending to the story of the original Return of the Jedi trilogy turned out to be epic and large-scale, and we will also see how the storylines of many of our favorite characters end.

    A truly iconic part, the second half is one of the best in the history of Star Wars. I want to revise such a film, not episodes 7-9... That's where the story should have ended and not continued!

    I would not say that there are more impressions than from the fifth episode, it is still darker and better. However, I watched the sixth episode with great enthusiasm and I advise you to watch it!

    My Rating : 9/10.

    Every Star Wars Movie and Series, Ranked

    Every Star Wars Movie and Series, Ranked

    See how many stars IMDb users have given to these films and shows from a galaxy far, far away ...
    See the rankings
    Poster
    List

    More like this

    Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
    8.7
    Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
    Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
    8.6
    Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
    Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
    6.5
    Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
    Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
    6.6
    Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
    Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    7.6
    Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
    7.8
    Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
    Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
    6.9
    Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
    Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
    6.4
    Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
    Solo: A Star Wars Story
    6.9
    Solo: A Star Wars Story
    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
    7.8
    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars
    8.4
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars
    The Mandalorian
    8.6
    The Mandalorian

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Carrie Fisher really cared about Warwick Davis' well-being during filming, as he had to spend it in a hot Ewok costume. She also provided him with cookies and chocolate milk between takes. Davis later commented "She was everything an eleven-year-old Ewok could possibly wish for."
    • Goofs
      When Vader throws his saber at Luke who is hiding on the catwalk in the Death Star, Vader's saber blade is coming out of the butt end of the hilt - not the proper blade end.
    • Quotes

      Luke Skywalker: I'll not leave you here. I've got to save you.

      Anakin Skywalker: You already have, Luke.

    • Crazy credits
      To compensate for the longer credits, later versions of the film like the special edition and DVD release extend the piece of musical score that plays over the credits.
    • Alternate versions
      The Special Edition slightly re-edits the closing on Endor. Originally, there is one medium shot of the ghosts of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, followed by Luke rejoining his friends, and then another long shot of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Yoda. For the special edition, the medium shot is split in two, so that the first medium shot is shorter, and ends with Obi-Wan looking down at Yoda, then cuts to Luke rejoining the rebels, then cuts back to the rest of the medium shot, before cutting to Luke, and then finally back to the long shot of the ghosts.
    • Connections
      Edited from The Ten Commandments (1956)
    • Soundtracks
      Lapti Nek
      (uncredited)

      Huttese Lyrics by Michele Gruska

      Music by John Williams

      Original lyrics by Joseph Williams

      Snooty's vocals by Annie Arbogast

      Arranged by John Williams, Joseph Williams, and Ernie Fosselius

      Published by Bantha Music (admin. by Warner Tamerlande Publ. Corp.)

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    Everything New on Hulu in May

    Everything New on Hulu in May

    There's a whole lot to love about Hulu's streaming offerings this month — get excited for brand-new series premieres and film favorites to watch at home.
    See the list
    Production art
    List

    FAQ40

    • How long is Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi?Powered by Alexa
    • Why wasn't David Prowse cast as Anakin Skywalker?
    • Why are Star Wars movies always or almost always released in the month of May?
    • How old is Emperor Palpatine in this movie?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 25, 1983 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Lucasfilm Ltd. (United States)
      • Official Site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Kikuyu
      • Tagalog
      • Kalmyk-Oirat
      • Quechua
      • Polish
    • Also known as
      • Star Wars: Episodio VI - El retorno del Jedi
    • Filming locations
      • Miller-Rellim Redwood Company Property, Morrison Creek Road, Smith River, California, USA(Endor scenes, now logged and deforested, coordinates: 41°54'49.2"N, 124°07'31.4"W)
    • Production company
      • Lucasfilm
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $32,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $316,566,101
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $23,019,618
      • May 29, 1983
    • Gross worldwide
      • $482,466,382
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 11 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

    Related news

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb app
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb app
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb app
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.