Every numbered Star Wars movie, ranked worst to best

2. The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)

It’s hard to find a better sci-fi film than The Empire Strikes Back. From its opening moments on the ice planet Hoth, the heavier atmosphere of Episode V is pervasive. The writing is also at the top of its form here, and even though this isn’t necessarily my favorite Star Wars movie, I’d say it’s easily the best written. There are so many memorable, iconic scenes that it’s hard to pick the best. The Wampa, Han sticking Luke in a gutted Tauntaun to keep him warm, Dagobah, the Millennium Falcon’s asteroid belt chase, the chaotic showdown on Bespin as Luke tries to save his friends and comes face-to-face with Vader…There’s not a slow or sour scene in Empire, and in retrospect, that’s more than you can say for most of the Star Wars movies.

Empire also expanded the Star Wars universe. While Episode IV was largely a self-contained affair, you can see how George Lucas’ dreams for how much bigger things could get started being realized in this installment. This is the film that introduced Yoda and Emperor Palpatine, and that retconned Darth Vader to be Luke’s father. Han is at his scoundrel-iest, saying things to Leia throughout the siege on Hoth that make you wonder why anyone puts up with him, even as your eyes are glued to the screen.

I’d make a criticism of Empire…but there really aren’t many to be made. Try watching it after you watch one of the prequels or new films, I dare you.