2. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Still the gold-standard of sequels, The Empire Strikes Back is a beautiful, breathtaking movie that expands upon the themes of the original in bold new ways. It’s widely considered one of the greatest movies ever made.
So much of this movie is cemented in iconography that even those ignorant to the Star Wars franchise are familiar with. The Dad/Vader plot twist was a blindsiding reveal that has a strong impact on both Luke and the audience.
The themes are richer, the characters are stronger, and the cinematography is sharp. One of the film’s greatest additions is the character of Yoda, who gives way to one of the film’s best scenes when he lifts Luke’s X-Wing out of the water.
The first act could possibly do with getting to the Battle of Hoth quicker, and the tension between Han and Leia isn’t quite as romantic when viewed through the lens of today’s modern world.
All that being said, Empire achieves what every sequel strives to do. So few films achieve this. Empire of the Jedi elevates the franchise and expands upon the established universe, providing a near-perfect theatrical experience that surprises, thrills and excites.
