Star Wars is a force of its own. This universally popular franchise, arguably the most lucrative of all time, has pervaded our cultural zeitgeist across generations, from the 1970s to the present day. In fact, Star Wars has been a trendsetting, game-changing, force of nature since it first hit our screens in 1977, and it still is today. George Lucas has been able to envision and create a galaxy full of unique worlds, characters, and lore that has conquered the big screen, and is continuing on the small screen with ground-breaking shows, like The Mandalorian, on Disney+.
While millennials are rightly fixated on the modern-day Star Wars classics such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the prequels, the original Star Wars films still hold special appeal with many. These films were released between 1977 and 1983, with the focus being the Rebel Alliance’s efforts to liberate the galaxy from the Galactic Empire.
Of course, much of these films focused on Luke Skywalker, and his determination to become a Jedi Knight. The characters were larger-than-life, with Darth Vader, the Sith Lord, as the main protagonist. The movies were a monumental success, especially Episode VI – A New Hope, known originally just as Star Wars, although Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is often regarded as the fans’ favourite. It is not surprising that all of the action in Star Wars films takes place in deep space, among the stars. Indeed, it is our fascination with what’s out there that draws us to galaxies far, far, away. Incredible effects in these early films were often rudimentary in nature, but they broke down barriers and led to the creation of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) which is still a major effects house today.
Thanks to Lucas and the efforts at ILM, heavenly bodies would zip across the screen at breakneck speed, with wildly entertaining audiovisual displays in real-time. The runaway success of the Star Wars films may well have facilitated the rise of intergalactic-themed entertainment. A slew of space adventures hasve peppered the big screen over the years, alongside many space-age entertainment options such as Casino.com’s Starburst , an intergalactic-themed slot machine game. Such is the enthusiasm for adventures in outer space that Tesla’s own Elon Musk is taking to the stars in pursuit of his otherworldly aspirations too!
Box Office Takings of Original Star Wars Films
- Star Wars: Episode IV– A New Hope 1977 – domestic takings of $460,998,507 and international takings of $195,751,992. Worldwide total of $775,398,007
- Star Wars: Episode V– The Empire Strikes Back 1980 – domestic takings of $292,753,960, international sales of $190,685,234. Worldwide total of $538,375,067.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi 1983 – domestic takings of $309,306,177, international box office sales of $122,009,457. Worldwide total of $475,106,177.
Box Office Revenues of Star Wars Films from 1977 through to 2019
As expected, the newer Star Wars movies have attracted a much more diverse audience, with many more people on the planet enjoying Star Wars films than ever before. It’s not only the new generations rushing to watch modern-day Star Wars flicks, it’s the older generations, including the Baby Boomers too. In terms of North American box office takings, the following Star Wars films rule the roost:
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – $936.66 million
- Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi – $620.18 million
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – $532.18 million
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker – $515.2 million
- Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace – $431.09 million
- Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones – $302.19 million
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – $380.27 million
Naturally, the figures will be affected by inflationary pressures.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, George Lucas is worth an estimated $9.48 billion. His empire is largely thanks to Star Wars and the hugely successful Indiana Jones franchises. It’s no surprise that Harrison Ford stars in both franchises, after having won the praise, admiration, and friendship of George Lucas. He is also a businessman of note. Lucas sold the rights to the Lucasfilm, including the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises to the Walt Disney Company for $4 billion in 2012. He received 37 million Disney shares and $2.21 billion in cash. It’s certainly not chump change, and a fitting tribute to the man who brought Star Wars to the world.
May the Force be with you…. always!
