Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was originally released in 1977 as just Star Wars. It is an epic science fiction film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the six-film saga. It is the fourth film in terms of the series' storyline history. It was groundbreaking when it was released for its use of special effects and science fiction/fantasy storytelling. It is one of the most successful and influential films of all time. The American Film Institute's list of best scores lists the Star Wars soundtrack at number one. When adjusted for inflation, it is the second-highest grossing film ever.

 

The movie is set "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away". It follows a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance who set out to destroy the powerful Death Star space station. This is a devastating weapon created by the evil Galactic Empire. The hero is a farm boy called Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill). He comes across robot droids carrying the stolen plans to the Death Star. After the Empire begins a destructive search for the droids, Skywalker decides to accompany Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on a daring mission to rescue the owner of the droids, rebel leader Princess Leia, and save the galaxy. On the way, we are entertained by a whole variety of weird and wonderful space creatures.