Star Wars debuted in 1977, and became an instant sci-fi classic. The fanciful saga of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia grew into a six-part series of films that delved into the twins’ ancestry, the origins of Darth Vader, and the rise of the evil Empire.

Besides its stunning visual effects, Star Wars was noted for its portrayal of a dirty, used-up universe. This vision was a stark contrast to the spotless, sterile future imagined in other science fiction films of the time. The Star Wars galaxy contained scenes of great beauty, but also criminal elements, smugglers, and mercenaries like the bounty hunter Boba Fett.

George Lucas directed and released the films out of chronological order. The classic tales of Luke, Leia, and Han Solo, though the first to be released, were actually the last stories in the series. ‘Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace’ is where the story begins. In it, we meet Jedi master Qui Gon Jinn and his young pupil, Obi Wan Kenobi. The two rescue Queen Amidala of Naboo from the clutches of the evil Trade Federation. The group travels to Tatooine to repair their starship. On the desert planet, Padme (Amidala’s handmaiden) and Qui-Gon are joined by the young Anakin Skywalker. Later, Obi-Wan kills the Sith apprentice, Darth Maul, but not before Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a mortal lightsaber wound. Padme reveals that she is actually Queen Amidala, and Anakin becomes Obi-Wan’s student. 

Episode II: The Clone Wars takes place ten years later. Anakin has grown into a skilled but reckless warrior. After his mother’s death on Tatooine, Anakin destroys an entire colony of Tuskan Raiders, revealing an inner rage that will eventually consume him. Padme, now a Senator, tries to steer Anakin from his destructive course. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan discovers that an army of clones has been created from the bounty hunter Jango Fett. The episode culminates with an unforgettable battle sequence in which Yoda proves deadly things can come in small packages. Anakin and Padme are secretly wed in a ceremony officiated by Chancellor Palpatine and witnessed by the droids C-3PO and R2-D2

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith lays the foundation for the classic Star Wars films. In it, Anakin gives up all pretense of humanity and succumbs to the dark side. He is transformed into the evil Darth Vader while Padme dies in childbirth. The infant twins, Luke and Leia, go on to become the stars of ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’ and its successors.

Star Wars has introduced us to many colorful characters through the years. In a memorable scene from Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Han Solo is frozen in carbonite and delivered to crime lord Jabba the Hutt by the bounty hunter Boba Fett.

Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi features the fuzzy Ewoks from the planet Endor. The series draws to a tentatively happy close as Luke refuses to follow in his father’s footsteps and the evil Empire is finally toppled.

More than two decades after the first film’s release, Star Wars costumes continue to be fan favorites for Halloween and sci-fi conventions. The classic space tale of the good and evil sides of the Force has become a cultural phenomenon that promises to thrill audiences for years to come.