Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (2024)

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These lines are impressive. Most impressive.

On May 21, 1980,Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Backmade its theatrical debut. To celebrate the classic film's landmark 40th anniversary, StarWars.com presents "Empire at 40,"a special series of interviews, editorial features, and listicles.

Star Wars:The Empire Strikes Back is filled with iconic lines uttered by our favorite heroes and villains. From Yoda’s wisdom, to Han Solo’s effortless swagger, to Darth Vader’s shocking revelation, chances are high that you already know quite a few quotes from the 1980 sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope.In honor of a momentous 40 years, here are 40 quotes from The Empire Strikes Back that are as timeless as the movie itself.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1)

1. “There isn't enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser.” - Han Solo

Ah, that ol’ Han Solo brashness comes out as soon as the movie starts. Not only does this conversation tell us a little bit about the rebels’ new hidden base, this easy back and forth shows that Han and Luke have formed a real friendship in the past three years.

2. “A death mark's not an easy thing to live with.” - General Rieekan

General Rieekan states the obvious. It’s also a good reminder that Jabba the Hutt hasn’t forgotten about Han Solo -- or the credits he’s owed.

3. “Yes, Your Highnessness?” - Han Solo

Han Solo and Leia Organa continue their quippy jabs at each other from A New Hope, even when it looks like they may be parting ways. There’s a lot of emotion brimming under their bickering.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (2)

4. “I'd just as soon kiss a Wookiee.” - Leia Organa

Han Solo calls out Princess Leia on her feelings for him, and she can’t help but be defensive…and maybe a little bit embarrassed. (Also, we don’t doubt that Chewbacca does give a good kiss.)

5. “Then I'll see you in hell!” - Han Solo

Han Solo’s defiant attitude is one thing, but his willingness to do whatever it takes to help a friend is quite another. Han knows that Luke needs him, and he’ll find him -- even at the cost of his own life.

6. “You will go to the Dagobah system.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ben Kenobi appears to Luke for the first time since his death at Vader’s hand. He delivers the first mention of Yoda in Star Wars along with a peek into his past as a Jedi.

7. “I thought they smelled bad on the outside!” - Han Solo

One of the most classic lines from The Empire Strikes Back comes from a beleaguered and freezing Han Solo. Did we mention he’ll do whatever it takes to save a friend?

8. “I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain.” - Leia Organa

Woe be to any person who finds themselves at the receiving end of Princess Leia’s anger.

9. “Laugh it up, fuzzball.” - Han Solo to Chewbacca

Another quote that’s instantly recognizable, Chewbacca’s chuckle makes it all the more delightful.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (3)

10. “Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking...nerf-herder!” - Leia Organa

If you had to sum up Han and Leia’s relationship in just one exchange, this is probably the one.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (4)

11. “He is as clumsy as he is stupid.” - Darth Vader

Darth Vader has no time for mistakes. Admiral Ozzel might have had a long career that started in the Republic Navy during the Clone Wars, but all it takes is one blunder too many to instantly get on the bad side of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

12. “Our first catch of the day.” - Imperial Officer

The Empire’s haughtiness is personified by this smug officer.

13. “The first transport is away.” - Rebel Alliance Announcer

[cheers]

14. “Would it helped if I got out and pushed?” –- Leia Organa

The only thing reliable about the Falcon’s hyperdrive is that it’s unreliable.

15. “Punch it!” - Han Solo to Chewbacca

Show off your Star Wars knowledge to your friends by spouting this popular quote correctly.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (5)

16. “Never tell me the odds!” - Han Solo

Han Solo might not use the Force, but he definitely has his own kind of luck.

17. “You said you wanted to be around when I made a mistake. Well, this could be it, sweetheart.” - Han Solo

The asteroid field is yet another one of Han Solo’s quick decisions that gets our heroes out of one jam and straight into another.

18. “Ah! A great warrior. Wars not make one great.” - Yoda

Yoda might be putting on an act for Luke, but there is an air of truth to this thoughtful line.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (6)

19. “Aww, cannot get your ship out?” - Yoda

Yoda is a master… at teasing Luke.

20. “Sir, I don't know where your ship learned to communicate, but it has the most peculiar dialect.” - C-3PO

A remnant of L3-37’s distinctive personality or just the result of the storied history of the Millennium Falcon? We may never know for sure.

21. “You like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life.” - Han Solo

The most romantic scene in all of Star Wars unfolds in a dingy corner of the Millennium Falcon.

22. “The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.” - Emperor Palpatine

This conversation with the Emperor -- the first time movie audiences ever laid eyes on him -- reveals not only a hint of his machinations, but how Darth Vader might be feeling about the discovery of another Skywalker.

23. “For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained!” - Yoda

If Yoda has a pet peeve, it’s being told who to train.

24. “Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things.” - Yoda

Yoda tells Luke and the audience to get the swashbuckling adventurer image out of their heads when it comes to the Jedi. These knights are keepers of the peace, not crusaders or super heroes.

25. “I am not a committee!” - Leia Organa

Han takes aim at Leia’s political past in this quick but unforgettable exchange.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (7)

26. “You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations.”- Darth Vader

Boba Fett is a man of little words, but this conversation (with some vigorous finger pointing) hints at an unspoken past between the bounty hunter and Dark Lord of the Sith.

27. “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda

This is one of Yoda’s most profound statements and one of those quotes you could spend hours pondering.

28. “Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” - Yoda

Yoda gives Luke (and us) a reminder that we are all more than just what you see on the outside.

29. “You do have your moments. Not many, but you do have them.” - Leia Organa

This line is the closest Princess Leia comes to giving Han Solo a compliment.

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (8)

30. “Hello, what have we here?” - Lando Calrissian

The ol’ smoothie treats us to one of his most famous quotes the first time he sets eyes on Princess Leia.

31. “There is another.” - Yoda

This line probably blew the minds of the audience the first time they heard it uttered, and it’s still one of the most iconic Star Wars quotes today.

32. “He's no good to me dead.” - Boba Fett

We learn a little bit about Jabba’s plans for Han Solo with this callous protest from Boba Fett. (Did you catch it echoed in the first season of The Mandalorian?)

33. “This deal's getting worse all the time.” - Lando Calrissian

We start to see the heart of gold underneath Lando’s opportunistic exterior as he continues to argue for Princess Leia and Chewbacca’s well-being.

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34. “I know.” - Han Solo

Famously not in the script, Han Solo’s response to Leia’s confession of love captures the character. Harrison Ford suggested the line himself to director Irvin Kershner before filming, calling it “beautiful and acceptable and funny.”

35. “All too easy.” - Darth Vader

It’s clear Vader doesn’t think a lot of his opponent, expecting the young Skywalker to be effortlessly outmatched…

36. “Impressive. Most impressive.” - Darth Vader

…but Luke earns a small amount of grudging respect from the Dark Lord of the Sith.

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37. “I am your father.” - Darth Vader

The most attention-grabbing and momentous line in all of Star Wars.

38. “Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son.” - Darth Vader

Vader’s true ambitions are revealed as the shocking revelations continue. Does Darth Vader harbor some love for his son, or does he simply intend to take the galaxy for himself?

39. “It’s not my fault!” - Lando Calrissian

Echoing Han Solo, the badgered baron can’t help but defend himself to his new friends. (It’s really not his fault.)

40. “I'm standing here in pieces, and you're having delusions of grandeur!” - C-3PO

Will C-3PO ever realize that his best friend is one of the biggest heroes of the Rebel Alliance?

Empire at 40 | 40 Great Quotes from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous quote from Star Wars? ›

"May the Force be with you." Star Wars fans everywhere know this famous quote by heart, which is arguably the franchise's best. But let's not overlook hundreds of other iconic lines, sayings and catchphrases from characters like Yoda, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi and more.

What are the Force quotes in Empire Strikes Back? ›

Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.

What is the impressive Star Wars quote? ›

May the Force be with you.”

In what is likely the most quoted Star Wars line of all time, this iconic phrase has ascended beyond the Star Wars franchise itself. It's a line that has come to embody sci-fi pop culture, with fans and non-fans alike immediately recognizing the words.

What is the May 4th quote? ›

-May The Fourth be with you, because you're worth it. -"We're going to win this war not by fighting what we hate, but saving what we love." -"Who's the more foolish; the fool, or the fool who follows him?" -"Hope is like the sun.

What is the truth quote from Star Wars? ›

In Return of the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker, "[…] what I told you was true, from a certain point of view. […] [Y]ou're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."

What is Yoda's famous quote? ›

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

What were Yoda's last words in Empire Strikes Back? ›

Finally Yoda says, “There is another Skywalker.” Albeit with dramatic near-death pauses. It was kind of jumbled, broken up and very difficult to hear. However, Yoda's final words were: "There is another Sky.... walker."

What does Yoda say to Luke in Empire Strikes Back? ›

You must feel the Force flow around you. Here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, yes, even between the land and the ship.” This quote appears in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This is Yoda's most impassioned exposition of the nature of the Force, and he delivers it just as Luke is doubting his own gifts.

What does Anakin say about his Empire? ›

Anakin Skywalker: Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan! I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do. I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new Empire!

What is an absolute quote Star Wars? ›

One of Star Wars' most memorable lines is "only a Sith deals in absolutes," which is Obi-Wan's accusation of Anakin just before their fateful duel in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

What is the Star Wars hatred quote? ›

“Fear is the path to the dark side … fear leads to anger … anger leads to hate … hate leads to suffering.” — "The Phantom Menace," 1999. “Judge me by my size, do you?” — "The Empire Strikes Back," 1980.

What is the Star Wars angry quote? ›

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

What is the Star Wars saying for May 5th? ›

History of Revenge of the Fifth. As far as movie quotes go, “may the force be with you” has got to be up there on the list of most famous, most quoted, and most loved in film history. Even if you've never seen the films, it's highly likely that you've heard this one before.

What is the old saying about May? ›

Mid May and as the saying goes, “n'er cast a clout till May is out”. The proverb basically reminds us of our fickle British weather and its ability to bathe us in warmth one day and bring chilly winds the next. It is an old saying but still a very apt one.

Who said may the force be with us? ›

Obi-Wan Kenobi was known to use the phrase throughout his career as a Jedi. "May the Force be with you" was a phrase used to wish luck or good will, generally when individuals parted ways or the object of the expression was facing some sort of imminent challenge.

What is Darth Vader's famous line? ›

Luke, I am your father.” Despite this iconic exchange occurring in one of the most climactic scenes in movie history, Darth Vader never says, “Luke, I am your father.” In actuality, he says, “No, I am your father.”

What is the iconic Anakin line? ›

Anakin Skywalker: Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan! I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do. I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new Empire!

What is the first line of every Star Wars movie? ›

Structure. Each film begins with the static blue text, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....", followed by the Star Wars logo shrinking in front of a field of stars, as if moving away from the viewer. Initially, the logo's extremities are beyond the edge of the frame.

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