Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong sci-fi violence, threat in George Lucas classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 103 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a beloved classic and an excellent introduction to the Star Wars franchise, offering a mix of adventure, humor, and iconic characters that resonate with both children and adults. However, opinions vary on its suitability for younger viewers, with many noting that while the violence is not graphic, scenes involving perilous situations and mild language may be too intense for children under 8, making parental guidance advisable.
- classic family film
- varied age suitability
- mix of adventure
- mild violence concerns
- iconic characters
- parental guidance advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 280 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a lowly farm boy from the planet Tatooine, finds himself swept into an intergalactic civil war after running into R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels), two droids carrying secret plans for an engine of destruction known as the Death Star. Alongside former Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Luke, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and his Wookie sidekick, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), team up with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) to fight against Darth Vader (David Prowse/James Earl Jones).
Is It Any Good?
The first of an epic franchise, this movie helped create an entire genre and for good reason. Even though Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope came out in the late 1970s, as an action-adventure film, it holds up. The pacing remains fast and exciting. The villain is scary, powerful, and mysterious. And the world building and creativity of the universe—the creatures, aliens, and locations—are all inspiring, especially knowing what kind of technology Lucas had to work with at the time. The cast also remains compelling: Luke is eternally innocent, brave, and eager. Han Solo is dashing, rebellious, and wry. Princess Leia is a force to be reckoned with, confident, decisive, and a genuine leader. She often maintains focus and determination while Luke and Han bumble about, bickering at one another.
Younger viewers might be scared by some of the movie's scarier bits, like grotesque aliens, Darth Vader choking victims, or when characters lose an arm or get shot down by laser bullets. Vader is one of the great film villains for a reason. He's a frightening figure who engages in very real moments of violence, directly killing a few individuals without remorse. But if kids are old/mature enough to handle these moments, then it's likely that Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope will provide a solid viewing experience for them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in science fiction movies. Did any of the action violence in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope surprise you? Would you expect more violence, or less, in a 1970s film versus a sci-fi movie made today?
How do the characters in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope demonstrate perseverance, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movies have changed a lot since the late 1970s, when this film was released. Do you feel like this film "holds up" in terms of its appearance, action, and special effects?
Do you think this film is a good place to start for curious sci-fi fans? Why, or why not?
How do you feel about the heavy merchandising of Star Wars in the decades since this first release? Does watching this movie make you want to buy toys or games related to the movie? What's the appeal of owning something you've seen in a movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 25, 1977
- On DVD or streaming : September 21, 2004
- Cast : Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Alec Guinness
- Director : George Lucas
- Studios : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment , Disney+
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Adventures , Competition , Dystopia , Faith , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Princesses ) , STEM ( Science ) , Space , History ( War: Other , War: WWII )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence and brief mild language
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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