Star Wars’ Top-Rated Film Took Over a Month to Reach Number One at the Box Office

The Star Wars franchise has a storied history at the box office, showcasing both monumental successes and unexpected failures. Notably, one of its most critically acclaimed films, The Empire Strikes Back, surprisingly did not claim the top spot in box office earnings until a full month after its initial release. In contrast, various Star Wars films and associated TV shows have received mixed reactions, with newer projects like The Acolyte facing considerable backlash and its eventual cancellation indicating the tangible impact of audience reception on the franchise’s trajectory.

Despite fluctuations in viewer reception, Star Wars films typically entice audiences to theaters. It’s important to understand that box office performance does not always correlate with a film’s enduring popularity. For instance, even as The Force Awakens has come under fire in recent years, it remains one of the highest-grossing films in the series. Yet, it remains astonishing that The Empire Strikes Back, often heralded as a quintessential Star Wars film, required a month to reach the number one position at the box office.

The Empire Strikes Back: Facing Unexpected Competition

Box Office Overview: May 1980

Luke and Leia in The Empire Strikes Back

According to Box Office Mojo, when The Empire Strikes Back premiered in May 1980, it ranked a surprising seventh in box office sales. This performance can largely be attributed to formidable competition from other releases. For example, the horror classic The Shining secured the top position, followed closely by Friday the 13th.

Other films that competed with The Empire Strikes Back during its initial run included Fame, Kramer vs. Kramer, The Long Riders, and The Nude Bomb. By June 1980, The Empire Strikes Back climbed to second place but continued to face tough competition from The Blues Brothers. Finally, in July 1980, it hit the top of the charts, although by August, it fell behind Smokey and the Bandit II and Xanadu.

Competing Classics of 1980

Iconic Films Released in 1980

One reason for the slower start for The Empire Strikes Back is its release on May 21, 1980, which was later in the month compared to its competitors. While it later became regarded as a classic, the initial box office showing left much to be desired. The presence of established films, many of which are now considered cinematic landmarks, posed a notable challenge.

Films such as The Shining, Friday the 13th, and The Blues Brothers have all attained cult statuses in their own right. Even despite Smokey and the Bandit II being a sequel, the success of its predecessor likely drew audiences to theaters. Ultimately, the landscape of May 1980 was incredibly competitive, rendering it hard to fathom just how The Empire Strikes Back initially struggled to dominate box office sales.

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