The movie that just about everyone has seen, the movie that has carried childhoods, the series that has got generations back in theatres: Star Wars Revenge of the Sith.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Revenge of the Sith is playing in theatres starting April 25, and staying for only one week. So we, Stella Taylor and Natalie Abdon, are taking this opportunity to go watch one of our #1 childhood movies in the theatre setting, which we have never experienced before.
Released in May of 2005, Revenge of the Sith had the hard task of concluding a trilogy that had divided audiences and critics alike. Yet the film rose to the challenge, delivering a dark tragedy that showed the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the death of the Jedi Order, and the birth of the Galactic Empire. It has themes of betrayal, power, and brotherhood.
George Lucas, known for writing and directing Star Wars movies, was once criticized for the movie’s dialogue and digital effects. Two decades later, Revenge of the Sith is remembered not for its early criticisms but for its storytelling and lasting impact on the legacy of Star Wars.
The return of Revenge of the Sith to the big screen is more than just a re-release. It’s a rare opportunity to rewatch a fan favorite film on the big screen. Watching the movie after series like The Clone Wars have come out, added complexity to the storylines introduced in Episodes I–III.
The film’s soundtrack is among the most recognizable. John Williams, composer responsible for creating the main Star Wars theme, made a score that is among his best. Iconic scenes, such as the Mustafar duel, remain etched into cinematic history. Not just for the acting, but for the haunting music.
But it’s the performances—particularly Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker—that carry the film. What once felt overdramatic now feels powerful, highlighting the pain of broken trust between two best friends.
The 20th anniversary re-release invites audiences to see the film with fresh eyes, whether for the first time or the fiftieth. In the theater, with restored visuals and sound, the gravity of the film is restored as well. It’s a reminder of how cinema can evolve–and how a film that was once met with skepticism can reveal its full narrative and lasting meaning.
The atmosphere in the theatre was unlike anything we have ever seen. People were dressed up in merch, brought lightsabers, and even recited their favorite lines. Fans of all ages and from all walks of life were united in their love of Star Wars. It was bittersweet to see both adults who have grown up with the movie and young children who have never watched it experience Revenge of the Sith.
In celebrating Revenge of the Sith, we also acknowledge a turning point in both the Star Wars universe and in the history of iconic filmmaking. Twenty years after the original release, people are still streaming the movie. The re-release was a huge success, earning 42.2 million dollars in one week. The movie proves that great stories will always find a way to endure time.
