When Star Wars got released in May of 1977, it was nothing short of an instant phenomenon and changed the world forever, both in terms of cinema and the broader pop culture zeitgeist. It would have been hard to imagine that the soon announced sequel could possibly live up to its brilliance, and, as everyone knows, it blew all expectations to another Galaxy, even longer ago.
The Empire Strikes Back remains to this day not only probably the most excellent Star Wars film ever, but one of the best sequels ever. One massive part of this is the superb selection of characters, some of whom dominate the screen with their presence, and others that do not get much time in the limelight.
10 Least - Captain Lorth Needa (1:30)
The original trilogy is chock full of Imperial officers and soldiers, a few of which get their names in the trilogy rather than in future content, and a few that are more memorable than others.
Lorth Needa is one of a good number of Imperials in this movie that includes Maximillian Veers, Admiral Ozzell, and Admiral Piett, none of whom have much time on screen in the film.
9 Most - C-3PO (14:30)
No matter the media, as long as it is Star Wars, C-3PO will have appeared in it, and the protocol droid is a constant in the franchise, getting a fair amount of screen time in the original movies.
Getting nearly fifteen minutes on screen in this movie, Threepio has some funny moments, and while perhaps his role is not as important as in the films that bookend this one, he is still there.
8 Least - Lobot (1:15)
Lobot is a strange character in Empire acting as an aide to Lando Calrissian, and never talking, with a cybernetic headpiece making him part machine.
His story is pretty tragic and gets detailed in the phenomenal Lando comic, but in this film, he is merely a fun side character who works for Lando in the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin.
7 Most - Chewbacca (16:30)
A character who perhaps does not get the respect he deserves for his time in the original trilogy, and even Star Wars in general, is Chewbacca, the best friend anyone could ask for.
He has more screen time in this movie than any other, and fans get to see him in action more as he saves Threepio and fights to help Han and then Leia. He is a brilliant supporting character and one who many fans adore.
6 Least - The Emperor (Sheev Palpatine) (1:00)
The Empire Strikes Back introduces many iconic and exceptional characters to the franchise, including, but not limited to, Yoda, Boba Fett, Lando Calrissian, and the Emperor himself.
He is only seen through hologram in this film, with the big reveal of him in his full form coming in the next movie. However, that one-minute-ish of hologram Emperor is enough to pump any fan up for what is to come, as well as send chills down the spine.
5 Most - Leia Organa (22:45)
Women characters in the original trilogy are few and far between, but the one fleshed out women, Leia Organa, consistently proves herself one of the best and most inspiring characters in the franchise.
In Empire, audiences get to see more of who Leia is, as her feelings and romance with Han unfolds, while she retains a passion, leadership, and fearlessness that is a joy to watch.
4 Least - Obi-Wan Kenobi (1:00)
After dying in A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi returned in this film, and with him, the film introduced Force Spirits/Ghosts to the Star Wars franchise and dived a bit deeper into the Force.
Obi-Wan makes everything better, and his minimal time in this movie is terrific as he speaks to Luke and Yoda on Dagobah, a setting that always impresses. It is not Obi-Wan's best outing, of course, but he never has a bad one.
3 Most - Han Solo (23:30)
It was unknown whether or not Harrison Ford would return to the role of Han Solo after this film, and with him frozen in carbonite, a perfect way out got crafted for either possibility.
But it was not just that famous carbonite, "I know" scene that makes Han one of this movie's best characters alongside the likes of Leia, Luke, and Yoda. His role in the asteroid field, romance back and forth with Leia, and every other moment on Bespin all stand out.
2 Least - Wedge Antilles (00:30)
There is a slew of unsung heroes who get little recognition, certainly not what they deserve, for what they do, with Wedge Antilles being a character who epitomizes this better than most.
Wedge has a role to play in all three of the significant battles seen in the original trilogy. He is a crucial starfighter pilot in the Rebel Alliance and a great recurring side character, beloved by fans of pilots and rebels.
1 Most - Luke Skywalker (34:45)
It is absolutely no surprise that Luke has the most screen time in Empire. He is the main hero of the story after all, and in this movie, he is a pretty fantastic start to finish, with one of Mark Hamill's best performances coming here.
Luke's time on Hoth? Great. Luke's time on Dagobah? Phenomenal. Luke's time on Bespin? Perfect. There is no low point in this movie, it is full of brilliance, and Luke is there for so much of it.
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