: Luke looking out at the two suns of Tatooine—a scene synonymous with longing and adventure. Viewing Guide

(originally titled Star Wars ) changed cinema forever when it debuted in 1977. Set "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away," it follows farmboy Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with a Jedi Master, a cocky pilot, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's planet-destroying Death Star. Essential Legacy & Trivia

: This film introduced the world to "May the Force be with you," a line so legendary it birthed the unofficial international holiday Star Wars Day every May 4th.

: It transformed the "Jedi" into cultural icons. While later films showed them as warriors, fans often point out that in this original film, Obi-Wan Kenobi represents a more pacifist, philosophical mentor. Top Fan-Favorite Moments

: A classic moment of high-stakes tension.

: Our first look at the galaxy’s "scum and villainy."

: It was originally just called Star Wars . The "Episode IV" subtitle was added during later re-releases to make room for the prequel trilogy, which explains why the saga famously starts in the middle.