10 Movies & Shows Similar to Return of the Jedi (1983)

Description: While Star Trek and Star Wars are different franchises, The Next Generation shares similarities with Return of the Jedi in its exploration of morality, leadership, and the struggle against oppressive forces. Both feature a diverse crew working together to overcome challenges, and both have a strong emphasis on character development.

Fact: The Next Generation starred Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The series introduced the Borg, one of Star Trek's most iconic villains. It ran for seven seasons and spawned four feature films.

Description: Deep Space Nine is similar to Return of the Jedi in its darker tone and exploration of war and political intrigue. Both feature a diverse group of characters working together against a common enemy, and both delve into themes of redemption and sacrifice.

Fact: Deep Space Nine was the first Star Trek series to feature a space station as its primary setting. The series introduced the Dominion, a major antagonist in the Star Trek universe. It was known for its serialized storytelling, a departure from previous Star Trek series.

Description: Voyager shares similarities with Return of the Jedi in its themes of exploration, survival, and the importance of teamwork. Both feature a crew stranded far from home, working together to overcome challenges. The emotional tone and character dynamics are also comparable.

Fact: Voyager was the first Star Trek series to feature a female captain as the lead. The series introduced the Borg Queen, a recurring antagonist. It ran for seven seasons and spawned the character of Seven of Nine, who later appeared in Star Trek: Picard.

Description: Battlestar Galactica shares similarities with Return of the Jedi in its themes of survival, rebellion, and the fight against a powerful enemy. Both feature a ragtag group of heroes fighting against overwhelming odds, and both explore complex moral and ethical dilemmas. The visual aesthetics and use of practical effects are also similar.

Fact: Battlestar Galactica was a reimagining of the 1978 series. The series was known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of space warfare. It won numerous awards and is considered one of the best science fiction series of all time.

Description: The Clone Wars animated film and series expand on the events between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, but its themes of war, loyalty, and the Force are similar to Return of the Jedi. The series also delves deeper into the character of Anakin Skywalker, whose journey is central to the original trilogy.

Fact: The Clone Wars was the first Star Wars animated film. The series was created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni. It introduced fan-favorite characters like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.

Description: This film is similar to Return of the Jedi (1983) as it continues the Skywalker saga, featuring familiar characters like Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca, and introduces new ones like Rey and Finn. The themes of good vs. evil, the Force, and the struggle against a tyrannical regime are central to both films. The visual aesthetics, including the use of practical effects and CGI, also mirror the original trilogy's style.

Fact: The Force Awakens marked the first Star Wars film produced by Disney after acquiring Lucasfilm. Harrison Ford returned as Han Solo after 32 years. The film broke numerous box office records upon its release.

Description: The Last Jedi shares similarities with Return of the Jedi in its exploration of the Force and the Jedi legacy. Both films feature pivotal moments for Luke Skywalker and the redemption of a key character (Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi, Darth Vader in Return of the Jedi). The emotional tone and the balance between action and character development are also comparable.

Fact: The Last Jedi was the first Star Wars film to be directed by Rian Johnson. The film received critical acclaim but divided fans. It features the first appearance of the Praetorian Guards.

Description: This film concludes the Skywalker saga, much like Return of the Jedi concluded the original trilogy. Both films feature the final confrontation between the Resistance/Rebellion and the Empire/First Order, with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of the Force. The visual and musical styles are also reminiscent of the original trilogy.

Fact: The Rise of Skywalker brought back Emperor Palpatine, a surprise to many fans. It was the final Star Wars film to feature Carrie Fisher as Leia, using unused footage from previous films. The film's title was kept secret until the trailer release.

Description: Rogue One is a direct prequel to A New Hope, but its tone and themes of sacrifice and hope align closely with Return of the Jedi. Both films feature a ragtag group of heroes fighting against overwhelming odds. The visual aesthetics, including the design of the Death Star and the use of practical effects, are also similar.

Fact: Rogue One is the first standalone Star Wars film. The film features a digitally recreated Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin. The ending directly leads into the opening of A New Hope.

Description: Solo explores the backstory of Han Solo, a key character in Return of the Jedi. Both films feature themes of adventure, rebellion, and the criminal underworld. The visual style, including the design of the Millennium Falcon and the use of practical effects, is consistent with the original trilogy.

Fact: Solo had a troubled production, with Ron Howard taking over as director midway. The film introduces the character of Qi'ra, played by Emilia Clarke. It features the first appearance of the Kessel Run.