Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

"Every generation has a story."

Movie PG-13 2015 2h 16m 7.3 /10
Directed by J.J. Abrams

Three decades after the fall of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy still carries the scars of war and lost hope. A new menace rises from the shadows, led by a conflicted young figure who wields power with a dangerous mix of resolve and fear, gathering a ruthless armory to challenge the fragile... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 22, 2026

About Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Three decades after the fall of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy still carries the scars of war and lost hope. A new menace rises from the shadows, led by a conflicted young figure who wields power with a dangerous mix of resolve and fear, gathering a ruthless armory to challenge the fragile balance that remains. The story introduces a stormtrooper turned fugitive and a scavenger who dreams beyond her desert world, as they cross paths with a weathered pilot and a general who once helped restore peace. Together they chase an enigmatic map that promises something long sought, while the old guard confronts changes in loyalties and legends. Its pace keeps momentum while inviting reflection on what makes a hero.

Released in 2015 and directed by J. J. Abrams, the film reboots a beloved saga while drawing on the original creators led by George Lucas and screenwriters Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan, fueling a fresh, widely discussed comeback for fans.

The film earned recognition from major awards circuits, including Academy Award nominations, underscoring its achievements in music and technical craft. Critics praised the mixing of familiar Star Wars DNA with fresh energy, even as some debated nostalgia versus innovation. It highlighted Williams's score and the film's technical craft across screens.

The movie reboot sparked renewed fan fervor and sparked new generations to revisit a galaxy far, far away. It revived iconic imagery and introduced memorable new faces, shaping merchandise, cosplay, and community screenings while redefining how a long running saga can reset for years to come.

Critics generally welcomed the return for its brisk pace, striking visuals, and emotional throughline that balances legacy with discovery. The film foregrounds themes of identity, belonging, and the pull between duty and personal choice, signaling a renewed focus for the franchise. It also raises questions about faith, family and belonging.

What Viewers Are Saying

7.3/10
from 20,211 ratings

Viewers appreciate the nostalgic and entertaining aspects of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, particularly praising the blend of new and classic characters and the film’s fresh energy compared to the prequels. However, many note that the story closely mirrors the original 1977 film, leading to criticism of its lack of originality and over-reliance on coincidence. Acting and visuals are generally well-received, but some audiences feel key characters and plot points are underdeveloped. Opinions are mixed overall, with some seeing it as a successful revival of the franchise, while others view it as a redundant continuation.

Details

Release Date
December 15, 2015
Runtime
2h 16m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
20,211 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
Country
United States
Collection
Star Wars Collection
Studio
Lucasfilm Ltd. +1 more
Budget
$245,000,000
Box Office
$2,068,223,624
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

Han Solo

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill

Luke Skywalker

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher

General Leia Organa

Adam Driver

Adam Driver

Kylo Ren / Ben Solo

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley

Rey

John Boyega

John Boyega

Finn

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac

Poe Dameron

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o

Maz Kanata

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis

Supreme Leader Snoke

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson

General Hux

Director: J.J. Abrams

Written by: George Lucas, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available to stream on Disney+.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.3/10 from 20,211 viewers, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Three decades after the fall of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy still carries the scars of war and lost hope. A new menace rises from the shadows, led by a conflicted young figure who wields power with a dangerous mix of resolve and fear, gathering a ruthless armory to challenge the fragile balan...

Star Wars: The Force Awakens stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, and Daisy Ridley.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was directed by J.J. Abrams.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released on December 15, 2015.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a Adventure, Action, and Science Fiction film.

No. It's a fictional space opera set in a galaxy far, far away, not based on real events. The film brings back Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa.

Yes. The Force Awakens is the first film in a new trilogy, followed by The Last Jedi in 2017 and The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren and Daisy Ridley plays Rey, continuing their story.

Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, finds Luke Skywalker, portrayed by Mark Hamill, and offers him his lightsaber. Luke looks at Rey as the scene ends, setting up the next chapter in the saga.

The film runs about 136 minutes, which is 2 hours and 16 minutes. It's a brisk, action packed entry that introduces new heroes like Rey and Kylo Ren while keeping familiar faces in the mix.