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Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the third episode of the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the sixth film released in the franchise. The film depicts the final stages of the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side, and the rise of the Galactic Empire.

Plot

The story follows the final months of the Clone Wars, with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker leading a rescue mission that draws them deeper into a larger Sith plot. The narrative ends with Anakin's turn to Darth Vader and the destruction of the Jedi Order.

Production and release

The film was written and directed by George Lucas and released in 2005. It was the final Star Wars film released by 20th Century Fox.

Place in the Star Wars saga

Revenge of the Sith bridges the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy by showing how the Galactic Republic becomes the Empire. It also explains the origin of Darth Vader and the political rise of Darth Sidious.

Reception and rating

The film is widely noted for its darker tone and action-heavy ending to the prequel trilogy. IMDb lists the film's parental guidance rating as PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images.

Key facts

  • The film is set three years after the start of the Clone Wars.
  • It follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they try to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
  • Anakin is manipulated into becoming Darth Vader and serving Darth Sidious.
  • The film depicts the transformation of the Republic into the Galactic Empire.
  • It concludes the prequel trilogy and the fall of the Jedi Order.

Frequently asked questions

When was Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith released?
It was released on May 19, 2005.
Who directed Revenge of the Sith?
George Lucas wrote and directed the film.
What happens to Anakin Skywalker in the film?
Anakin is seduced by the dark side and becomes Darth Vader.
How does the film relate to the Star Wars timeline?
It is set three years after the start of the Clone Wars and is the third film in the prequel trilogy.
What is the film's main political transformation?
It shows the Republic collapsing and the Galactic Empire rising in its place.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Episode_III_%E2%80%93_Revenge_of_the_Sith
    Supports: Basic plot setting, narrative events, and the rise of the Empire.
  2. StarWars.com — https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith
    Supports: Official synopsis, plot context, and franchise placement.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_III:_Revenge_of_the_Sith
    Supports: Release year, series position, and George Lucas as writer-director.
  4. Complex — https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/kevin-wong/revenge-of-the-sith-star-wars-movie-facts-easter-eggs
    Supports: Release date and title-formation note.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/
    Supports: General synopsis and tone.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/parentalguide/
    Supports: PG-13 parental guidance rating.