When Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith hit theaters in 2005, the galaxy was left stunned by Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall to the dark side. Nearly two decades later, a new generation of fans—most of whom weren’t even born when the movie first released—are now getting the chance to experience the iconic film on the big screen. For many, it’s more than a re-release—it’s a cinematic event that bridges generations of Star Wars fandom.
The re-release of Revenge of the Sith is part of Lucasfilm’s recent efforts to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film’s launch and reconnect fans with the core storylines that have shaped generations. For a group of close friends—Logan Moore (11), Declan Corcoran (12), Will Jennings (12), Landon Williams (12), William Griffith (10), and Jase Will (12)—watching the re-release together became a special moment. It was a chance to relive the saga on the big screen and bond over their shared love of Star Wars. And for younger audiences, like Griffith, seeing the film in theaters is an entirely new experience that brings the story to life in ways home viewings never could. William Griffith (10) a lifelong Star Wars fan, described the experience as unforgettable.
“It was cool because I haven’t seen it the first time and I’ve seen the movie before, but in theaters it’s a cool experience because you’re with people that you’re friends with and it’s fun, everyone’s loud, clapping. It’s just a cool experience that you don’t get at home,” Griffith said.
Like many young fans, Griffith’s journey into the Star Wars universe didn’t begin with the movies themselves but with the toys.
“I probably first got into Star Wars when I was younger, like seeing toy lightsabers on the toy aisles. It’s kind of where it all stems from, I’d say. And in my journey as a fan, I’d say [Revenge of the Sith] is pretty big because it’s one of the most favorited movies. So that helps—having other opinions on it and just becoming a liked movie. It’s like, okay, I like Star Wars, I can get into this,” Griffith said.
For Griffith, the re-release wasn’t just about rewatching a movie he already knew by heart. It was about experiencing it with others, surrounded by the cheers, gasps, and applause that only a theater full of fans can provide.
“Nothing really surprised me because I kind of knew what was happening…But experience-wise, just the people I was with, the theater being excited, stuff like that—it made it special,” Griffith said.
Landon Williams (12) had a similarly powerful reaction to the re-release. As someone who has grown up with Star Wars, seeing Revenge of the Sith on the big screen felt like the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
“I’ve watched the movie all my life growing up and it’s one of my favorite movies ever. Being able to go see it in theaters with some of my good friends was something really cool and something I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to do,” Williams said.
Williams’ introduction to the galaxy far, far away came from an even more personal place—his father.
“My dad taught me how to read off of the Little Clone Wars books and then from there on, he showed me the films and I just continued watching on my own. Revenge of the Sith, for me, it’s kind of just like when I got into the lore of Star Wars and just got really into the storyline. Just seeing how that fit into everything and how big of a part of the story that plays out—it was really cool,” Williams said.
One of the most striking aspects of the theater experience for Williams wasn’t just the movie itself, but how the crowd responded to it.
“It was cool to see the reactions of the crowd in the theater, whenever big important scenes would come up… like when Anakin killed the children, everybody gasping—all that, when he turned dark. It was just really cool to see all the reactions,” Williams said.
Will Jennings (12) an avid Star Wars fan, described the experience in simple terms.
“It was pretty sick. Being a huge Star Wars fan, getting to experience it in theaters and hearing all the people cheering and stuff was just cool. It’s sick,” Jennings said.
Jennings got into Star Wars thanks to his older brother.
“I was probably in like third grade and he showed me Episode IV: A New Hope and I was like, ‘This is so sick.’ And like, Episode III was probably one of my favorite [films] because the first time I watched, I was just so—like the fight scenes just had me drawn in,” Jennings said.
While nostalgia may not be something this new generation possesses firsthand, the excitement and emotional pull of Revenge of the Sith still manages to transcend time. For all three students, the movie’s themes of betrayal, conflict, and transformation remain just as powerful today as they were in 2005. When asked how Revenge of the Sith compares to the newer Star Wars content being produced today, the answer was clear—and unanimous.
“So much better. It’s so much better, it’s not close,” Griffith said.
“Definitely way better… All the new ones… are kind of like cringy, and I feel like they are made to fit more of an agenda than the old ones were. The old ones were just about people in space with lightsabers and were meant to be cool and fun—not to be about any sort of gain for Disney or anything like that,” Williams said.
“Oh, it’s way better. I don’t mess with the new stuff too much. Some of the shows are all right, but yeah, Episode III is peak,” Jennings said.
Beyond just content, the three fans also noticed a difference in storytelling style. Williams was particularly struck by how different the prequel films are from modern blockbusters.
“It’s definitely a lot more blunt and it focuses more on the actual storyline than special effects. It’s not your standard Netflix film where it’s the same thing over and over for like 30 different movies. It’s centered around the actual story arc and Anakin’s turn to the dark side, and it really focuses on that,” Williams said.
Even with its heavier content, the emotional impact of Revenge of the Sith clearly resonates across generations. All three students agreed that they would recommend the movie to others, young and old alike. Williams concluded with a reflection on the film’s broader impact.
“Star Wars has always been a big part of my life… and I definitely recommend it. There’s a lot of really good stuff in the movie, and it’s always been well made,” Williams said.
As the lights dim once again and the first notes of John Williams’ score echo through packed theaters, Revenge of the Sith proves that a great story—no matter how old—can still ignite the imaginations of new fans. And for this generation, the Force is very much still with them.
