If there was any doubt about the enduring popularity of Star Wars, this past weekend proved otherwise. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith—the final chapter of George Lucas’ prequel trilogy—Disney and Lucasfilm brought the film back to theaters. Audiences flocked to see Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader, whether for nostalgic reasons or for the first time. The re-release delivered impressive results, becoming one of the most successful theatrical re-releases for the opening weekend box office.
Credit: Lucasfilm
Over the last weekend, Revenge of the Sith brought in $25.2 million at the domestic box office, placing second behind Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which earned an impressive $45 million in its second weekend. The Star Wars re-release even surpassed newer titles like The Accountant 2 ($24.4 million), Until Dawn ($8 million), and narrowly beat A Minecraft Movie ($22.7 million) in its fourth week. While all these films had solid performances, the fact that a 20-year-old film, originally met with mixed reviews, outperformed most of them highlights its remarkable lasting appeal. With this latest run, Revenge of the Sith has reached a lifetime total of over $900 million.
Only two re-releases have had bigger opening weekends than Revenge of the Sith. One was Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, which brought in $35.9 million in 1997 thanks to its “Special Edition” re-release with added scenes. The other was the 3D version of The Lion King, which earned $30.1 million in 2011 with a fresh 3D presentation. In contrast, Revenge of the Sith returned to theaters exactly as it was in 2005 — no updates or enhancements — yet Star Wars fans still showed up in impressive numbers.
Credit: Lucasfilm
When the Star Wars prequels were first released, reactions were mixed. The Phantom Menace faced heavy criticism, primarily for Jar Jar Binks (played by Ahmed Best), but still marked a triumphant return for the franchise, earning nearly $1 billion worldwide. However, enthusiasm waned by Attack of the Clones in 2002, which made significantly less, signaling that audiences weren’t fully invested in Anakin Skywalker’s journey at the time.
Although Revenge of the Sith is widely considered the strongest entry in the prequel trilogy, longtime fans of the original Star Wars films often remain divided on the prequels. However, the strong turnout for the recent re-release shows that younger audiences view them more favorably. That enthusiasm wasn’t limited to domestic theaters either—the film also brought in $17 million internationally, for $42.2 million worldwide over the weekend.
Credit: Lucasfilm
What makes George Lucas’ Star Wars films culturally enduring is his talent for filling every scene with subtle, intriguing details. Despite its flaws, the film remains a striking and compelling piece of work. Iconic sequences like the lightsaber duel on Mustafar, Yoda’s clash with Palpatine in the Senate, and the sweeping tracking shot in the opening space battle stand out as highlights. The darker moments also leave a strong impression, with the film’s tone tightly controlled throughout. One of the best scenes features Anakin and Padmé silently awaiting the Republic’s fate — he in the Jedi Council chambers, she in their apartment — as the sun sets and John Williams’ chilling score underscores the tension. The film is a blend of stunning visuals and emotional weight.
Credit: Lucasfilm
Many fans are now experiencing Episode III in theaters for the first time. Some of them grew up watching The Clone Wars and entered the Star Wars universe through the prequels rather than the original trilogy. As a result, this re-release held major significance. For Gen Z in particular, the prequel era has become a vital and defining part of the Star Wars legacy.
Han, Luke, and Leia’s legacy is secure, but the story doesn’t end there. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is definitively undergoing a critical and popular renaissance, forcing a reevaluation of its place in the saga. It’s no longer accurate or fair to dismiss these films as a simple franchise flaw. Lucasfilm would be wise to capitalize on this groundswell of renewed interest. The proof is already emerging: Disney is reaping the financial rewards, and theaters are seeing a surprising surge, demonstrating the enduring, perhaps underestimated, power of the prequel era.
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