The Empire Strikes Back, the second release in the Star Wars franchise, received
mixed reviews from critics initially but has since grown in esteem, becoming the
most critically acclaimed chapter in the Star Wars saga; it is now considered one
of the greatest films ever made. It became the highest-grossing film of 1980 and,
to date, has earned more than $538 million worldwide from its original run and
several re-releases. When adjusted for inflation, it is the 12th-highest-grossing
film in North America.