10 Best Space Movies Of All Time

From the quintessential space series that, much like a force ghost, never truly seems to die, comes the second film in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Our heroes are torn apart at the conclusion of the first act and are left to navigate two opposite ends of the galaxy. Han Solo and Leia Organa must escape the clutches of the evil Galactic Empire while Luke Skywalker travels to Dagobah to train under Jedi master Yoda, all leading to a climactic lightsaber battle with Sith Lord Darth Vader and one of the greatest plot twists in the history of cinema.

Free from the initial universe building duties of the first film and the strictly plotted responsibilities of later entries - and with an expanded budget to boot - Empire took the galaxy far away to new heights with romance, action, humour and plenty of space. As a result, not just the heroes but the supporting cast - Yoda, Lando, The Emperor, Boba Fett - were all instant fan favourites, their legacy secured by the measured direction and generous lens of Irvin Kershner (George Lucas' former USC professor).

What was once quite unusual for a space film without Trek in the name, Empire is neither disaster nor comedy, instead constructing the artistic foundations of an epic intergalactic saga that, with each film, has brought new aliens, planets, spaceships and awe-inspiring (and, frankly, unmatched) space visuals.