11. Han Solo: Making Sarcasm Cool Since 1977
Han is undoubtedly the cooler of the two heroes in A New Hope, because he juggles the snarky attitude and anti-hero acumen that make him easily more attractive to female admirers and male emulators than Luke. And part of that cool is his unflinching commitment to sarcasm, even in the face of the love of his life, who he outwardly despises, but inwardly yearns for with the fires of a million suns. It might be the lowest form of wit, but in an environment so stoically serious and grave, Han's humourous interjections are a high-point of distraction and entertainment.
12. Kenner's Action Figure Series
Star Wars merchandise in itself is a major ongoing concern, and there have been thousands of great, good and plainly awful officially licensed lines. But the greatest addition to that merchandise world came thanks to a major error of judgement from behemoth toy company Mego Corporation, who decided to pass on the rights to make Star Wars action figures in 1976. Bad move, considering the Kenner originals, mint and boxed now command a frankly embarrassing amount of money for the rarest lines. They also have the auspicious honour of being one of the items that Elliott uses in his attempt to teach E.T. about the ways of Earth:
Coke. You see, we drink it. It's a, it's a drink. You know, food. These are toys. These are little men. (Elliot shows E.T. several Star Wars action figures) This is Greedo, and then this is Hammerhead. See, this is Walrus Man, and this is Snaggletooth and this is Boba Fett. See... and look, they can even have wars. Look at this. (Elliot has the action figures shoot each other.) Look, fish...
13. It Made Money Like Never Before
Before 1977, 20th Century Fox's highest box office return from one year was $37m, but by the end of that year, thanks largely to the phenomenal success of Star Wars, their year-end profit was $79m. Having opened in May 1977, by November it had surpassed Jaws as the all-time box-office leader, and within just three weeks of the release, Fox's stock price had doubled to a then record high.
14. The Death Star
A feat of supreme engineering, and one of the most enduring images of sci-fi history. Okay, so it took a frankly ridiculous 19 years to build, according to the Star Wars timeline, which is surprising considering the fact that the gaffer was able to crush anyone's neck who was even slightly insubordinate, but still it remains the greatest single example of villainous technology from this and every other sci-fi universe. Though or course, it had one major design flaw...
15. The Score: Cantina Band
http://youtu.be/eGy1BRO1WCs