Every Wilhelm Scream In The Star Wars Saga

Originally released as simply 'Star Wars', the film we now know as (Episode IV:) A New Hope rejuvenated space-based science fiction and started a franchise that has outlived almost every other series of its kind, with Star Trek being the notable exception.

Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan (Alec Guinness) embark on a 'damn fool idealistic crusade' to save Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the evil Darth Vader (with the body of David Prowse and the voice of James Earl Jones) and destroy the Death Star, enlisting the help of Han Solo, Chewbacca (with the body of Peter Mayhew and the voice of every animal cry within Ben Burtt's reach) and The Rebellion.

This was the film that began the screaming cowboy trend, marking a shift in the acceptability of absurd sound design in an otherwise serious production. This time, it emits from beneath the helmet of a Galactic Empire stormtrooper, who is shot from his Death Star perch by Luke and plummets to an unknown fate in the space station's inner workings below.

As is the saga's trend, Han gets the lion's share of the recognition for every good line, and it is in A New Hope that he says 'may the force be with you' in a wry word of support to Luke before the final battle. This oft-parroted line parts from many mouths throughout the series, Jedi and rebel alike, though it never seems more prescient than when it comes from Harrison Ford.