Question: when did the first star wars movie air
Answer: Film trilogies Film Release date Director Screenwriter ( s ) Story by Producer ( s ) Composer Initial distributor Original trilogy Episode IV -- A New Hope May 25 , 1977 ( 1977 - 05 - 25 ) George Lucas Gary Kurtz John Williams 20th Century Fox Episode V -- The Empire Strikes Back May 21 , 1980 ( 1980 - 05 - 21 ) Irvin Kershner Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan George Lucas Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi May 25 , 1983 ( 1983 - 05 - 25 ) Richard Marquand Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas Howard Kazanjian Prequel trilogy Episode I -- The Phantom Menace May 19 , 1999 ( 1999 - 05 - 19 ) George Lucas Rick McCallum John Williams 20th Century Fox Episode II -- Attack of the Clone