The Godfather and The Godfather Part II are a couple of my other favorite films. I also love the Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Casablanca, and several Hitchcock masterpieces. I could go on and on. However, the Empire Strikes Back is still #1 for me. The script is a masterpiece, and the film is a visual and auditory extravaganza that maximizes the medium in a way most other top films cannot. The execution of the film is such a beautiful thing to behold.

Look at AFI’s all-time great lists. You will see Star Wars at #13. Empire is not on the list, because cineastes are pretentious and don’t like to get into sequels, but I’m sure most people who get into Star Wars will agree that Empire is an even better film.