<P> The franchise began in 1977 with the release of the film Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope), which became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon . It was followed by two successful sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), all together constituting the original Star Wars trilogy . A prequel trilogy was released between 1999 and 2005, albeit to mixed reactions from both critics and fans . A more - recent third trilogy continues the story decades after Return of the Jedi, beginning in 2015 with Star Wars: The Force Awakens . The first eight films were nominated for Academy Awards, with wins going to the first two films released . The franchise has been commercially successful, with a combined box office revenue of over US $8.5 billion, making it the second highest - grossing film series . Theatrical spin - off films include Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018). </P> <P> The film series has spawned into other media, including television series, books, computer and video games, theme park attractions and lands, and comic books, resulting in significant development of the series' fictional universe . Star Wars holds a Guinness World Record for the "Most successful film merchandising franchise ." In 2015, the total value of the Star Wars franchise was estimated at US $42 billion . As of August 2018, it is the third - highest - grossing media franchise of all time . </P> <P> The Star Wars franchise takes place in a distant unnamed fictional galaxy at an undetermined point in the ancient past, where many species of aliens (often humanoid) co-exist . People own robotic droids, who assist them in their daily routines, and space travel is common . The galaxy is ruled by various governments at different times, whose rises and falls are chronicled by the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies; these include the Old Republic, the Empire, the New Republic, and the First Order . Each of these governments find themselves in conflict with different rebel factions . </P> <P> The spiritual and mystical element of the Star Wars galaxy is known as the Force . It is described in the original film as "an energy field created by all living things (that) surrounds us, penetrates us, (and) binds the galaxy together". The people who are born deeply connected to the Force have better reflexes; through training and meditation, they are able to achieve various supernatural feats (such as telekinesis, clairvoyance, precognition, and mind control). The Force is wielded by two major factions at conflict: the Jedi, who harness the light side of the Force, and the Sith, who use the dark side of the Force through hate and aggression, and whose members are limited to two: a master and an apprentice . </P>

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