Star Wars Posters: A Collector's Guide to the Original Trilogy

Few film series have generated as much poster mythology as Star Wars. The original trilogy alone produced multiple campaigns, artists, international formats and later reissues — which is why “an original Star Wars poster” is only the beginning of a useful description.

Star Wars, 1977

The first film's campaign evolved rapidly. Artwork associated with Tom Jung and the Hildebrandt brothers became central to the early visual identity, while different territories produced their own sizes and variations.

This original 1977 French poster is a useful reminder that Star Wars collecting extends far beyond US one-sheets.

The Empire Strikes Back, 1980

The sequel produced another extraordinary range of imagery. Roger Kastel's romantic composition became one of the film's best-known designs, while Tom Jung also created important campaign artwork.

Different international posters can use those images in different layouts, so artist, territory, size and edition all matter.

Return of the Jedi, 1983

The third film continued the pattern of multiple campaign designs and international variations. Teasers, advance material and release posters should be identified separately rather than collapsed into one generic “Jedi poster”.

Beware the date trap

A poster showing 1977 artwork is not necessarily a 1977 physical printing. Star Wars imagery has been reissued and reproduced extensively. Check dimensions, credits, printing and known edition history.

Our movie poster authentication guide explains what to examine.

International formats are part of the fun

French, British, Japanese, Italian and other releases can offer dramatically different layouts and artwork. There is no requirement for a serious collection to chase only the most famous American version.

Collect the edition you actually want

First-release scarcity can matter to price, but design matters too. A later or international theatrical issue may be the image you most want to live with.

As always, buy the exact poster — not the mythology around it.

Explore the posters featured above: Star Wars French · The Empire Strikes Back · Empire Strikes Back French · Return of the Jedi. Continue with our collecting guide, authenticity guide, condition guide and framing guide.