6 Iconic Star Wars Posters That Defined the Galaxy

Few movie franchises have a legacy as rich and iconic as Star Wars. For nearly five decades, its posters have been much more than marketing tools—they’ve become cherished works of art that perfectly capture the adventure, romance, and myth of this epic saga.

Whether they’re pinned to a dorm room wall or proudly displayed in a collector’s home, Star Wars posters have a way of instantly transporting us to a galaxy far, far away.

In this article, we dive into some of the most unforgettable Star Wars posters and the fascinating stories behind them.

1. The Original: Tom Jung’s “Star Wars” (1977) Poster

Tom Jung’s 1977 Star Wars poster is more than just artwork—it’s the heart of the franchise’s visual identity. Luke Skywalker stands boldly, lightsaber held high, while Princess Leia strikes a powerful yet elegant pose. In the background, Darth Vader looms like a shadow of the galaxy’s darker side, and starships blaze through the stars. 

It’s a perfect blend of heroism, romance, and destiny!

Fun Fact: George Lucas initially felt Jung’s design leaned too heavily on the mythical and romantic aspects of the film—prompting him to commission alternative versions. 

Still, Jung’s creation became synonymous with the film’s launch and remains, even after almost 45 years, one of the most iconic movie posters ever created.

2. The Hildebrandt Brothers’ Style B “Star Wars” Poster (1977)

When Tom Jung’s original poster was deemed “too dark” by the producers, they turned to the Hildebrandt brothers, Greg and Tim, to give it a more adventurous spin. They were asked to reimagine the design to make it more "comic book-like"— in just 36 hours. 

Despite the time pressure, Greg and Tim managed to deliver a striking new version of Jung’s composition. This poster was a vibrant explosion of color and dramatic lighting that gave the artwork a magical, storybook-like quality. Luke and Leia are again center stage — this time in a more intensely dramatic pose.

The Hildebrandt poster became an instant hit. It captured the fantasy side of Star Wars that many fans adore and transformed it into a cherished collector’s gem that still stands out today.

3. Drew Struzan’s First “Star Wars” Poster With Charles White (1978) 

Drew Struzan’s first Star Wars poster, created in collaboration with artist Charles White III in 1978, remains a legendary piece of movie marketing history. It was commissioned by Lucasfilm to refresh the film’s poster campaign during its extended theater run. The artwork is a striking example of what’s often called the “circus style” or “Style D.”

However, there wasn’t enough room for the full credit block in the original design, so Struzan and White enlarged the poster’s dimensions to make space. This adjustment gave the poster its unique "wild-posted" look—suggesting the kind of weathered, tattered posters one might find plastered on a wall in the early 20th century. 

The end result is a design that feels both nostalgic and modern.

The poster quickly became a favorite, not just among fans but also with George Lucas himself. He reportedly hung the original artwork in his own home. This poster also marked the beginning of Struzan’s enduring relationship with the Star Wars franchise — a relationship that would see him creating many more posters for Lucasfilm over the next three decades.

4. Japanese “Star Wars” (1977) Poster

Japanese film posters often take bold artistic liberties, and the “Star Wars” (1977) poster is no exception. 

This poster stands out for its striking, minimalist approach, contrasting with the more detailed Western designs. It features a deep, dark backdrop and the vast emptiness of space and emphasizes the cosmic scale of the “Star Wars” saga. The Japanese calligraphy accompanying the imagery adds a layer of cultural depth. 

This design style, common in Japanese posters, prioritizes artistry over commercial appeal, which is part of what makes it so enduring. Its beauty transcends the immediate marketing goal and offers a timeless, collectible aesthetic.

5. Super Rare “Revenge of the Jedi” (1982) Pre-Release Poster 

The “Revenge of the Jedi” pre-release poster is a unique piece of Star Wars history. 

Before “Return of the Jedi” was settled on as the title, George Lucas had initially called the third film “Revenge of the Jedi.” However, he later realized that "revenge" didn't align with the Jedi code, so, the title was changed before the movie hit theaters. As a result, the original posters featuring the Revenge title were recalled, making them incredibly rare and valuable.

Designed by Drew Struzan, this poster strikingly showcases Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in a fierce lightsaber battle. The dramatic red and black backdrop also gives it an intense energy. 

What's particularly interesting is that there were two versions of this poster: one with a release date and another without, which is even rarer. Only a handful of the updated versions exist today, making them even more valuable.

6. Roger Kastel’s Poster for “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) 

Roger Kastel’s hand-painted “Gone with the Wind”-style poster for “The Empire Strikes Back” is one of the most beloved pieces of “Star Wars” art, and it’s easy to see why. By placing Han Solo and Princess Leia in a romantic embrace at the heart of the design, Kastel captures the deeper emotional stakes of the story. 

It was a bold choice for a sci-fi movie, but it worked beautifully, emphasizing the human connections amidst all the galactic chaos.

Interestingly, the idea to channel “Gone with the Wind” came from Lucasfilm’s desire to market “The Empire Strikes Back” as not just a sequel but a richer, more dramatic evolution of the saga. The romantic angle helped broaden the film’s appeal, pulling in audiences who might not have been drawn solely by space battles and lightsabers. 

Fun Fact: Kastel almost didn’t make the deadline, as the original artwork was stolen! He had to recreate it, which makes its enduring legacy even more remarkable.

For “Star Wars” memorabilia collectors, owning a piece of cinematic history is more than just acquiring a rare item—it's about capturing a moment in the saga’s rich legacy. Discover the FilmArtGallery collection today and elevate your collection with a truly iconic piece of film history!

FAQs on Star Wars Posters 

Are “Star Wars” Posters Worth Anything?

Yes, “Star Wars” posters can be very valuable, particularly rare or vintage ones. Original posters from the early films can fetch high prices due to their historical significance and limited availability. Their value also depends on condition, rarity, and demand among collectors.

How Can I Tell if My “Star Wars” Movie Poster is Real?

Authentic posters will have high-quality printing with sharp images and clear text. Older posters should be on matte or glossy paper, not modern digital prints. Check for specific copyright dates and production details, which should be present on genuine items. 

Which Star Wars Posters are the Most Valuable?

The most valuable “Star Wars” posters include:

• The “Revenge of the Jedi” pre-release poster (1982)

• The original “Star Wars” (1977) poster