Star Wars. It's the epic story that has captivated the attention of young and old for over four decades. Created by writer and filmmaker George Lucas, the world has been obsessed with his story since the first film debuted in 1977. And at NewReleaseToday, we're pretty obsessed with the movie franchise, too.
In honor of May 4th and the upcoming 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, our staff compiled a list of our favorite Star Wars films and Christian songs that we think should accompany them. If Star Wars had a Christian soundtrack, this would definitely be it--Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia would agree. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith was the last of the prequel movies that expanded the stories of the Star Wars characters we know and love but centered primarily on Anakin Skywalker, also known as Darth Vader. It was also the first in the series to be given a PG-13 rating for its intensity and dark themes. It is appropriate, however. Following the story of Anakin as he succumbs to the dark side through manipulation and deceit and falls prey to betrayal and heartbreak, is difficult to witness.
Revenge of the Sith portrays the tragic downfall of Anakin as he succumbs to the darkness and highlights the unwavering strength of characters such as Anakin's mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan witnessed how Anakin gave into the temptations of the dark side, and no doubt felt the attraction himself, but we see he didn’t give in or bow down to the dark side. He even confronted Anakin in an epic duel, as was his duty, after failing to bring back hope to Anakin.
Rock band Disciple makes a bold proclamation of faith in their new song, "Bow Down," that no matter the trials, darkness, or enemy, we won't bow down and lose faith. They proclaim, "You can take me to the highest mountain/And offer me a crown/But, I'll never bow down."
Obi-Wan suffered betrayal like few others in the Star Wars universe, yet he remained steadfast in faith in the Force. May he serve as an example for us to stay strong in our faith in Christ—even when we face deep pains and hardships. Like Obi-Wan, we'll also be an example for others to follow. - Ryan Adams
Rogue One
The first film in the official Star Wars Anthology movie series is Rogue One. It’s a prequel to the 1977 Star Wars film, A New Hope. Rogue One tells the story of how the rebels stole the Death Star plans, which made the rebels a significant threat to the evil Empire. While A New Hope showcases that the Rebellion has Death Star plans, the details of how the characters attained them and the challenges they faced were left untold.
Rogue One follows the story of some unique, one-of-a-kind characters, and I say that because some of them make the ultimate sacrifice to bring the Death Star plans into the hands of the rebels. We never see some again because their purpose was served only in their time, not the series' future. Kind of like some people in our lives.
The movie’s arc made the present and future what it is. We all have prequels, but we don't get them. We call them our testimonies. Your testimony and mine are unique; our present and future would not be the same without them. And just like how the rebels had one thing that kept them together: the mission to get the Death Star plans. So, we, as Christians, share one thing: God is in our story.
This is the message emerging Christian contemporary artist Katy Nichole shares with her hit single, "God Is in This Story." In it, she sings, "God is in this story/God is in the details." Like every small step in the rebel's plan to collect those plans led was part of a bigger mission, so are each of the minor details in our stories lending to the more incredible picture of God's master plan. Whether it be victories or struggles in our lives, they are necessary to bring God glory. - Ryan Adams
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
A New Hope follows the story of a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker, who teams up with a rogue smuggler named Han Solo and a wise Jedi Knight called Obi-Wan Kenobi to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire. Skywalker, Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, CP3O, and R2-D2 face many obstacles and battles against the Empire's forces, including the evil Sith lord, Darth Vader. Eventually, they rescue Princess Leia and escape the clutches of the Empire, but not before the Death Star destroys Leia's home planet. A celebration is held at the movie's conclusion, but it's apparent that the fight between good and evil is far from over.
The song "Team" by pop artist Shepherd, featuring music contemporaries Angie Rose, Kieran the Light, and Datin, fit the concept of working together for a more significant cause. The four featured artists are a solid mix of signed and unsigned talent showcasing their skills as emcees. A portion of Kieran the Light's verses includes, "I’m born again, He let me do it twice like a remix/Peep this if I’m not winnin’, I still got Jesus in me Every time I’m still gon’ deliver like I got pizza with me/Too forgivin’, this God vision so I can see the envy Devil lurkin’, I want all the smoke, so I don’t need a chimney."
Regardless of team members, the Resistance succeeds using the power—that is, The Force—in each of them. Like Luke and his misfits, anything is possible through the power within. - Joshua Galla
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is the iconic second entry to the Star Wars saga after the breakout first film. The sequel continues in the same adventure style as the first one while trying fresh approaches and leaning more into the struggles of our existing heroes, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, as well as fan-favorite newcomers like Yoda and Lando.
In The Empire Strikes Back, the Empire is set on taking out Luke and the Rebellion after they successfully destroy their latest weapon, the Death Star, in the first film. Luke wants to gain the full range of Jedi abilities, including the strength to defeat the evil Sith lord, Darth Vader. In pursuit of this goal, he locates the last surviving Jedi, Yoda, who can train him to master the Force.
During Luke's training with Yoda, the Empire pursues the rest of his team, ultimately capturing them by leveraging their relationship with one of Han's associates, Lando. The Empire freezes Han in carbonite and hands him to a ruthless bounty hunter. In the chaos, C3PO is disassembled, leaving the group vulnerable. When Luke finally arrives, he engages in a fierce battle with Vader, resulting in his defeat and losing his hand.
The heroes are reunited with the Rebel Alliance, but Han Solo is still in danger. Lando and Chewbacca leave to rescue him. The movie ends hopeful as the fight against the Empire continues. Luke learns that Darth Vader is his father.
Just as the title implies, The Empire struck back, and the weight of the sacrifices can be felt. The song that came to mind—especially during the flick’s last moments—was "The Fight Within" by Memphis May Fire.
The good guys didn't make it through like they wanted to. If anything, they feel even more lost with the pain of losing Han and the revelation of Luke's father. Yet, with each setback, they choose to keep fighting an enemy that seems unbeatable.
As the song says: "I know I'm not alone/But sometimes I feel no hope/When it gets too dark to see/The light in front of me/I remember what I've seen." The rebellion believes things can be made right—even in dark times. Even when Luke questions himself while training with Yoda, the memory and faith he has in his friends, his calling, his vision, and the force helps him pull away from the fear and anger of the dark side.
The end of the chorus of the song says, "Just when I think I'm about to break/I can see my growth in pain, so/I might be lost, but I'll find the fight within." Luke had to overcome mental struggles to become a Jedi, even if it was painful and confusing.
Both the movie and the song convey a message of hope and encouragement, urging us to persevere through difficult times by placing our faith in God and drawing strength from Him to fulfill our purpose. Setbacks often help us find the fight to overcome, which is one thing Star Wars has become to millions—a reminder of hope to keep pressing on. - Bradden Ford
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi is possibly the most emotional movie in the original Star Wars trilogy. In the previous two films, we see the heroic Jedi, Luke Skywalker, grappling with the deaths of nearly everyone he loves. His aunt and uncle have died, and his instructors, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda are also dead. But the person he has wanted to know his whole life—his father—is still alive. But his name is Darth Vader: the Rebellion’s greatest enemy. At the pinnacle of this unforgettable film, the father and son go head-to-head again in an epic battle.
With lightsabers flashing, the dialogue between the two reveals the inner battle Vader is hiding. “I feel the good in you… the conflict,” Luke says. The fight continues, and a moment comes when Luke can kill his enemy. But he withdraws his weapon. And, in turn, must face the evil Emperor.
The evil Emperor could destroy Luke instantly with the lightning flying from his hands. The only one capable of saving Luke now is Darth Vader himself—his father. He’s the only other Jedi in the room who can take down the Emperor and turn to the light. Luke is desperate and begs for his help.
I can’t help but think of musician Jon Guerra’s beautiful song “Let A Little Light In,” reflecting on this battle scene. Jon sings in the chorus, “Let a little light in/Let a little light in/My heart is in a panic/Don’t leave me in the darkness." This is Luke's same cry to his father.
And in the most surprising turn of events, Darth Vader saves his son. Vader dies in his place and destroys the Emperor. In one last heroic act, Vader lets the light in. The biblical stories that come to mind when I watch this scene are too many to list in one article, and maybe that’s why I love Star Wars so much. It’s the story of good versus evil, the light versus the dark. In the end, the light always wins. - Grace Chaves
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
The Force Awakens, released in 2015 and directed by J.J. Abrams, is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. It introduces a new generation of characters while featuring the return of classic ones from the original trilogy.
The movie follows a young scavenger named Rey and a former Stormtrooper named Finn, who gets caught up in a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. This new evil organization has risen from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. They also meet the legendary Han Solo and Chewbacca, who help them on their quest.
Kylo Ren is the main villain in the movie, driven by a strong desire to live up to Darth Vader's legacy and serve the oppressive First Order. It’s later revealed that he’s the son of Han Solo and then Princess and now General Leia Organa. Throughout the film, Kylo Ren struggles with the conflict between the Force's light and dark sides, forming a central theme.
Under General Leia's leadership, the Resistance is on a quest to locate a map that leads to the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker. Luke had vanished after a devastating incident before the events depicted in the movie. The First Order is also searching for the map, as they believe it will lead them to Starkiller Base, a powerful weapon capable of destroying entire planets.
The movie has thrilling action sequences and iconic scenes, notably a gripping lightsaber duel between Rey and Kylo Ren. The film concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger that sets the stage for the next installment in the trilogy.
The song of association I selected for this movie was "Wake Up Sleeper" by contemporary artist Austin French. The chorus is, "Wake up, sleeper, open your eyes, Oh, sinner, arise, leave your past at the door/Wake up, sleeper, come to the light/Christ is alive, death don't live here anymore/Death don't live here anymore." Finn leaves his past—the First Order—behind and enters a "new life" when beginning to fight for the Resistance. Even the enemy, Kylo Ren, questions if he's meant to be on the other side, fighting for what's good instead of remaining attached to an agenda of evil.
Leaving the old life behind and rediscovering our purpose defines a Christian. We awake to the sins that shouldn't define us and begin leaving those things in the past. - Joshua Galla
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
Our minds can be a war just by themselves. But imagine getting access to someone else’s mind and forcing them to converse with you—especially if that someone is your enemy. This is the sub-plot of the second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Last Jedi. When Supreme Leader Snoke bridges the minds of Rey and Kylo, forcing them into conversation despite their separation. During their discussions, Rey pries at Kylo Ren’s heart, trying to see the good still inside him, the same way Luke saw the good left in his father.
Kylo Ren is torn between right and wrong—good and evil. But he keeps edging closer to the light. In an epic battle against Supreme Leader Snoke, he saves Rey’s life—only to fall back into his evil ways. I’m reminded of Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7:19 (NIV), “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
Kylo Ren’s mental battle reminds me of “The War Inside” from the alt-rock band Switchfoot. Lead singer Jon Foreman sings, “I am the war inside/I am the battle line/I am the rising tide/I am the war I fight.” “The War Inside” is the perfect song for The Last Jedi, and Jon Foreman seems to nod to Star Wars in the following verse when he sings, “I get the feeling that we're living in sci-fi.”
Kylo Ren is one of my favorite characters. His internal war between good and evil is relatable, and his ultimate conversion to the light in the next movie perfects his character arc. There was a war inside his mind, but ultimately, the light won the fight. - Grace Chaves
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker holds a special place in my heart as the first movie that was emotional enough to break through my middle school-hardened heart. I won’t spoil any details, but I will say I sat there for the entire film, crying, laughing, and utterly devoted to my favorite character, Rey. In a wraparound way, God shows us the same devotion. Of course, He’s infinitely more involved in our lives than just watching events pass by on a screen, but the same foundation of dedication remains. Recently, Christian band Ocean and the Ghost dropped an album filled with several takes on “Can’t Outrisk,” my favorite anthem, and one they crafted in collaboration with worship collective UPPERROOM.
In Rise of Skywalker, Rey takes on some dangerous endeavors, and the moral substance of her choices is certainly up for debate. But I never stopped loving her. And God never stops loving us.
“Because we can't out risk Your faithfulness/You can clean up all our mess/Oh we can’t out risk Your faithfulness.”
Sin corrupts, and desire can seriously weaken our commitment to faith. Our Heavenly Father never stops pursuing our hearts. There’s nothing we can do to lose such adoration, and I pray—instead of using it as an invitation to make worse decisions—that this truth will wrap you up in tremendous hope today. If Rey and I can get through it, so can you and the supernatural Creator of the universe. May the force of His love be with you. - Selena Schulz
Assembled from the four corners of North America and many other corners in between, the NRTeam comprises staffers whose energy is equally dispersed towards loving and writing about the music they love.
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