Year: 2017
Runtime: 152 min
Language: English
Director: Rian Johnson
In a galaxy consumed by war, Luke Skywalker’s self-imposed exile is disrupted by Rey, a young woman with a powerful connection to the Force. Seeking his wisdom, Rey travels to find the legendary Jedi Master, who grapples with his past failures and a crucial decision that will shape their future. Simultaneously, Kylo Ren and General Hux command the First Order in a relentless attack against Leia’s struggling Resistance, escalating the conflict across the galaxy.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The latest installment of the saga, Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, begins with a somber opening crawl that reveals the First Order’s intentions to assert dominion over the galaxy. In response, a valiant group of Resistance fighters, spearheaded by General Leia Organa, strategizes an evacuation from their central base as the menacing forces led by Supreme Leader Snoke close in. There remains a flicker of hope among the Resistance that Luke Skywalker will return to their aid.
The film kicks off with an exhilarating scene featuring Poe Dameron and the droid BB-8 on a daring mission against the First Order’s dreadnought. As General Hux commands a barrage of fire against them, Poe confidently issues orders to fellow fighter Paige (Veronica Ngo) to release their payload. The situation escalates, and although Paige suffers a tragic fate, she heroically manages to deliver a crucial blow to the dreadnought, obliterating it just in time for the remaining fighters to accelerate into hyperspace to safety.
Meanwhile, on the First Order’s ship, Snoke laments to Hux about their failed attempt to thwart the Resistance, and we meet Kylo Ren, who remains torn between light and dark. Despite having killed his father, Han Solo, Snoke still sees potential for redemption in him, which angers Kylo. In a fit of rage, he destroys his helmet before embarking on a crushing journey of self-discovery.
On the other side, Finn awakens from a coma stemming from his previous battle. His first inquiry is about Rey, who is desperately trying to track down Luke on the remote planet Ahch-To. Accompanied by Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee), Rey finds Luke but is met with callous indifference when he tosses aside his lightsaber. In a series of events, Chewie breaks into Luke’s home, seeking answers about Han’s whereabouts.
Internal dynamics shift within the Resistance when Leia demotes Poe due to his reckless actions. As the First Order pursues them through hyperspace, Kylo hesitates to strike when he senses Leia’s presence, leading to a spectacular blast that sends Leia into the void of space. Remarkably, she utilizes the Force to return to the ship, though she lapses into unconsciousness.
Rey, eager for training, struggles to connect with her power. Luke resists her pleas for instruction but eventually relents after witnessing Rey’s connection to the Force during a harrowing vision of darkness. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Holdo assumes command with Leia incapacitated, and Finn, caught in an unlikely partnership with mechanic Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), seeks to escape but is thwarted by Rose’s unexpected loyalty, as they devise a plan to find a code-breaker on Canto Bight with the help of Maz Kanata.
In a dazzling yet morally complex casino, Finn experiences the extravagance of wealth while Rose contemplates the atrocities committed there. Captured by the authorities, they encounter DJ ([Benicio Del Toro]) who offers them a way out. A heart-pounding escape ensues, but not without consequences, as they face off against the nefarious Captain Phasma.
As the stakes rise, Kylo and Rey’s connection deepens, leading to a confrontation where she desperately tries to reach the man within the monster. Snoke reveals his manipulations, but in a stunning turn, Kylo eliminates Snoke and accepts his dark destiny. Following this, Rey stands resolute against Kylo’s advances, refusing to succumb to the darkness that has called to her.
The penultimate struggle leads the Resistance fighters to Crait, where they face significant losses at the hands of the First Order. In a moment of bravery, Holdo sacrifices herself to save the remaining allies, ramming her ship into the enemy fleet at light speed. Highlights of heroism arise as BB-8 commandeers a Walker, and Finn valiantly confronts Phasma, ultimately embracing his identity as ‘Rebel scum’.
In a breathtaking climax, Luke confronts Kylo, revealing he is merely a projection, a final act of defiance against the encroaching darkness. With hope glimmering on the horizon, the surviving Resistance members escape, guided by Rey’s newfound strength. As the film closes, we see children on Canto Bight inspired by the legend of Luke Skywalker, forever changed by the galaxy’s struggles. Luke, having fully embraced his legacy, passes into the Force, leaving behind an enduring legacy of hope amid the chaos.
The film poignantly ends with a tribute to Carrie Fisher, ensuring that her memory as a beloved princess will endure.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:04
Still wondering what the ending of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
Luke Skywalker’s story in The Last Jedi concludes with his sacrificial stand against Kylo Ren. Instead of confronting Kylo directly, Luke uses a projection of himself across the galaxy to buy time for the remaining resistance members to escape. This projection is a powerful Force ability that exhausts him and ultimately leads to his physical death. Throughout the film, Luke has been portrayed as a figure who has lost faith and retreated into exile, but at the crucial moment, he demonstrates that he is still a master of the Force, willing to sacrifice himself to save others. His death marks the end of his physical journey—emphasizing that his hero’s arc, which began in Return of the Jedi, has now officially closed.
By opting for this sacrificial ending, the film underscores a major theme: that the old ways must sometimes be let go for new beginnings. Luke’s death also serves to pass the torch to the next generation, especially Rey, who is now left to forge her own path without her legendary mentor. Although Luke is gone in physical form, his spirit and teachings remain influential through the Force, and in the future, he could appear as a Force ghost, guiding new heroes and helping shape the saga’s legacy. With his sacrifice, the film aims to move forward, letting go of the past while embracing the future, and highlighting that sometimes true heroism means choosing self-sacrifice for the greater good.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57
Don't stop at just watching — explore Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Ending Explained & Theories
Movies Like Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) Movie Recap & Themes
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) Complete Plot Breakdown
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Full Summary & Key Details
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Detailed Story Recap
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) Film Overview & Timeline
LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales (2021) Detailed Story Recap
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Complete Plot Breakdown
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) Movie Recap & Themes
Opening Night (1977) Complete Plot Breakdown
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap