Gallery: 35 Greatest Star Wars Tributes of All Time
01clerks-death-star-contractors
*The riff on Death Star contractors in Kevin Smith's* Clerks *is one of pop culture's finest* Star Wars *references.*
0230-rock-leia-lemon
*30 Rock* — Leia Lemon ---------------------- Tina Fey clearly loves *Star Wars* – she even mentions it in [her book *Bossypants*](http://www.amazon.com/Bossypants-Tina-Fey/dp/0316056863) – but the ways in which that love translates to her performance on the screen as Liz Lemon on *30 Rock* are priceless. Like, for example, the time she dressed up as Princess Leia to avoid jury duty. (Leia) [Lemon, out](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e3ID0WIkVs).
03star-wars-day-at-att-park
*Star Wars* Day at AT&T Park ---------------------------- The San Francisco Giants cranked their jock-nerd cred to 10 in 2011 with their *Star Wars* Day at AT&T Park. While theme days at ballparks may not qualify as a typical pop-culture references, how many other teams would encase their [closing pitcher in carbonite](http://sfist.com/2011/08/08/star_wars_day_at_att_park_will_free.php)? And the mashup fan costumes (above) were a grand slam. *Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired*
04austin-powers-death-star
*Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me* — 'Death Star' ------------------------------------------------------ It's hard to tell what's funnier about this moment from [*Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145660/): The moment when Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) calls the moon a Death Star or when his son Scott (Seth Green) retorts with, "Oh nothing, Darth."
05spaceballs
*Spaceballs* ------------- It's impossible to identify the best *Star Wars* gag in [*Spaceballs*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094012/), because the entire movie is one. But if we had to pick a favorite line, we'd go with, "I see your Schwartz is as big as mine," courtesy of Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).
06arrested-development-does
*Arrested Development* Does Star Wars Kid ----------------------------------------- It's the jokes within jokes that work on [*Arrested Development*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrested_Development_(TV_series)). For this one, George Michael (Michael Cera) finds himself in an embarrassing situation after videotaping himself practicing lightsaber moves in his garage. Just like [that other guy](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2003/05/58881).
07chasing-amy-race-and-star-wars
*Chasing Amy* Riffs on Race and *Star Wars* ------------------------------------------- Much like the brilliant diatribe he wrote for videostore clerk Randal in *Clerks*, Kevin Smith wrote another fantastic *Star Wars* riff for comic-book creator Hooper X in [*Chasing Amy*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118842/) – this time on race relations in a galaxy far, far away. And, like its predecessors, it's as funny as it is insightful.
08dj-shadow-hindsight
DJ Shadow – 'Hindsight' ----------------------- It may be a small sample, but more than one fan noticed when DJ Shadow dropped "the tracks go off in this direction" from *A New Hope* in his jam "Hindsight." (Bonus points: nice wordplay.)
09death-star-pr
Death Star PR ------------- The [Death Star PR website](http://deathstarpr.com/) and [Twitter feed](http://twitter.com/#!/deathstarpr) offer lovely *bons mots* crafted to sound like they came from Darth Vader's publicist. Hey, why didn't we think of that?
10family-guy-laugh-it-up-fuzzball-the-family-guy-trilogy
*Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy* ------------------------------------------------ While many TV shows have gotten mileage out of Jedi jokes and Slave Leia costumes, few have put in the multi-arc effort that *Family Guy* did with [*Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh_It_Up,_Fuzzball:_The_Family_Guy_Trilogy), which parodied *Star Wars: Episodes IV-VI* over three separate shows and was followed by direct-to-video sequels. Well played, Seth MacFarlane.
11fanboys
*Fanboys* ---------- [*Fanboys*](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/16-04/ff_fanboy) didn't really parody or reference *Star Wars* so much as it took everything wonderful about fandom and turned it into a sweet narrative about friendship. Awww, you guys.
12friends-the-one-with-the-princess-leia-fantasy
*Friends'* 'The One With the Princess Leia Fantasy' Episode ----------------------------------------------------------- Fondness for Slave Leia seems to be a nerd fantasy that will last forever. But how many *Star Wars* geeks can say their Slave Leia fantasy was acted out by Jennifer Aniston? Only *Friends'* Ross (played by David Schwimmer), in the appropriately titled episode, "[The One With the Princess Leia Fantasy](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583634/)."
13futurama-benders-big-score
*Futurama: Bender's Big Score* ------------------------------ Direct-to-video film [*Futurama: Bender's Big Score*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futurama:_Bender's_Big_Score) is full of *Star Wars* sight gags, but the bling-y looking Death Stars might just take the Dark Side cake.
14george-lucas-strikes-back
'George Lucas Strikes Back' --------------------------- The "trailer" for nonexistent film *[George Lucas Strikes Back](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/06/george-lucas-strikes-back/)* pretty much says it all: What if the *Star Wars* prequels were the work of an impostor? The real Lucas would get revenge, that's what. Sweet, sweet revenge. "When I heard about [midi-chlorians](http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Midi-chlorian), only one thought kept me going: Find the man who made the prequels and destroy him," the fake Lucas swears. Violence, hilarity and Dark Side coke binges ensue.
15glee-holiday-special
*Glee*'s Holiday Special ------------------------ *Glee* usually focuses on geek-outs of the show choir variety, but for the series' 2011 holiday extravaganza, the musical youths of William McKinley High School mashed up the hated [*The Star Wars Holiday Special*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star_Wars_Holiday_Special) and the [*Judy Garland Christmas Show*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Garland_Christmas_Special). None of the show's regulars actually dressed up like a *Star Wars* character — that would've been copyright infringement (LOL!) — although Chewbacca makes a cameo.
16gnarls-barkley-crazy-at-mtv-movie-awards
Gnarls Barkley – 'Crazy' Performance at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards ------------------------------------------------------------------- Gnarls Barkley has always been out of this world, but the pair took it to a whole other level when they performed "Crazy" at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards with their band dressed as Imperial officers, Stormtroopers and Rebel Alliance pilots. They topped off the performance by putting Cee-Lo in a Darth Vader outfit.
17hardware-wars
*Hardware Wars* ----------------- [*Hardware Wars*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_Wars) was perhaps the first *Star Wars* parody ever made. It came out only a few months after the original movie and became an instant classic. Watch.
18hello-kitty-cat-wars
*Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater* - Cat Wars ---------------------------------------------- On the list of improbable *Star Wars* homages, this one from cartoon [*Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello_Kitty's_Furry_Tale_Theater) is probably near the top. While it wins points for uniqueness, it didn't please every fan: Topless Robot called it a "[scat-covered skullfucking](http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/02/hello_kittys_star_wars_is_a_nightmarish_orgy_of_ho.php) of not just *Star Wars*, but of everything that is good and holy."
19hologram-tupac
R2-D2's Message From Hologram Tupac ----------------------------------- Even before [Hologram Tupac](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/04/tupac-hologram-coachella/) (as he's become known) made his debut at Coachella in 2012, [people were saying](http://gawker.com/5901711/dr-dre-snoop-using-star-wars-tech-to-reanimate-tupac-nate-dogg-for-coachella) his appearance would have the feeling of a message sent via droid from across the galaxy. This video just went a step further and did the work of putting it all together.
20improv-everywhere-star-wars-subway-car
Improv Everywhere — *Star Wars* Subway Car ------------------------------------------ A bunch of Stormtroopers walk into a subway car.... The punchline is that they are a bunch of [jokesters from Improv Everywhere](http://improveverywhere.com/2010/07/14/star-wars-subway-car/) staging a *Star Wars* gag on New York City's underground.
21beastie-boys-do-it
Beastie Boys – 'Do It' ---------------------- MCs from Notorious B.I.G. to Eminem [have rapped about Vader](http://clutch.mtv.com/2010/12/02/hip-hops-star-wars-lyrics/), Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the gang, but Ad-Rock's proclamation in "Do It" – *"Like gravy on potatoes, Luke to Darth Vader / I'm a souped-up sucker and I'll see you all later"* – is just boss.
22jedi-kittens
'Jedi Kittens' -------------- What do you get when you mash together two of the internet's favorite memes? Jedi Kittens. Fighting with lightsabers. The end. <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1649006310001"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param> <param name="width" value="660"></param> <param name="height" value="423"></param> <param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param> <param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param> <param name="isVid" value="true"></param> <param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param> <param name="@videoPlayer" value="1649006310001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1649006310001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
23lego-star-wars-barrel-organ
The Lego *Star Wars* Barrel Organ --------------------------------- Making a [barrel organ out of 20,000 Lego bricks](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/04/lego-star-wars-barrel-organ/) that plays the *Star Wars* theme isn't so much a pop-culture reference as it is a combination of two beloved nerd properties coming together and making a magical baby. We'll take it.
24robot-chicken-star-wars-episode-iii
*Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III* -------------------------------------- [The *Robot Chicken*: "Star Wars Episode III"](http://www.adultswim.com/shows/robot-chicken/extras/starwars/episode-iii/index.html) three-part sendup of George Lucas' film series won over a lot of fans, including one very important one. “Everything gets run through Lucasfilm for these specials,” executive producer Matt Senreich [told Wired at the time](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/12/robot-chicken-star-wars-episode-3) of the final episode's airing. “He was laughing throughout, so that’s a good sign. He seems happy with the way everything turned out.”
25shit-stormtroopers-say
Shit Stormtroopers Say ---------------------- The "[Shit \_\_\_\_\_ Say](http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/shit-girls-say)" meme was all but played out when this video came along, but thank the Force it did. The "have you seen these droids?" jokes are priceless.
26simon-pegg-and-nick-frosts-star-wars
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's *Star Wars* --------------------------------------- Two nerds. Some costumes. A camera. If it weren't obviously Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, this video could be just about any of us, really.
27south-park-free-hat
*South Park'*s 'Free Hat' Episode --------------------------------- For all the trouble the boys of *South Park* have gotten into over the years, they've done some good. And their "Save Films From Their Directors" initiative in the episode "[Free Hat](http://southpark.wikia.com/wiki/Free_Hat)" might've been their most noble endeavor.
28star-wars-admiral-ackbar-singing-bass
ThinkGeek's Admiral Ackbar Singing Bass Commercial -------------------------------------------------- Every *Star Wars*-themed man cave needs an [Admiral Ackbar Singing Bass](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/04/admiral-ackbar-singing-bass/), including Darth Vader's. Obvi.
29that-70s-show-a-new-hope
*That 70's Show'*s 'A New Hope' Episode ---------------------------------------- When the whole point of your show is that it's about kids in the late 1970s, a *Star Wars* episode is pretty much obligatory. *That 70's Show* did it right.
30the-people-vs-george-lucas
*The People vs. George Lucas* ----------------------------- A documentary about the dysfunctional relationship between George Lucas and his fans, *[The People vs. George Lucas](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/02/people-vs-george-lucas/)* finally put together in 2010 what so many people had been saying on the internet for a very long time. Bonus: The film is [loaded with fan-made *Star Wars* tributes](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/03/sxsw-people-vs-george-lucas/).
31the-sith-who-stole-christmas
'The Sith Who Stole Christmas' ------------------------------ Combining two time-honored holiday traditions – [*How the Grinch Stole Christmas!*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060345/) and watching at least one part of the *Star Wars* saga – this clip is just the thing to get geeks in the holiday spirit.
32the-star-wars-zone
'The Star Wars Zone' -------------------- What would happen if *Star Wars* were just a *Twilight Zone* episode? Click Play to find out.
33the-vader-project
The Vader Project ----------------- A hundred different artists' [mutant visions of Darth Vader's helmet](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/07/vader-project)? Yes please.
34the-venture-bros-dean-as-slave-leia
*The Venture Bros.* — Dean as Slave Leia ---------------------------------------- Animated show [*The Venture Bros.*](http://www.adultswim.com/shows/the-venture-bros/index.html) has worked more than a few Empire-riffic references into the mix, but seeing Dean in Slave Leia drag was a sight gag to behold.
Image © Answers in Genesis35volkswagens-super-bowl-ad
Volkswagen's 'The Force' Super Bowl Ad -------------------------------------- Volkswagen's charming Super Bowl commercial featuring a kid dressed as the Dark Lord of the Sith [went viral in a big way](http://adage.com/article/digital/vw-force-wins-online-battle-super-bowl-ads/148818/) in 2011. Advertising slots in the big game cost millions, but the 'lil Vader spot was worth every penny.
