Which 1977 film introduced the character Darth Vader?

The 1977 film that introduced the character Darth Vader is Star Wars.

Released in May 1977, Star Wars introduced audiences to Vader as the imposing black-armored enforcer of the Galactic Empire. The film was written and directed by George Lucas and was later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope as part of the larger Star Wars saga.

Vader is presented as a Sith Lord serving Emperor Palpatine and pursuing the Rebel Alliance. A common mix-up is confusing the original film with The Empire Strikes Back, released in 1980, which deepened Vader’s backstory and revealed a major connection to Luke Skywalker. Return of the Jedi followed in 1983 and completed the original trilogy.