Neatorama linked to a fantastic article on Cineleet, which lists, with examples, the biggest cinematic influences on the Star Wars films.   Films about World War II were also clear influences on the Star Wars saga (the dogfight scene from “Episode IV: A New Hope“ was based upon a visualization created by Lucas taken from countless WWII films; and the historical tale of the Nazis was a huge influence on the development of The Empire). Visually, The Guns of Navarone, a classic in its own right, was a big inspiration on how the Death Star’s functionality was portrayed on-screen. The scenes in which the engineers and gunners prepare to trigger the primary weapon(s) in both films is very close; in fact it is more or less identical.
 Plot-wise, the heroes’ attempts at attempting to destroy the formidable weapons are also mirrored in both Episodes IV and VI. While the journey to the end-goal differs between the two films, it is the idea of unlikely heroes accomplishing the impossible that Lucas was clearly fascinated with.
 Compare the scene below to the scene in Episode IV where the Death Star is about to fire upon the rebel base on the moon of Yavin.

[flash]http://www.youtube.com/v/Zvcy-U3qOXk width=425 height=355[/flash]



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There is a reference to The Day The Earth Stood Still in the final Star Wars film. It could also be a reference to Evil Dead, which came out a few years prior. The words, "Klaatu barada nikto" are spoken before Jabba the Hutt is killed by Leia. In both films, it is the words necessary to stop and kill whatever evil presence is threatening them.

Quote from: Beetle;1316629There is a reference to The Day The Earth Stood Still in the final Star Wars film. It could also be a reference to Evil Dead, which came out a few years prior. The words, "Klaatu barada nikto" are spoken before Jabba the Hutt is killed by Leia. In both films, it is the words necessary to stop and kill whatever evil presence is threatening them.

I heard there are also three minor characters in the cantina in star wars called klaatu, barada and nikto. I know for sure about Klaatu... I had the action figure

I knew the movie had references as for example the clone troopers were formed in squares like Hitler did, I knew others but I am absent minded atm.

Even since someone pointed out to me that Star Wars is basically a western combined with a samurai movie launched into outer space, I haven't seen it the same way.  Because its true.