Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
The prequel saga begins as a young Anakin Skywalker's destiny unfolds and the Sith emerge from the shadows.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Movie Information
- Original Title: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: George Lucas
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 19, 1999 (Canada - PG), May 19, 1999 (United States - PG), June 8, 1999 (United Kingdom - PG), August 19, 1999 (Germany - 6), October 13, 1999 (France - 12), June 10, 1999 (New Zealand - PG), July 16, 1999 (Australia - PG), June 24, 1999 (Brazil - L), July 1, 1999 (Mexico - A), September 17, 1999 (Italy), August 20, 1999 (Spain - A), June 26, 1999 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: 스타워즈 에피소드1 보이지 않는 위험 (KR), Star Wars: Episode I (US), Star Wars: Episodio I - La amenaza fantasma (ES), Tähtien sota - episodi I: Pimeä uhka (FI), La menace fantôme (FR), Den usynlige fjende (DK), 星球大戰前傳：魅影危機 (HK), Bajlós Árnyak (HU)
- Production Companies: Lucasfilm Ltd.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Plot
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where the saga truly begins:
Every saga has a beginning.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Lucas
Main Cast
- Liam Neeson
- Ewan McGregor
- Natalie Portman
- Jake Lloyd
- Ian McDiarmid
- Pernilla August
- Oliver Ford Davies
- Hugh Quarshie
- Ahmed Best
- Anthony Daniels
Writers
- George Lucas
Producers
- Rick McCallum
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - FAQs
Is The Phantom Menace the first Star Wars film?
Chronologically within the saga, yes — The Phantom Menace is Episode I and the earliest chapter in the story. However, it was the fourth Star Wars film released in theaters, arriving in 1999, more than two decades after the original 1977 film that launched the franchise.
Who plays Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace?
Young Anakin Skywalker is played by Jake Lloyd. At the time of filming, Lloyd was just nine years old, portraying the Force-gifted slave boy from Tatooine who would eventually become one of cinema's most iconic villains, Darth Vader.
Where can you stream The Phantom Menace?
You can stream The Phantom Menace on Disney Plus. It's also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — so there are plenty of ways to revisit a galaxy far, far away.
Who is Jar Jar Binks and why is he controversial?
Jar Jar Binks, voiced by Ahmed Best, is a clumsy Gungan alien intended as comic relief. He became one of the most divisive characters in Star Wars history — audiences and critics widely criticized him as annoying and tonally out of place, making him a lasting symbol of the prequel era's polarizing reception.
What is the Phantom Menace about?
The film follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala of Naboo from a Trade Federation blockade. Along the way they discover Anakin Skywalker, a gifted young boy believed to be the prophesied Chosen One — all while the Sith secretly return from the shadows.
What is the age rating for The Phantom Menace?
The Phantom Menace is rated PG in the United States, making it one of the more family-friendly entries in the Star Wars saga. It contains sci-fi action, fantasy violence, and some mild peril, but nothing that would put it out of reach for younger viewers watching with family.
Who composed the music for The Phantom Menace?
The score was composed by the legendary John Williams, who had written the music for the original trilogy. His work here introduced the iconic "Duel of the Fates," a thunderous choral piece that became one of the most celebrated compositions in the entire Star Wars musical canon.
How much did The Phantom Menace earn at the box office?
Despite its mixed critical reception, The Phantom Menace was a massive commercial success, earning over $924 million worldwide against a production budget of $115 million. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1999 and proved that Star Wars remained a dominant force in global cinema.
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