The Phantom

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The Phantom

PG

1996

1h 40m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

43%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

31%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

A purple-costumed superhero (Billy Zane) tries to thwart a master criminal's (Treat Williams) acquisition of mystical skulls with legendary powers.

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Critics Consensus

The script gives Billy Zane little to work with, and thus he plays The Phantom as a friendly but completely one-dimensional hero.

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

As the Phantom, Billy Zane, buff to the max, has a likable insouciance, but there's not much he can do to flesh out this relic.

Rated: C

Jul 7, 2010

Full Review

Godfrey Cheshire

Variety

While it hardly stands to vanquish the celluloid incarnations of Superman and Batman, this version of an older cartoon crusader's exploits does have a pleasingly astute sense of its place in the great scheme of things pulp.

Mar 26, 2009

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Trevor Johnston

Time Out

This belated, albeit decorative adaptation looks tamely second-hand.

Jun 24, 2006

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Alan Jones

Radio Times

A glamorous cocktail of lost kingdoms, supernatural excitement and flashy special effects, Wincer's gently self-mocking tone makes this pulp-fiction treasure a slice of exotic escapism.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 2, 2024

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a plush film, even if the tone, central performance and script all badly need revisions…

Rated: 3/5

Jul 3, 2022

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

No one seems to be taking any of it seriously, especially as the dialogue reflects dumbed-down conversations and repetition for viewers who may not be paying attention.

Rated: 2/10

Sep 24, 2020

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Shae M

Been reading the comics on and off for year. This was better than people branded it. 1940s the Ghost who walks Horses, car chasers and ancient Skulls. A classic

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/27/25

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Sebastian L

There's something about The Phantom that is deeply unsatisfying. Characters are lazily introduced, important elements are poorly established and key moments flash by. Zane is fine but has a tendency to rush his lines. At times it feels like Wincer forgot to direct his actors and to shoot half of the shots for every scene. You're never invested because there's almost no depth anywhere.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/09/25

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Oaklee D

A campy and hammy fun time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $17,300,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/28/25

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Sarah G

Campy fun, if not much else. They really committed to that Phantom costume.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

Full Review

Toni A

The Phantom: A Nostalgic Reflection -- Growing up, The Phantom was more than just a cartoon hero; he was a symbol of adventure and mystery that captivated my young imagination. The character’s unique blend of bravery and intrigue made him a standout figure in the world of animated heroes. It’s a shame that Hollywood never revisited this iconic character in subsequent films. The potential for a modern adaptation, with today’s advanced cinematic technology, could have brought The Phantom’s thrilling escapades to life in a way that would resonate with both nostalgic fans and new audiences alike.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

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Simon Wincer

Director

Billy Zane

The Phantom

Kristy Swanson

Diana Palmer

Treat Williams

Xander Drax

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Sala

James Remar

Quill

The Phantom: Official Clip - The Fourth Skull

2:11

The Phantom: Official Clip - Take Off Your Mask

2:13

The Phantom: Official Clip - The Brotherhood

2:11

The Phantom: Official Clip - Opportunity In Chaos

2:12

The Phantom: Official Clip - Show Me The Power

2:00

The Phantom: Official Clip - Find Them, Stop Them

1:45

The Phantom: Official Clip - The Microscope

1:48

The Phantom: Official Clip - The Skull

2:03

The Phantom: Official Clip - Good Samaritan

1:50

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Synopsis

A purple-costumed superhero (Billy Zane) tries to thwart a master criminal's (Treat Williams) acquisition of mystical skulls with legendary powers.

Director: Simon Wincer
Producer: Robert Evans, Alan Ladd Jr.
Screenwriter: Jeffrey Boam
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, The Ladd Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 7, 1996, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.3M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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