The Phantom

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The Phantom

PG

Released Jun 7, 1996

1h 40m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

43%

Tomatometer

47 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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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

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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

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Dallas C

Loved the movie as a child. Watching now with my kids, still enjoy it. Someone should remake it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/23/24

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Jim222001 W

An under-rated little superhero film. For people who enjoyed films like the Shadow. The under-rated Billy Zane does a fine job and even pulls off that all purple outfit. You also have the late Treat Williams having fun hamming it up as the villain. The Phantom isn't the best movie you'll see. I did always find it to be fun though.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

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Lance U

Idc what anyone says about it, I absolutely love ‘The Phantom'! It's a fantastic adventure/superhero movie, released at a time (1996) before there were more than a handful of superhero movies, and a only a couple of these were worth a damn. Simon Wincer's direction is solid, the script written by Jeffery Boam (who also wrote the screenplay for ‘Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade', among many others!) is sound, the action sequences are rousing, the scenery is beautiful (in both the jungle & 1930's New York City)! Billy Zane is perfectly cast as our protagonist Kit Walker/The Phantom, and Kristy Swanson & Catherine Zeta-Jones (her 1st film appearance!) make vivid impressions, as well! Highly recommended! B+

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/23

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Maxiquick F

I watch the phantom 1996 since 5 years ago, and it was alright, And i like the other parts besides the truck chase by quills and kidnaps the boy.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/23

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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