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The Phantom

The Phantom

Slam evil!

1996100 minPGMidcredits score: 18th percentile of all films
Director
Simon Wincer
Starring
Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones

The 21st successor to the role of Bengalla's resident superhero must travel to New York to prevent a rich madman from obtaining three magic skulls that would give him the secret to ultimate power.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Phantom?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Phantom to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Phantom?

The Phantom earns 6 badges, led by Overhyped and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Phantom worth watching?

The Phantom's Midcredits score is the 18th percentile of all films, from 63K ratings across 6 sources. 25% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

18th percentile

Better received than 18% of films

29th percentile among Action19th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)24th
Approval (how many liked it)15th

53 /100

24th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Action25th percentile among 1990s

Critics 53 · Audience 53

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

25% liked it

15th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Action16th percentile among 1990s
25% rated it 7–1075% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 32%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 0 noms overall

92nd percentile

63K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Action89th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 21% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$45M
Opening weekend$5.1M
Domestic gross$17M
Worldwide gross$17M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 66th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a campy, old-fashioned comic-book adventure with glossy visuals and a light, non-serious tone.

Fans praised

  • captures the comic's throwback Saturday-matinee spirit
  • Billy Zane matches creator Lee Falk's vision for the Phantom
  • lavish art direction, sets, and production design

Detractors panned

  • naive, childish plot
  • cheap-looking soundstage interiors
  • feels derivative of Batman and Indiana Jones without the fun

What stands out

Cinematography75

glossy art direction and picturesque locations

Atmosphere75

evokes the comic's throwback world

Effects and spectacle65

terrific action stunts and set pieces

ActingDivisive55

Billy Zane fits the role, but supporting performances are uneven

CharactersDivisive50

faithful to the comic hero, but villains are cartoonish

Plot and story40

simple and predictable, with too many storylines

Dialogue40

stiff and needing work, though occasionally witty

Originality35

derivative mix of Batman and Indiana Jones

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Phantom like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingHopeful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film embraces its comic-strip origins with a playful, self-aware tone that never undercuts the heroics.
The rideA steady adventure pulse with light humour, building to a volcano-set climax; never truly heavy or dark.
StructureThe story follows a linear beginning-middle-end structure, from origin flashback through to the final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you grinning with its old-fashioned, swashbuckling spirit.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe Phantom must prevent Xander Drax from uniting three ancient skulls that grant immense power, a classic mission-driven quest.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsLegacy · 4% of filmsCorruption · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centres on a centuries-old lineage of masked heroes fighting injustice, contrasting a villain's quest for absolute control with the Phantom's duty to protect the innocent.
StanceThe film wholly endorses the Phantom's crusade against injustice; evil is cartoonishly corrupt and the hero's tradition is depicted as noble and necessary.

The world

Early 20th centuryWildernessUrbanStylized realism
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · David Newman
Setting1938 — a fictional jungle island (Bengalla) and New York City
MusicAn energetic, brass-heavy adventure score reminiscent of golden-age Hollywood serials.

Content guide

Is The Phantom okay for kids?

PG

The Phantom is rated PG: “Rated PG for action/adventure violence and some mild language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (56/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • South Korea15
  • BrazilL
  • FinlandK-12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 27%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (34 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Phantom have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Phantom?

Cast

Billy Zane
as The Phantom
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kristy Swanson
as Diana Palmer
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Treat Williams
as Xander Drax
Catherine Zeta-Jones
as Sala
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
James Remar
as Quill
Jon Tenney
as Jimmy Wells
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
as The Great Kabai Sengh
Patrick McGoohan
as Phantom's Dad
Bill Smitrovich
as Uncle Dave Palmer
Casey Siemaszko
as Morgan

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Phantom?

Movies like The Phantom include Operation Dumbo Drop (1995), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and Lethal Weapon 3 (1992). Of the 9 closest matches, two are films by Simon Wincer, and most are hero-versus-nemesis stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

3 of these 9 share its world: superhero. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Phantom?

605 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: superhero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.