Phenomenon

  • 1996
  • PG
  • 123m
movieMx RATING
6.5/101.3K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Phenomenon Review

Last updated: February 14, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 14, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Phenomenon (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Phenomenon features a noteworthy lineup led by John Travolta . Supported by the likes of Kyra Sedgwick and Forest Whitaker , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Phenomenon (1996) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Phenomenon stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Phenomenon

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, Phenomenon is a Drama, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy film directed by Jon Turteltaub. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Travolta.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. An ordinary man sees a bright light descend from the sky, and discovers he now has super-intelligence and telekinesis. The screenplay takes time to develop John Travolta's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. John Travolta's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Ending Explained: Phenomenon

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jon Turteltaub, Phenomenon concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving John Travolta, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Phenomenon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Phenomenon?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of John Travolta or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Phenomenon

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $32.0M
Worldwide Gross $152.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Phenomenon Budget

The estimated production budget for Phenomenon is $32.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Phenomenon

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Where to Watch Phenomenon Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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Phenomenon Parents Guide & Age Rating

1996 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Phenomenon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Phenomenon is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Phenomenon is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Phenomenon is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Phenomenon. Rating: 6.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenomenon worth watching?

Phenomenon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Phenomenon parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Phenomenon identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Phenomenon?

The total duration of Phenomenon is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.

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How Phenomenon Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Phenomenon

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
Phenomenon
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/phenomenon-9294" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Phenomenon</div></div></a>

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