The Phantom
Performance & Direction: The Phantom Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Phantom (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Phantom features a noteworthy lineup led by Billy Zane . Supported by the likes of Kristy Swanson and Treat Williams , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Phantom
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, The Phantom is a Adventure, Action film directed by Simon Wincer. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Billy Zane.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Phantom
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Simon Wincer, The Phantom attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Billy Zane, 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 adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Phantom reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Phantom?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Phantom
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $45.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $17.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Phantom Budget
The estimated production budget for The Phantom is $45.0M. 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.
Top Cast: The Phantom
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Where to Watch The Phantom Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe Phantom Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about The Phantom age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Phantom is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Phantom is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Phantom worth watching?
The Phantom is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Phantom parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Phantom identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Phantom?
The total duration of The Phantom is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Phantom
Campy fun of a time. Seen this a few times over the years and while he does look goofy in the purple outfit, Billy Zane is good in the role and a shame this didn't get a follow-up. A bit surprising there hasn't been some sort of series adaptation of the material. **3.25/5**
There was a time when Hollywood had high hopes for Billy Zane, bit sadly his participation in mediocre stuff like this never really helped his career much. He portrays the eponymous character (adequately, but no better) who must travel to New York on the trail of the evil "Drax" (Treat Williams) who wants obtain and combine three ancient skulls and obtain the ultimate power in the universe. Yes, so far we have about six different films all roled into one and this doesn't really do justice to any of them. Catherine Zeta-Jones does her best, but she was never a great actress anyway and given there is only the bare bones of a part for her to deliver, she looks faintly ridiculous most of the time. There is a tiny bit of redemption in the form of "Diana" (Kristy Swanson) who is our hero's pretty disgruntled but feisty and capable ex-girlfriend, and the quality of the production is, and looks, good. Zane, though, just can't carry it in his purple lycra, and the twist at the end all just came far too late to enliven this listless comic book adventure. It might have looked better in monochrome?
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.
