Before Luke, before the Death Star, before the Rebellion—there was The Phantom Menace. Released in 1999, this first installment in the Star Wars timeline is a stunning, richly imagined origin story that sets the stage for the epic journey of the Skywalker Saga. Directed by George Lucas himself—his first time returning to the director’s chair since the original Star Wars in 1977—this film launched a new generation into hyperspace.
With a cast led by Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (young Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), and Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), the movie introduces us to a galaxy teetering on the brink of political chaos. We’re taken from the glowing underwater cities of Naboo to the harsh deserts of Tatooine and into the grand halls of the Galactic Senate on Coruscant.
This isn’t just a space opera—it’s an artfully designed myth, infused with philosophy, stunning action, and a musical score that will linger in your head for days. Duel of the Fates, anyone?
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace – Official Trailer
Why You Should Watch The Phantom Menace
If you’re looking for cinematic scale, timeless themes, and a story with lasting impact—this film delivers.
The Phantom Menace isn’t just about Jedi and spaceships. It’s about choices. Power. Legacy. It’s about how the smallest ripples (like finding a young slave boy with hidden power) can cause seismic changes in the fate of galaxies. You’ll witness the beauty of practical sets blended with CGI innovations that still hold up today. It’s a masterclass in world-building, from the intricate costume design to the elegant lightsaber choreography that redefined what “Jedi combat” should look like.
This is also the film that introduces one of the most visually iconic villains in modern cinema: Darth Maul. Without giving anything away, his presence alone is enough to hook you—and the duel he stars in? Unforgettable.
And let’s not forget the cultural magnitude of this film. It was the first Star Wars in 16 years. The hype was astronomical. Fans camped outside theaters for weeks just for tickets. This was an event, a phenomenon—and now, you can experience it with fresh eyes and none of the wait.
Relevant Questions Answered
Is this where I should start watching Star Wars?
Absolutely. The Phantom Menace is the beginning of the story, set decades before Luke Skywalker ever picks up a lightsaber. It’s the perfect launchpad for new viewers.
Is Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace worth watching?
Yes, it is definitely worth watching. Even though it has it’s ups and downs it is meant as the official start of the Star Wars story and should definitely not be missed.
Do I need to know anything about Star Wars beforehand?
Not at all. Everything is introduced organically. You’ll quickly pick up on Jedi, the Force, the politics, and the deeper mysteries that unfold later.
Will I enjoy this if I’m not a sci-fi fan?
Yes! This movie blends sci-fi with fantasy, political drama, martial arts, and a dash of spiritual mysticism. If you enjoy compelling characters and grand adventures, you’ll feel right at home.
What’s so special about the soundtrack?
Composed by the legendary John Williams, the score features iconic themes like “Duel of the Fates,” which elevates every scene it touches. It’s musical storytelling at its finest.
Is the CGI outdated?
Not in the slightest. It was revolutionary at the time and still holds up remarkably well. In fact, many modern blockbusters owe their visual language to what Lucas pioneered here.
Watch Order: Star Wars Movie Timeline (Chronological)
If you want to watch the saga unfold in its story-driven order:
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Watch Order with Animated Series & Shows
If you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in every corner of the galaxy—from live-action to animation—this is the ultimate journey:
Release Order
- Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) – 1977
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V) – 1980
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) – 1983
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) – 1999
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II) – 2002
- Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) – 2005
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie) – 2008
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series) – 2008
- Star Wars Rebels – 2014
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) – 2015
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – 2016
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) – 2017
- Solo: A Star Wars Story – 2018
- Star Wars Resistance – 2018
- The Mandalorian – 2019
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) – 2019
- The Book of Boba Fett – 2021
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch – 2021
- Obi-Wan Kenobi – 2022
- Andor – 2022
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi – 2022
- Ahsoka – 2023
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire – 2024
- The Acolyte – 2024
- Skeleton Crew – 2024
- Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – 2025
Chronological Order
- The Acolyte – 2024
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – 1999
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – 2002
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie) – 2008
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series) – 2008
- Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi – 2022 *
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – 2005
- Star Wars: Tales of the Empire – 2024 *
- Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – 2025 *
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch – 2021
- Solo: A Star Wars Story – 2018
- Obi-Wan Kenobi – 2022
- Andor – 2022 **
- Star Wars Rebels – 2014 **
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – 2016
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – 1977
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back – 1980
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi – 1983
- The Mandalorian – 2019
- The Book of Boba Fett – 2021
- Ahsoka – 2023
- Skeleton Crew – 2024
- Star Wars Resistance – 2018 ***
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – 2015
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi – 2017
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker – 2019
* Anthology series like Tales of the Jedi, Empire, and Underworld span different time periods.
** Andor and Rebels run concurrently and lead into Rogue One.
*** Resistance begins before The Force Awakens and continues beyond it.
Episode I – The Phantom Menace, along with the context behind each one:
Common Criticisms of The Phantom Menace (Spoiler Alert)
1. Jar Jar Binks and Comic Relief Backlash
Criticism:
Jar Jar Binks was widely panned by fans and critics for being overly childish, clumsy, and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film. Many viewers found his humor grating, unnecessary, and even accused the character of embodying racial stereotypes.
Context:
George Lucas originally intended Jar Jar to be comic relief for younger audiences, akin to a CGI slapstick sidekick. While children generally responded well to the character, older fans found him distracting, and the backlash became so intense that actor Ahmed Best faced serious personal consequences, including contemplating suicide. Over the years, however, some fans have come to appreciate Jar Jar as part of their nostalgic childhood experience.
2. Overemphasis on Political Dialogue and Trade Disputes
Criticism:
Many viewers felt the film spent too much time on Galactic Senate politics, trade routes, and bureaucratic negotiations, which slowed the pacing and felt dry—especially for younger audiences.
Context:
George Lucas wanted to show the subtle fall of democracy and the seeds of the Empire’s rise, which required political complexity. While the intention was admirable, the execution was seen by many as too verbose or confusing.
3. Underdeveloped or Wooden Dialogue
Criticism:
Some of the film’s dialogue, especially in quieter or emotional scenes, was labeled as “stiff,” “awkward,” or “expository.” Critics felt the characters didn’t always sound natural, making it harder to connect with them on a human level.
Context:
Lucas wrote the screenplay himself and prioritized world-building over character nuance in some scenes. While the larger story arc is compelling, individual lines occasionally feel like they serve the plot more than the characters.
4. Anakin Skywalker’s Age and Performance (HUGE SPOILER)
Criticism:
Some fans thought Anakin was too young (9 years old) to be believable as the future Darth Vader. Others felt Jake Lloyd’s performance was uneven and not strong enough to carry such a pivotal role.
Context:
Lucas wanted Anakin to be young to reinforce the tragedy of his later transformation. Jake Lloyd was chosen from over 3,000 child actors, and while he received praise from George Lucas and the production team, his portrayal was divisive. Sadly, the criticism led to intense bullying for Lloyd and personal hardships later in life.
5. Midi-chlorians and “Demystifying the Force”
Criticism:
The introduction of midi-chlorians—microscopic organisms in the bloodstream that influence Force sensitivity—was viewed by many fans as reducing the spiritual mysticism of the Force to a biological trait.
Context:
The Force was originally presented as a spiritual energy accessible to anyone. This new scientific explanation felt unnecessary to some, as it conflicted with the Force’s previously abstract and spiritual nature.
6. Pacing and Tone
Criticism:
The pacing was considered uneven by some: long stretches of political dialogue were interspersed with thrilling action scenes, making it feel disjointed in tone. The pod race and final duel were praised, but others felt the film dragged in between.
Context:
Lucas was experimenting with a more layered narrative structure and setting up a trilogy-long arc. Some fans loved the detailed world-building; others missed the tighter, more adventurous flow of the original trilogy.
7. Overuse of CGI
Criticism:
Though groundbreaking at the time, some viewers felt the film relied too heavily on CGI, leading to a less grounded and more artificial feel. Certain CGI characters and environments didn’t age well visually for some audiences.
Context:
In 1999, The Phantom Menace pushed digital effects to their limit, even using full CGI characters like Jar Jar and digital landscapes. It was revolutionary, but the rapid advancement of VFX technology in later years made some early CGI feel dated.
CONCLUSION
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace isn’t just a movie—it’s the spark that ignites a legacy. Yes, it has its flaws. It sparked plenty of debate, from political pacing to controversial characters. But that’s part of what makes it fascinating. It dared to tell a different kind of Star Wars story—one about beginnings, prophecy, and the slow, hidden unraveling of peace.
This is where it all starts. The mystique of the Jedi, the rise of political manipulation, the discovery of a boy with an uncertain future. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it after years, The Phantom Menace offers rich lore, iconic visuals, and unforgettable moments that still echo throughout the galaxy today.
So grab your popcorn, let the lights dim, and return to a time before the Empire—when destiny had just begun to stir.
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May the Force be with you—always.