While the classic Star Wars trilogy has delighted fans for more than four decades, it’s perhaps surprising the most-streamed movie in the series on Disney Plus is actually one of the newer, less celebrated ones
When it comes to the most popular Star Wars film on Disney Plus, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s surely one of the original stellar trilogy.
But while A New Hope, Return of the Jedi and The Empire Strikes Back have delighted fans for more than four decades, it’s perhaps surprising the most-watched movie on the streaming platform is actually one of the newer, less celebrated ones – The Phantom Menace!
Released in cinemas in 1999, the largely disappointing instalment was the first major Star Wars movie since Return of the Jedi in 1983. And despite mixed reviews from audiences and critics, Episode 1 went on to rake in an astonishing near billion pounds and heralded a huge resurgence for the franchise.
The movie obviously had a lot to live up to, and perhaps predictably fell well short – currently standing at 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is markedly poor when compared to the first trilogy’s opener Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope which has a stunning 93%.
Its star-studded ensemble cast includes Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Ray Park, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Set 32 years before the original trilogy, The Phantom Menace introduces a galaxy on the brink of turmoil. The Trade Federation, under the influence of the shadowy Sith Lord Darth Sidious, imposes a blockade on the peaceful planet of Naboo. In response, the Galactic Republic dispatches Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate a resolution.
Upon their arrival, the Jedi are ambushed and forced to escape to Naboo, where they rescue Queen Padmé Amidala. Fleeing to the desert planet of Tatooine, they encounter Anakin Skywalker, a young slave with exceptional Force sensitivity and piloting skills. Believing Anakin may be the one destined to bring balance to the Force, Qui-Gon frees him and takes him to Coruscant for Jedi training.
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As political intrigue ensues in the Senate, orchestrated by the manipulative Senator Palpatine, Queen Amidala returns to Naboo to reclaim her planet from the Trade Federation’s control. With the help of the native Gungan army, the Naboo resistance, and their new allies, they wage a decisive battle against the Federation’s droid army.
The Phantom Menace sets the stage for Anakin’s journey, the rise of Palpatine, and the eventual fall of the Republic, weaving a tale of destiny, power, and the enduring struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force.
Starwarsnewsnet.com described The Phantom Menace as being one of the most polarising instalments of the series due to the dramatic departure in approach it had compared to the three movies that preceded it.
They posted: “One thing that cannot be taken away from it is that this was many a viewer’s first-ever in-theatre Star Wars experience, which has likely endeared it to a crowd of a certain age – and fans of the prequel trilogy have largely helped change the atmosphere around the discussion of the film, despite less-than-stellar critical reviews”.
Disney snapped up Lucasfilm and Star Wars in 2012 before launching the Disney Plus streaming platform in 2019, with Star Wars one of its flagship franchises.
*The Phantom Menace is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and was re-released in cinemas this year to celebrate.