The first canonical entry in theSkywalker Sagatimeline is making waves at the box office more than 20 years after its initial release. In honor of the film’s 25th anniversary, which also coincides with May the 4th,Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacere-released in theaters and opened to an impressive $2.3 million domestically. This is quite a haul, especially when juxtaposed to theSpider-Manfilms, which are in the midst of a re-release celebrating Columbia Pictures' 100th anniversary. Each ofSam Raimi’sSpider-Manmoviesfailed to earn even half of thePhantom Menacenumbers during their domestic box office opening days with films 1-3 totaling $681 thousand, $805 thousand, and $760 thousand respectively.
As far as total box office numbers for theStar Warsfranchise,The Phantom Menacelands roughly in the middle, having grossed $431 million domestically and $493 million in foreign markets for a total of $924 million. This is not the first re-release for the film either — it returned to theaters for roughly three months in February 2012 for an official 3D release, and earned an impressive $43 million in the U.S. and $59 million internationally for a total of just over $100 million. The 2024 re-release ranks among the highest opening days ever, standing with the likes ofAvatar,Jaws, andGrease.
What Are the Highest Grossing Movie Re-Releases of All-Time?
Box office re-releases can be hit or miss, but there have been some films over the years that found more success in later theatrical runs. A classic example of this isTheWizard of Oz, which first released in 1939 and failed to make a profit. It wasn’t until the film began airing on television years later that it became a cult classic, and upon re-releasing in theaters in 2019, brought in more than $2 million domestically during its opening weekend.The Godfatheralso flourished in a 2022 theatrical run, earning more than $4.2 million worldwide, including $427 thousand domestic opening day, compared to $2.3 million forThe Phantom Menace.
Other re-releases which have found success over the years includeJames Cameron’sTitanicreturning to theaters in 2012 in 3D, grossing $350 million worldwide from April to June, including an opening day total of $4.3 million and an opening weekend high of more than $19 million. Another Cameron special,Avatar, which is currently the highest grossing movie of all time, returned to theaters ahead of the 2022 sequel and raked in $76 million worldwide in under a month with a domestic opening weekend of more than $10 million. Other re-releases worth mentioning areGrease(1998),Spider-Man: No Way Home(2022), andSteven Spielberg’sJaws(2022), which earned $12.7 million, $6.5 million, and $3.3 million during their opening weekends at the domestic box office.
How Anticipated Was ‘The Phantom Menace’?
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary ofStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, it’s important to reflect on the tremendous anticipation that surrounded its release in 1999. Serving as the first installment in a new prequel trilogy, the film marked the return to theStar Warsuniverse after a 16-year hiatus sinceReturn of the Jedi. Fans were incredibly eager to dive headfirst intothe origins of pivotal characters like Anakin Skywalker, who would later become Darth Vader, and witness the events that led to the rise of the Empire.
The film was also at the forefront of technological innovation in cinema, showcasing groundbreaking CGI and special effects that were touted to redefine filmmaking. A massive marketing campaign amplified this excitement, featuring extensive merchandising and partnerships with major brands kept interest high, and it was rewardedwith a huge return at the box office, provingStar Warsremained a worldwide brand.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary,Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menaceis back in theaters for a limited time only.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.
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