Phantom Menace 25th: The 5 Best Performances in The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace has been picked apart for so many things over the years, but for the 25th Anniversary of its release, we'd like to take a look at something positive about the movie.

Here are 5 actors whose performances stood out in The Phantom Menace:

1. Liam Neeson

Qui-Gon Jinn is the wise and preceptive Jedi Master and true believer of the Force who represents who the Jedi once were or could've been. His rejection of the Jedi Council's dogma is refreshing, especially in contrast with Obi-Wan's strict adherence. Neeson has an air of elegance and grace, and his presence brings a sense of calm to scenes. He also towers over all his costars, giving him an instantly commanding screen presence. Liam Neeson's performance is memorable because he portrayed the kindness and compassion of a wise Jedi Knight with flair.

2. Pernilla August

Pernilla August plays the role of Shmi Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker's mother, who's the soul of The Phantom Menace. Shmi is kindness personified, and her desire for her son to have everything he dreams of is moving and relatable. Shmi often gets overlooked by fans, but Shmi is one of the best parents in the Star Wars canon. She loved Anakin, so she let him go and that's the lesson George Lucas has tried to teach us throughout the saga. Kudos to Pernilla August for showing Shmi's strength and vulnerabilities as a mother who says goodbye to her only child in a heart-wrenching scene.

3. Ahmed Best

As a kid, I thought Jar Jar Binks was hilarious. Ahmed Best had the hardest role to perform in The Phantom Menace, and he was outstanding. Jar Jar's funny and often self-deprecating sense of humor made him a highlight for me as a kid. Of course, little did I know how much hate he would receive for it. I'm glad Ahmed Best is treated a lot better nowadays. But for me, he'll always be the silly, clumsy Gungan who added to the lighter moments in the movie.

3. Jake Lloyd

Despite what anyone says, Jake Lloyd was the heart of The Phantom Menace. He plays the part of an innocent, kind, and caring child who has dreams of doing big things. Although Anakin was extremely gifted, he mainly hoped to free his mom and travel the galaxy. Jake did a great job conveying his deepest hopes and wishes through his eyes. For a child, this was a top-tier performance.

5. Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor plays Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, who's impatient but a strict follower of the Jedi Code. He and Qui-Gon don't agree on much, but it's obvious that the two care about each other a lot. After watching Darth Maul striking down his Master, Ewan McGregor delivers a thrilling duel against Darth Maul. The minute he holds a dying Qui-Gon in his arms, Ewan McGregor gives a heartbreaking performance and immediately transforms into the quieter, wiser Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Honorable Mentions

Keira Knightly as Sabe and Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala is truly a special performance. They deserve a lot of appreciation for the task of switching back and forth between playing Queen Amidala and her handmaidens. It was so good that even Knightly's mom could not tell her own daughter and Portman apart once they got into hair and makeup.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is currently the most-watched Star Wars movie on Disney+, so the best way to celebrate this day would be to add to that total!