Annlyel James 
Annlyel explores the finer moments of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace to select her top five moments from George Lucas’ force fuelled prequel
What is it about a Star Wars movie that makes you want to watch it over and over and over again to the point of knowing each film backwards and forwards? That is a hard question to answer because there are so many contributing factors to this franchise’s appeal. Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm there were only six films to enjoy but now we have ten movies to analyze and enthrall ourselves in. Thanks, Disney!
Each film is enjoyable for its multiple reasons but there are always those particular scenes that continue to make these films so fantastic with every viewing. So, here are my five favorite scenes in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
5. Goodbye Trade Federation
Space battles are some of the coolest sequences in Star Wars movies and The Phantom Menace is no exception. Anakin Skywalker may be a child but his heroism is blatant as he flies through the battlefield dodging pursuers and managing to survive. As he accidentally destroys the Trade Federation ship a smile comes to my face every time. Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s a simple fact that the good guys won. Or maybe it’s both of these elements combined. Whatever the case, it’s clearly one of my favorite moments in the film.
4. A Grand Celebration
Like A New Hope, The Phantom Menace ends in a celebratory fashion and it makes me happy every time I watch it. I mean, I’m literally getting chills just thinking about it. The music coupled with the sheer elation provided by the scene is a truly outstanding experience and the perfect way to end the movie.
3. A Queen’s Defiance
Padme Amidala didn’t become a queen at such a young age because she was soft and easily manipulated. She was a fierce leader who understood her planet’s rights and wasn’t afraid to fight those with wrong intentions.
The scene featuring her telling Palpatine that she was returning to Naboo is one of my favorite moments in the film for a couple of reasons. One; her outfit at that part is utterly breathtaking. Two; who doesn’t love seeing a strong woman taking charge? Palpatine wanted her to stay on Coruscant while the Trade Federation took over her homeworld but she wasn’t having it and I absolutely love everything about that scene. As she says to Palpatine, “It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. I pray you bring compassion back to the Senate.” And then she leaves. Such a boss! *thumbs up*
2. The Boonta Eve Classic Pod Race
One of the truly exciting things about the prequels was creativity. George Lucas continued to create things we had never seen before, like the concept of the pod races. This could’ve easily been a terribly boring section of the movie but thanks to great pacing and storytelling it’s riveting every time I watch it. It’s also a fantastic way of highlighting Anakin’s incredible ability at piloting. To only be nine-years-old and that incredible explains why he would become one of the most legendary Force-wielders in the galaxy.
1. The Duel of the Fates
Is this really a surprise? Lightsaber duels are part of the reason why I’m a Star Wars fan and this is clearly one of the best duels in the entire franchise.
So, these are my five favorite scenes in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Next time, I’ll display the five scenes that make Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones enjoyable. 🙂
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Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
