--- title: "Star Trek: First Contact" year: 1996 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact" fi1m_id: "star-trek-first-contact" imdb_id: "tt0117731" tmdb_id: 199 wikidata_id: "Q221236" fi1m_score: 82 critics_score: 79 critics_reviews: 6 published: "2026-09-13" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:19.478772+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Star Trek: First Contact (1996) Directed by Jonathan Frakes · 1h 51m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller ## Identity Star Trek: First Contact - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** star-trek-first-contact - **IMDb ID:** tt0117731 - **TMDB ID:** 199 - **Wikidata ID:** Q221236 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117731/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/199, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q221236 **Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 79 from 6 reviews *In a sentence:* The Borg invade the Enterprise and Patrick Stewart takes it personally > Jonathan Frakes makes *Star Trek: First Contact* a tense, warmly played science-fiction adventure with a useful streak of horror. Patrick Stewart gives it weight, though newcomers must tolerate some hurried explanations and a crowded supporting cast. ## Synopsis Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the Enterprise face the Borg in a conflict involving time travel and an invasion of their own ship. Picard’s earlier ordeal with the Borg complicates his response to the threat. Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Lieutenant Commander Data (Brent Spiner) are among the crew drawn into the crisis, alongside Dr. Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell) and Lily Sloane (Alfre Woodard). Alice Krige plays the Borg Queen, giving the enemy a face as the struggle raises questions about humanity, artificial intelligence and individual freedom. ## Review *Star Trek: First Contact* is a gripping science-fiction adventure that knows how to make an invasion unpleasant. Jonathan Frakes directs and plays Riker, and his strongest decision is to give the Borg room to frighten us. The hopefulness associated with [*Star Trek*](https://film.one/film/star-trek) survives, but it has something properly ugly to contend with here. Patrick Stewart makes the danger matter even when the time-travel complications threaten to occupy more attention than they deserve. Stewart’s Picard comes to the conflict with lingering trauma, and the performance makes that history feel like a present difficulty. His authority remains persuasive even when his judgement becomes harder to accept. We were unsettled by the Borg’s intrusion into the Enterprise: their zombie-like menace makes the crew’s familiar competence seem suddenly inadequate. The writing is less convincing when it uses Picard’s distress to generate further conflict, and Stewart has to supply some of the understanding that the screenplay rushes past. Matthew F. Leonetti’s photography is particularly effective in the shipboard horror, making the Enterprise feel confined without leaving the action unreadable. Herman F. Zimmerman’s production design helps us accept it as a working ship worth caring about, rather than just a supply of places for people to fight. The invasion gains force from that sense of somewhere habitable becoming unsafe. The resemblance to [*Alien*](https://film.one/film/alien) is clear in the shipboard infiltration scenes, though the wider adventure has more room for humour. Brent Spiner gives Data enough curiosity and comic precision to keep the questions about artificial intelligence from becoming a lecture. Alfre Woodard, as Lily Sloane, brings welcome directness to a film crowded with established characters. Alice Krige gives the Borg Queen a disquieting presence and avoids making the part merely pompous. There is wit in these performances, which is welcome when the plot has so much to explain. Editors Anastasia Emmons and John W. Wheeler keep the switches between menace, action and comedy from feeling like interruptions. There is enough pace to carry us over the plot’s complications, though the time-travel explanations can ask for more attention than they repay. Jerry Goldsmith’s music gives the adventure warmth as well as urgency, helping the hopeful passages feel earned alongside the horror. His contribution matters because a uniformly grim version of this story would soon become wearing. Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore’s screenplay is less generous to the wider crew. Too often an established name has to stand in for a character, with the film assuming that affection has arrived before the scene begins. That is comfortable enough for regular viewers, but newcomers have less reason to care about everyone sharing the danger. The comedy helps, and Frakes rarely lets the business of acknowledging familiar faces hold up the adventure for long. Give it the 111 minutes, especially if science fiction that strays towards horror is your sort of evening. We recommend it warmly, with some patience for the franchise shorthand. Newcomers need not do homework, but they should be prepared to let a few familiar names pass without recognition. *Fi1m score 82, published 13 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics welcome Star Trek: First Contact as an energetic science-fiction adventure, with praise clustering around Jonathan Frakes’ direction, the special effects and the Borg’s threatening presence. The shipboard infiltration sequences draw approval for their tension and horror elements, while Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner receive repeated praise. Several reviews find that the film gives the series a convincing cinema scale without losing its humour, intimacy or interest in humanity and artificial intelligence. The reservations concern accessibility, characterisation and the mechanics of the plot. Empire finds enough memorable sequences to satisfy fans but sees thin characterisation and an extended television episode; The New York Times is more dismissive, finding the story convoluted and the imagery familiar. The AV Club’s otherwise favourable assessment questions the Borg Queen and Picard’s lingering trauma. The spread is broadly positive, though critics differ over how successfully the film moves beyond television and how much it offers newcomers. ## Straight answers **Is Star Trek: First Contact worth watching?** *Star Trek: First Contact* is worth watching, and we scored it 82. Jonathan Frakes directs a tense science-fiction adventure with a useful streak of horror, and Patrick Stewart gives the Borg threat real weight. Newcomers should be ready for some hurried explanations and a crowded supporting cast who are assumed to be old friends. **How long is Star Trek: First Contact, and what is it rated?** *Star Trek: First Contact* runs 1h 51m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a science fiction and action film. **Where can I watch Star Trek: First Contact in the US?** *Star Trek: First Contact* is streaming on Paramount+, Hulu, The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Star Trek: First Contact, and is it suitable for children?** *Star Trek: First Contact* carries a UK 12 certificate, and the Borg's zombie-like invasion of the Enterprise is unsettling rather than merely exciting. The shipboard infiltration scenes lean towards horror, so younger or more squeamish children may find them frightening. Teenagers and adults who can take a menacing enemy should be comfortable. **How does Star Trek: First Contact compare to Star Trek: Generations?** *Star Trek: First Contact* is the better film, and the more urgent one. [*Star Trek: Generations*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-generations) has a good villain and a fine opening but never settles on whether it is a thriller or a party for the fans. *First Contact* commits to its horror-tinged invasion story, gives Patrick Stewart more to carry and moves with a pace its predecessor lacks. **Do you need to have seen the other Star Trek films before Star Trek: First Contact?** *Star Trek: First Contact* can be watched without seeing the other films in the series, and the story stands alone well enough for a newcomer. The screenplay does assume affection for the established crew, so a few familiar faces will pass without introduction. Picard's earlier ordeal with the Borg is explained, if hurriedly, within the film itself. **What should I watch after Star Trek: First Contact?** After *Star Trek: First Contact*, try [*Alien*](https://film.one/film/alien) (1979, Fi1m 92): For more shipboard dread, with considerably less confidence in the future. Then [*Solaris*](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972) (1972, Fi1m 87): Another space mission troubled by memories, given far more time to hurt; and [*Ghost in the Shell*](https://film.one/film/ghost-in-the-shell) (1995, Fi1m 83): Questions about bodies, machines and personhood, pursued with a colder eye. **What order should I watch the Star Trek films in?** Release order is the safe choice for Star Trek, and it is the order [our collection page](https://film.one/collections/star-trek) lists them in. *Star Trek: First Contact* is number 8 of the 13 Star Trek titles on Fi1m; before it comes [*Star Trek: Generations*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-generations) and after it [*Star Trek: Insurrection*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-insurrection). [The full order.](https://film.one/collections/star-trek.md) ### Reviews we read (10) - **Total Film** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the film enthralling, inventive and funny, one of the good Trek entries, with enthusiastic direction from Frakes and bigger, better special effects while retaining the feel of the best TV episodes. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/star-trek-first-contact-review/) - **The AV Club**, Zack Handlen (B+): The critic finds it a competent, well-paced sci-fi adventure that feels like a proper movie more than its predecessor, with strong action sequences as the Borg invade the Enterprise. They praise the efficiency of the direction and the zombie-like horror elements but criticize plot holes, the introduction of the Borg Queen, and how it handles Picard's lingering trauma. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/star-trek-first-contact-1798169527) - **The Independent**, Ryan Gilbey (80/100, inferred): The critic finds First Contact the only Star Trek movie to truly earn its place on the big screen, praising its mix of grandeur and intimacy along with a balance of humor and darkness. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/alien-nation-5588839.html) - **Time Out**, DW (80/100, inferred): The critic notes the film's limited appeal to non-fans but highlights its effective shift into darker territory via Borg time travel, with tense ship infiltration scenes evoking Alien and strong work from Brent Spiner as Data and Patrick Stewart as Picard. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/star-trek-first-contact) - **Empire**, Adam Smith (60/100, inferred): The review notes thin characterization and a plot that feels like an extended TV episode but highlights enough classic moments, strong performances from Stewart and Spiner, and effective key sequences to keep fans happy. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/star-trek-first-contact-review/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan: Calls it a page-turner that does everything you'd want a Star Trek film to do, with cheerfulness and style. Singles out the clever plot devices and the menacing Borg villains. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-star-trek-first-contact-review-19961122-snap-story.html) - **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert: Praises it as one of the best Star Trek films, with top technical credits and an ingenious plot involving time travel and the Borg. Singles out the special effects, the Borg Queen, and the handling of ideas about humans, aliens, and artificial intelligence. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/star-trek-first-contact-1996) - **The New York Times**, Janet Maslin: Finds the film derivative and less innocent than earlier entries, with a convoluted plot that will only appeal to hard-core fans. Singles out the lack of visual novelty and familiar, sometimes violent crises. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/22/movies/zap-and-off-to-do-battle-with-aliens.html) - **Variety**: Calls it a smashingly exciting sci-fi adventure that ranks among the very best in the franchise. Singles out Frakes' assured direction, the elaborate special effects, and strong performances especially from Stewart and Woodard. [Read](https://variety.com/1996/film/reviews/star-trek-first-contact-1200447622/) - **Paste**, Kenneth Lowe (85/100, inferred): The critic considers Star Trek: First Contact the most successful TNG film and argues it best captures the franchise's aspirational vision of unity and progress. He singles out the film's exploration of the Borg as the ultimate threat to individual autonomy and the Federation's ideals for particular praise. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/star-trek/star-trek-first-contact-anniversary) ## Details - **Director:** Jonathan Frakes - **Director:** Jonathan Frakes - **Screenplay:** Ronald D. Moore, Brannon Braga - **Story:** Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, Ronald D. Moore - **Cinematography:** Matthew F. Leonetti - **Editor:** Anastasia Emmons, John W. Wheeler - **Music:** Jerry Goldsmith - **Production design:** Herman F. Zimmerman - **Costume design:** Deborah Everton, Robert Blackman - **Producer:** Peter Lauritson, Rick Berman - **Cast:** Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard; Jonathan Frakes as Commander William T. Riker; Brent Spiner as Lieutenant Commander Data; LeVar Burton as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge; Michael Dorn as Lieutenant Commander Worf; Gates McFadden as Commander Beverly Crusher; Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi; James Cromwell as Dr. Zefram Cochrane - **Runtime:** 1h 51m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 22 November 1996 - **Genres:** Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller - **Part of:** [Star Trek](https://film.one/collections/star-trek.md) · 8 of 13 - **Budget:** $46 million - **Box office:** $146 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ1eiEvefKI ## Where to watch in the US - Paramount+: streaming - Hulu: add-on, hd - The Roku Channel: add-on, hd - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $7.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-13.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 1997: Best Makeup and Hairstyling (nominated) ## If you liked this - *Alien* (1979), Fi1m 92: For more shipboard dread, with considerably less confidence in the future. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/alien.md) - *Solaris* (1972), Fi1m 87: Another space mission troubled by memories, given far more time to hurt. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972.md) - *Galaxy Quest* (1999): Affectionate science-fiction comedy that understands why a familiar crew matters. - *Ghost in the Shell* (1995), Fi1m 83: Questions about bodies, machines and personhood, pursued with a colder eye. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ghost-in-the-shell.md) - *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: A threatened community, invading creatures and jokes that survive the danger. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact