Star Trek: First Contact poster

Star Trek: First Contact

"Resistance is futile."

Movie PG-13 1996 1h 51m 7.3 /10
Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-E chase the Borg as they threaten Earth, risking a shift in Federation history. They leap back to an earlier era in order to stop the assimilation campaign from altering humanity and the future of Starfleet. The mission tests a seasoned captain, a... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 20, 2026

About Star Trek: First Contact

Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-E chase the Borg as they threaten Earth, risking a shift in Federation history. They leap back to an earlier era in order to stop the assimilation campaign from altering humanity and the future of Starfleet. The mission tests a seasoned captain, a loyal crew, and a lot of luck as they adapt to a different world, using clever tactics and teamwork to outmaneuver a nearly unstoppable foe. The film blends brisk action with character driven moments, balancing high stakes with the interpersonal bonds that define the Enterprise crew. The result is a wide screen thrill ride that respects the series while expanding its scope.

Directed by Jonathan Frakes, this Star Trek feature widens the Next Generation arc while staying true to the show's tone. It relies on the familiar Enterprise crew and the franchise's steady production team led by Rick Berman.

Worldwide box office reached $146,027,888 against a $46 million budget, marking a solid commercial success for the franchise. The film helped propel Star Trek into mainstream summer blockbusters while maintaining a loyal fan base.

The Borg as villains became a defining element of Star Trek mythology and entered broader pop culture with memorable imagery and lines such as "Resistance is futile." The Enterprise-E design and the clash between assimilation and autonomy left a lasting impression on sci fi cinema.

Critics generally praised the film for its brisk pacing, strong performances, and high stakes drama. It blends action with character growth, examining leadership under pressure and the moral cost of war against a relentlessly adaptive foe, securing its place in Star Trek history.

What Viewers Are Saying

7.3/10
from 1,910 ratings

Fans point to the Borg as the main draw, with a tense chase through a 2063 time jump that gives the hive mind real menace. They also praise it for feeling more like a real movie than a two part episode, and for Data getting some standout moments along with James Cromwell's Zefram Cochrane. But a chunk of viewers push back on the time travel angle, saying it raises questions about why the Borg would miss using it before and makes the plot feel heavy handed or overly moralizing.

Details

Release Date
November 22, 1996
Runtime
1h 51m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
1,910 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Country
United States
Collection
Star Trek: The Next Generation Collection
Studio
Paramount Pictures
Budget
$46,000,000
Box Office
$146,027,888
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart

Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Jonathan Frakes

Jonathan Frakes

Commander William T. Riker

Brent Spiner

Brent Spiner

Lieutenant Commander Data

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn

Lieutenant Commander Worf

Gates McFadden

Gates McFadden

Commander Beverly Crusher

Marina Sirtis

Marina Sirtis

Counselor Deanna Troi

James Cromwell

James Cromwell

Dr. Zefram Cochrane

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard

Lily Sloane

Alice Krige

Alice Krige

Borg Queen

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Written by: Brannon Braga, Ronald D. Moore, Rick Berman

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Frequently Asked Questions

Star Trek: First Contact is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.3/10 from 1,910 viewers, Star Trek: First Contact is well-received and recommended by the community. It's a good pick if you enjoy science fiction, action, and adventure stories.

Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-E chase the Borg as they threaten Earth, risking a shift in Federation history. They leap back to an earlier era in order to stop the assimilation campaign from altering humanity and the future of Starfleet. The mission tests a seasoned captain, a loy...

No. Star Trek: First Contact is a science fiction film and isn’t based on real events. It uses time travel and alien encounters as part of its fiction.

Patrick Stewart plays Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the Enterprise's captain. He leads the crew in the mission against the Borg.