Stargate
An exiled linguist and a military expedition cross an ancient portal to an alien world where Egyptian mythology masks a brutal extraterrestrial regime.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- pulp adventure
- campy
- wondrous
- blockbuster movie night
- science fiction marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film imaginative and visually splashy but undermined by clichéd characterization, a clunky script, and thin plotting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ra is revealed as an alien power using Egyptian religious imagery to control a human population.
The stargate functions as the central mechanism connecting the military facility to the planet resembling ancient Egypt.
The military expedition enters an isolated alien settlement, confronts a tyrannical ruler, and supports a local uprising.
Pyramids, desert landscapes, the stargate, and alien technology provide the film's dominant visual attractions.
Films like Stargate, and why
The Abyss
shares portal-based science fiction adventure, military exploration, extraterrestrial mythology, and accessible blockbuster spectacle
Independence Day
shares action-driven science fiction, alien contact, military protagonists, and high-concept world-building
The Mummy
shares ancient-civilization imagery, extraterrestrial mythology, heroic adventure, and pulpy spectacle
John Carter
shares space-travel adventure, primitive alien cultures, rebellion against an oppressive ruler, and space-western elements
Movie Details
- Director
- Roland Emmerich
- Release Date
- 1994-10-28
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (3984)
Cast
- James Spader
- Kurt Russell
- Jaye Davidson
- Viveca Lindfors
- Alexis Cruz
- Mili Avital
- Erick Avari
- John Diehl
- Djimon Hounsou
- Carlos Lauchu
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Stargate about?
- An exiled linguist and a military expedition cross an ancient portal to an alien world where Egyptian mythology masks a brutal extraterrestrial regime.
- What is Stargate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stargate as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Stargate violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Stargate as moderate.
- What did critics think of Stargate?
- Critics broadly found the film imaginative and visually splashy but undermined by clichéd characterization, a clunky script, and thin plotting.
- Which films are like Stargate?
- Films with a similar feel include The Abyss, Independence Day, The Mummy, and John Carter.
- How long is Stargate?
- Stargate runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch Stargate?
- In United States, Stargate is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
