A mid-1990s science fiction adventure has long been regarded as one of the standout entries in a sprawling space saga.
Released in 1996, Star Trek: First Contact follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-E as they travel back in time from the 24th century to stop the Borg – cybernetic beings determined to conquer Earth by changing history.
The film was directed by Jonathan Frakes, making his feature film debut. A cast member on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Frakes was chosen to ensure the story retained the tone familiar to fans.
The plot centres on Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew, who travel from the 24th century back to the 21st century to prevent the Borg from assimilating humanity. The Borg, cybernetic beings who convert humans into machines, have targeted Earth as a crucial point in their conquest.
Picard, haunted by past encounters with the Borg, faces both external danger and an internal struggle as he confronts the psychological impact of their previous attack.
Meanwhile, the crew must navigate the challenges of time travel, protect the inventor of first contact with an alien species – Zefram Cochrane – and ensure that humanity’s first steps into interstellar exploration remain intact.
Tension builds as the Borg infiltrate the Enterprise itself, turning the ship into a battleground while Picard and his officers race to stop the invasion. The film balances the urgency of high-stakes action with quieter, character-driven moments that highlight loyalty, courage, and ingenuity.
Alongside Picard, other members of the Enterprise crew play key roles. Commander Riker, Data, Worf, and the rest of the team each confront the Borg threat while dealing with the pressures of time travel and moral choices.
The film also introduces compelling sequences on Earth, where humans are unaware of the looming danger and must be kept safe while the crew battles an enemy that operates with ruthless precision.
One Rotten Tomatoes, where the film is rated a glowing 93%, reviewer described it as “my favourite Trek movie. Action, thrills, heart, and the spirit of adventure. The pinnacle of what Star Trek aspires to be, and a great way to spend two hours.”
Another said: “Surprising, funny, paced well, and full on Next Gen Star Trek. One of the best space, sci-fi movies of the 90s.”
A third wrote: “As far as the Star Trek universe is concerned, this is the crème at the top. The cast is at its best and most comfortable looking. The iconic Borg and old Earth. Script is the best out of all the Star Treks.”
Star Trek: First Contact is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.