Contact (1997)
Kernel Score: 84% · 4,876 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Science Fiction, Mystery
Released: 1997-07-11
Runtime: 150 minutes
Is Contact worth watching?
Must-watch. A radio astronomer picks up the first signal from space and must fight for the truth. Jodie Foster anchors a thoughtful film about science, faith and wonder that holds up well.
Watch it if you
- like smart, hopeful science fiction
- enjoy science-versus-belief stories
- want a drama with a big idea
Skip it if you
- want action or aliens on screen
- dislike slow, talky pacing
Best for: Thoughtful night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Contact
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A radio astronomer receives the first extraterrestrial radio signal ever picked up on Earth. As the world powers scramble to decipher the message and decide upon a course of action, she must make some difficult decisions between her beliefs, the truth, and reality.
Contact parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Contact is a PG-rated science fiction drama about a scientist who must reconcile faith, truth, and scientific discovery.
- Violence & scariness: Some — PG sci-fi drama includes a sabotage incident and some tense but largely non-graphic peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Contact
If you liked Contact, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Arrival (2016) — 85%: Thoughtful first-contact story centred on a scientist.
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%: Big-hearted, ambitious sci-fi about humanity's place in space.
- The Martian (2015) — 86%: Science-led story with a resourceful, hopeful lead.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — 94%: The landmark film about contact and human evolution.
- Solaris (1972) — 89%: Slow, philosophical space story about the unknown.
- Her (2013) — 94%: Quiet sci-fi about connection and what it means.
Director
Cast
- Jodie Foster as Ellie Arroway
- Matthew McConaughey as Palmer Joss
- James Woods as Michael Kitz
- John Hurt as S. R. Hadden
- Tom Skerritt as David Drumlin
- William Fichtner as Kent
- David Morse as Ted Arroway
- Angela Bassett as Rachel Constantine
- Geoffrey Blake as Fisher
- Max Martini as Willie
Contact FAQ
Is Contact worth watching?
Must-watch. A radio astronomer picks up the first signal from space and must fight for the truth. Jodie Foster anchors a thoughtful film about science, faith and wonder that holds up well.
Where can I watch Contact?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Contact OK for kids?
Contact is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Contact is a PG-rated science fiction drama about a scientist who must reconcile faith, truth, and scientific discovery.
What movies are like Contact?
If you liked Contact, try Arrival, Interstellar, The Martian and 2001: A Space Odyssey.