Galaxy Quest (1999)
Kernel Score: 80% · 2,467 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Science Fiction, Adventure
Released: 1999-12-25
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Galaxy Quest worth watching?
Worth watching. Washed-up sci-fi TV actors get mistaken for the real thing by aliens. It's a funny, affectionate parody of Star Trek that also works as a real adventure. Fans and newcomers both enjoy it.
Watch it if you
- like sci-fi parodies
- grew up on Star Trek-style TV
- want a funny, easygoing adventure
Skip it if you
- dislike broad, goofy comedy
- want serious science fiction
Best for: Fun night with friends
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Galaxy Quest
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
For four years, the courageous crew of the NSEA Protector — Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Lieutenant Tawny Madison, and Doctor Lazarus — set off on a thrilling and often dangerous mission in space ... until their series was cancelled! Now, twenty years later, aliens under attack have mistaken the Galaxy Quest television transmissions for "historical documents" and beam up the crew of has-been actors to save the universe. With no script, no director, and no clue, the actors must turn in the performances of their lives.
Galaxy Quest parents' guide: ages 7+
Parents need to know that Galaxy Quest is a PG sci-fi comedy about washed-up actors mistaken for real space heroes.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Space battles and alien threats are played largely for comedy and adventure rather than realism.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Galaxy Quest
If you liked Galaxy Quest, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Back to the Future (1985) — 95%: Fun sci-fi adventure with wit, heart and a clever premise.
- Men in Black (1997) — 80%: Sci-fi comedy where ordinary people deal with aliens.
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017) — 87%: Funny, colorful space adventure.
- Free Guy (2021) — 84%: Comedy adventure about a character in a fictional world.
- Star Trek (2009) — 83%: Energetic revival of the Star Trek crew.
- Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013) — 90%: Playful, affectionate sci-fi for long-time fans.
Director
Dean Parisot
Cast
- Tim Allen as Jason Nesmith
- Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco
- Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane
- Tony Shalhoub as Fred Kwan
- Sam Rockwell as Guy Fleegman
- Daryl Mitchell as Tommy Webber
- Enrico Colantoni as Mathesar
- Robin Sachs as Sarris
- Jed Rees as Teb
- Justin Long as Brandon
Galaxy Quest FAQ
Is Galaxy Quest worth watching?
Worth watching. Washed-up sci-fi TV actors get mistaken for the real thing by aliens. It's a funny, affectionate parody of Star Trek that also works as a real adventure. Fans and newcomers both enjoy it.
Where can I watch Galaxy Quest?
In the US you can stream Galaxy Quest on Fubo, Paramount+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Galaxy Quest OK for kids?
Galaxy Quest is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 7+. Parents need to know that Galaxy Quest is a PG sci-fi comedy about washed-up actors mistaken for real space heroes.
What movies are like Galaxy Quest?
If you liked Galaxy Quest, try Back to the Future, Men in Black, Thor: Ragnarok and Free Guy.