7.5
Where can I stream Contact legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Contact
1997·Movie
·2h 30min·PG·
Contact fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle8
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Awe-inspiring and hopeful
- Wonder10
- Hopefulness8
- Catharsis8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody2
- Dark Humor2
World
Technology, faith and meaning, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Music Centrality8
Energy
HighSpectacular and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Contact is spectacular and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumAwe-inspiring and hopeful
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, hopeful, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Wonder10Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighTechnology, faith and meaning, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around technology, faith and meaning, and the future. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Futuristic8Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Take a journey to the heart of the universe.
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.
Sci-Fi MysteryPhilosophical JourneyFirst ContactAwe and WonderFaith vs. ScienceTechnological ExplorationHumanity's Place in the UniverseEpic ScopeEmotional Resonance
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about Contact
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Contact worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Contact rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Contact?
2 h 30 min
Contact runs 2 h 30 min.
Is Contact based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Contact?
Critics66
Audiences77
Not quite. Audiences rate Contact higher (77) than critics (66). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Contact a box office hit?
Budget$90 million
Box office$171 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $90 million to make and earned $171 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.
What language is Contact in?
EnglishRussianSpanish
It was made in English, with some Russian, Spanish. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Contact?
84
+70
+70GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Contact in 84 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Contact use?
America Saves the DayDeliberately Bad ExampleGood ShepherdWhen Things Spin, Science HappensGallows HumorRule of CoolHypocriteKnight TemplarRetired MonsterAlien SkySilly Rabbit, Idealism Is for Kids!Actor Allusionand 102 more
TV Tropes lists 114 storytelling tropes for Contact, including America Saves the Day, Deliberately Bad Example, Good Shepherd.