The film begins with the discovery of a mysterious artifact in the sands of Egypt in 1928. Decades later, Dr. Jackson deciphers the artifact’s symbols, revealing it to be a gateway—a “Stargate”—to another world. Recruited by the U.S. Air Force, Jackson joins Colonel O’Neil and a team of soldiers to travel through the Stargate.

On the other side, they find themselves on a desert planet that resembles ancient Egypt, ruled by the god-like Ra (Jaye Davidson). The planet’s inhabitants, enslaved under Ra’s tyranny, mistake Jackson and O’Neil for gods due to their advanced technology and attire. As Jackson learns more about the culture and language of the locals, he realizes that Ra is an alien who has extended his life by transferring his consciousness into human bodies.

The film unfolds with a mix of exploration, action, and discovery. Jackson forms a bond with Sha’uri (Mili Avital), a local woman who helps him understand the plight of her people. Meanwhile, O’Neil confronts his own demons, having accepted the mission as a means to find a sense of purpose after a personal tragedy.

As they uncover Ra’s plans to send a nuclear bomb back through the Stargate to Earth, O’Neil and Jackson must rally the oppressed villagers to fight back. The film’s climax sees a battle between Ra’s forces and the human resistance, culminating in a daring and explosive confrontation within Ra’s pyramid ship.

Stargate is celebrated for its innovative concept and special effects, blending ancient mythological themes with science fiction adventure. The performances of Kurt Russell and James Spader anchor the film, bringing depth to their respective characters. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Stargate opened the door to a vast universe of stories, leading to numerous television series and spin-offs that expanded the mythology of the Stargate universe.