Some movies fade with time, their impact lost to changing tastes and advancing technology. Stargate isn’t one of them. Nearly thirty years after its release, it remains a fascinating mix of ancient mystery, science fiction, and action-adventure, sparking imaginations and launching a franchise that lasted decades. It wasn’t just another ’90s sci-fi flick—it was a bold, original concept that asked: What if ancient Egyptian mythology had extraterrestrial roots? That question alone set it apart, giving us an epic adventure that still holds up as a must-watch for fans of classic sci-fi. Sure, the CGI may have aged, and the military tactics might make veterans cringe, but Stargate continues to captivate audiences with its grand mythology, unforgettable score, and an ambitious vision that paved the way for one of TV’s most beloved franchises.
In this discussion, we’re diving into Stargate with fresh eyes, unpacking not only its cinematic strengths and weaknesses but also the deeper themes woven into the story. What does it say about truth and how academia often obscures it? How does the film play with the ideas of false gods and the nature of faith? And what can we learn from its portrayal of personal purpose, sacrifice, and the consequences of failing to plan ahead? As always, we’re not just reviewing a movie—we’re peeling back the layers to find the meaning beneath the spectacle. So, if you love sci-fi, ancient mysteries, or just a good discussion about faith and philosophy in unexpected places, you’re in for a great conversation.
First Impressions
Sometimes, it’s refreshing to go back and revisit a film that shaped an era—especially when modern cinema is flooded with remakes and uninspired sequels. Stargate is one of those films. It’s not just another sci-fi flick; it’s a movie that introduced a unique blend of archaeology, mythology, and space travel that felt fresh and exciting when it first hit theaters in 1994. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it Oscar-worthy, but in our house, Stargate has earned its place as a classic. It laid the foundation for a franchise that my family and I spent years enjoying, even if the original movie isn’t as polished as modern sci-fi spectacles.
Eve has a particularly strong connection to Stargate, especially when it comes to its score. David Arnold’s music is one of the standout elements of the film, creating an epic, sweeping sound that instantly immerses you in its world. It’s one of those soundtracks that, when you hear it, you know exactly what movie it’s from. Arnold’s ability to give each character their own theme, much like John Williams does, adds another layer of depth to the experience. And it’s worth noting—this was his first theatrical score, which is impressive when you consider how memorable it turned out to be.
While Stargate launched an entire TV franchise, Eve never really got into the spinoffs. A big part of that is the fact that Stargate SG-1 recast the movie’s characters with different actors, which created enough of a disconnect that it pulled her out of the experience. I, on the other hand, watched all of SG-1 and its spinoffs, and I have to say, the humor in the series was something that really stood out for me. It wasn’t quite tongue-in-cheek, but it allowed for more levity than the movie did. There’s even a blooper reel where Amanda Tapping’s character jokes about Richard Dean Anderson’s MacGyver days—“Can’t you just MacGyver your way out of here?” That moment alone shows the shift in tone from movie to series.
One of the things that makes Stargate such an interesting rewatch today is how much visual effects have evolved. In the early ‘90s, CGI wasn’t the seamless powerhouse it is now, and you can definitely see that in this movie. But what Stargate lacked in modern CGI, it made up for with practical effects and some old-school movie magic. The filmmakers had to be creative, like when they used a few hundred extras to simulate massive crowds of Ra’s enslaved people. They managed to make it look like thousands, all without relying on today’s digital wizardry.
That being said, the movie is not without its flaws. The most glaring one? The constant racking of guns without firing. It’s one of those things that, once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. Every time the soldiers were in a tense scene, they would rack their weapons, ejecting live rounds onto the ground. Then, surprise, they run out of ammo in the final battle. Imagine that. And as a veteran, I couldn’t help but cringe at the lack of muzzle discipline throughout the movie. You’ve got soldiers pointing weapons at each other in ways that would get you booted out of any real-life military unit.
But for all its little quirks and inconsistencies, Stargate remains a great sci-fi adventure. It was something original at the time—a mix of ancient mythology and futuristic technology that sparked the imagination. In a way, it’s like what Firefly did with the Old West, blending genres in a way that felt new and exciting. These days, it’s tough to find something that feels that fresh, which is probably why we keep having to dig into older films to find something truly worth discussing.
Of course, Stargate also plays into the classic conspiracy theory that the pyramids were built by aliens. Was this movie inspired by those ideas? Who knows? But it certainly ran with that concept and turned it into a full-blown sci-fi spectacle. And for that alone, it’s worth another watch—even if we’ll never stop noticing all those wasted bullets.
Academia Confuses Truth
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of Stargate is how it portrays academia and intellectual gatekeeping. Daniel Jackson is a linguist and historian with unique insights into Egyptian hieroglyphics and the origins of the pyramids. Despite presenting observable evidence, he is mocked and dismissed by his academic peers. This scene reflects an unfortunate reality—groupthink within academia often leads to rigid adherence to established ideas, even when new evidence challenges the status quo.
Daniel’s assertion that the pyramids predate hieroglyphics was met with ridicule, primarily because he admitted, “I don’t know” when pressed about who built them. Ironically, “I don’t know” is one of the most honest and valid answers in any field of study. True inquiry begins with acknowledging uncertainty rather than making assumptions to fill gaps in understanding. However, in the movie (as often in reality), those who question mainstream narratives are shut down before they can even present their full argument.
This portrayal ties into broader academic disputes, particularly in archaeology, where certain assumptions about Egyptian timelines have significant implications for biblical history. Many scholars reject the Exodus account and the biblical narrative of the Israelites’ time in Egypt because of prevailing views about when and how the pyramids were built. However, debates continue, and some Christian archaeologists are actively working to align historical evidence with Scripture.
For those interested in exploring this further, the Patterns of Evidence documentary series provides a fascinating look at how biblical history and archaeology intersect. These films examine evidence for the Exodus, the Red Sea crossing, and other pivotal biblical events, offering an alternative to the mainstream academic consensus. You can find more at patternsofevidence.com.
So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge. By professing it, some people have departed from the faith. (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
These passages serve as a reminder that human knowledge is fallible, but God’s truth is unwavering. When academic consensus contradicts Scripture, we must be discerning, questioning assumptions, and seeking out the evidence that aligns with the truth of God’s Word.
False Gods, False Prophets, and Symbols of Faith
One of the central themes of Stargate is the deceptive nature of false gods and the symbols associated with them. Ra, the film’s antagonist, is portrayed as an alien who masquerades as a deity to maintain control over his followers. He enforces worship and obedience, not through divine authority, but through advanced technology and fear.
A particularly striking moment occurs when Daniel confronts the enslaved people and reveals the truth about Ra’s soldiers: “Take a look at your gods.” This moment shatters the illusion and acts as the catalyst for rebellion. It’s a reminder that not everyone who bears the symbols of faith is truly aligned with the truth. In the same way, we must be discerning when it comes to modern-day false prophets.
The Bible warns against such figures:
There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world. (1 John 4:1-6)
This theme extends beyond the film. Many so-called Christian leaders gain massive followings based on charisma and popularity, but their teachings are not rooted in Scripture. The Bible warns against those who disguise themselves as messengers of God but ultimately serve their own interests:
For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
Modern culture is filled with examples of false teachers who manipulate faith for personal gain. Just as the people in Stargate had to see through Ra’s deception, we must remain vigilant and test all teachings against Scripture. Faith should not rest in symbols or human leaders, but in the truth of God’s word.
In addition, we should apply the same caution about following popular Christian celebrities and pastors instead of putting your faith in Christ. We shouldn’t be caught by surprise when some publicly “deconstruct” their faith. They were never saved to begin with, but were instead putting their faith in something other than Christ.
What Do You Have to Live For?
One of the deeper emotional themes in Stargate is the contrast between despair and hope, particularly through the characters of Colonel O’Neill and Daniel Jackson. O’Neill is introduced as a man who has lost everything, broken by the tragic death of his son. His grief makes him the perfect candidate for what is essentially a suicide mission, but should a man with nothing to live for be trusted with such a critical decision?
The contrast with Daniel is striking. Daniel, despite being evicted, broke, and ridiculed by his peers, never shows signs of despair. His relentless curiosity and belief in something greater give him an unshakable resilience. Meanwhile, O’Neill’s decisions, clearly influenced by his fatalistic outlook, jeopardize his team. His character arc is one of rediscovering a reason to live, driven in part by Daniel’s hopeful perspective.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. (Psalms 34:17-18)
In real life, putting a man in O’Neill’s state of mind in charge of such a mission would be reckless, but the film uses his internal struggle as a storytelling tool. It highlights the importance of having something greater to live for—whether that’s duty, discovery, or, as believers understand, faith in God.
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
Many of the decisions or lack of actions in Stargate are from “college-horror-movie-victim-dumb” levels of thinking. Before departing through the wormhole, Daniel tells General West that he can figure out how to get the team back. Once they are on the new planet, it’s clear that they didn’t think far enough ahead. Daniel had stated earlier in the movie that the Great Pyramid in Giza has almost no writing; they also had [brief] video from the probe, so they could see no writing in the distant gate chamber either. Daniel would have known they’d need to find the glyphs (particularly the “origin” glyph.)
The Bible has a lot to say about planning. James warns:
Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. (James 4:13–14)
But Proverbs also tells us:
The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor. (Proverbs 21:5)
So, which is it? Do we plan, or do we not plan? The answer is yes, kinda.
James isn’t warning us against planning; he warns us against arrogance. We should be planning, but we must always remember that God is the architect of our future. We should always avoid the misconception that we can be completely self-reliant, particularly when we think we can plan for “all eventualities.” (This is a little like making something “idiot proof”; it’s just impossible.)
This is why James finishes up with verse 15:
Instead, you should say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ (James 4:15)
God encourages us to plan diligently. In the military, and many other places, they have the saying, “If you are failing to plan, you are planning to fail.” Jesus Himself emphasized planning in Luke 14 when talking about the cost of following Him:
For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:28)
Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? (Luke 14:31)
Christ is telling us the importance of counting the cost and understanding what resources we need or don’t need to achieve a goal. Just as a builder must evaluate if he can complete a tower or a king has to ensure he can win a war, a person who wants to follow Christ has to deliberately consider the cost of following Him. Jesus is teaching that becoming His disciple is not a halfhearted endeavor. It demands an intentional decision, just like a builder or a king facing war. If someone is not willing to give up everything, they haven’t truly counted the cost.
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26–27)
Ultimately, planning is necessary, but it must be grounded in humility and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Stargate holds up as a solid sci-fi adventure with a unique premise, great world-building, and a truly memorable score. While modern special effects have outpaced what the film achieved in 1994, its practical effects, sweeping visuals, and strong sense of mystery still make it a worthwhile watch.
The film also serves as an interesting lens through which we can explore deeper themes. It highlights how academia, in its pursuit of prestige and rigid adherence to established ideas, can sometimes obscure or outright dismiss the truth—just like Daniel Jackson’s theories were ridiculed until they proved undeniable. Stargate also plays with the idea of false gods and prophets, portraying Ra as a terrifying yet fraudulent deity whose power relied more on deception than divinity—much like how real-world false prophets mislead those who seek the truth. Beyond that, the movie’s characters wrestle with personal purpose and motivation, particularly Daniel and O’Neil, who both start the film in very different places but ultimately find new reasons to keep moving forward. And, of course, we can’t ignore the cautionary tale of poor planning—where the team’s failure to prepare for key mission details nearly cost them everything, reminding us of the biblical balance between making wise plans and trusting in God’s ultimate design.
It may not be a flawless film, but Stargate is still an engaging and thought-provoking watch—especially if you enjoy a little theological and philosophical discussion along the way.
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