Contact (1997)
An earnest radio astronomer deciphers an extraterrestrial signal, navigating cerebral suspense and epic implications.
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.
How intense is Contact?
Contact has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. Rated PG.
What Contact feels like
- Tone
- cerebralsuspensefulearnestepic
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream Contact
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Contact for you?
Is Contact scary?
No. Contact is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Contact gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Contact sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Contact OK for kids?
It is rated PG and nothing here runs hot: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3. A safe family pick by the numbers.
How long is Contact?
Contact runs 2h 30m.
Where can I stream Contact?
Contact is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Contact have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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