We love Stargate! As in our method we have to watch everything in order. We think it really helps understand what they are trying to do!
To experience the Stargate franchise in release order, you’ll want to watch the movies and TV shows as they were released. Here’s a guide with descriptions and reasons why each installment is worth watching:
Movies
- Stargate (1994)
- Description: Directed by Roland Emmerich, this film introduces the concept of a mysterious ancient device known as the Stargate, which allows for interstellar travel. The story follows a team led by Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader) and Colonel Jack O’Neill (Kurt Russell) as they travel through the Stargate to another world.
- Why Watch: It’s the original movie that launched the franchise. It combines adventure, science fiction, and mythology, setting up the premise for the TV series. Its unique take on ancient Egyptian mythology and special effects were groundbreaking at the time.
- Stargate: The Ark of Truth (2008)
- Description: This direct-to-DVD film is a continuation of the Stargate SG-1 series. It focuses on the team’s quest to find an ancient artifact that could be the key to defeating the villainous Ori.
- Why Watch: It provides closure to the Ori storyline from Stargate SG-1. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of their favorite characters’ journeys and the resolution of major plot threads.
- Stargate: Continuum (2008)
- Description: Another direct-to-DVD film that follows the events of Stargate SG-1. In this movie, the team deals with the repercussions of time travel and an alternate reality where the Stargate Program never existed.
- Why Watch: It offers an exciting adventure and further character development, closing out some lingering storylines from the series and featuring a compelling alternate reality plot.
TV Shows
- Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)
- Description: This series picks up where the film left off and follows a team of military personnel and scientists as they use the Stargate to explore other planets, combat alien threats, and uncover ancient mysteries. The main cast includes Richard Dean Anderson as Colonel Jack O’Neill, Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson, Amanda Tapping as Major Samantha Carter, and Christopher Judge as Teal’c.
- Why Watch: It expands on the film’s premise with rich character development, intriguing alien cultures, and complex story arcs. The series is well-regarded for its blend of action, drama, and humor.
- Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009)
- Description: A spin-off of Stargate SG-1, this series follows a new team of explorers who travel to the lost city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy. The team encounters new alien species and faces different threats while searching for a way back home.
- Why Watch: It introduces fresh elements to the Stargate universe and explores new galaxies and characters, maintaining the franchise’s core themes while expanding its scope.
- Stargate Universe (2009-2011)
- Description: This series takes a darker and more serialized approach, following a group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians who are stranded on an ancient spaceship called Destiny, which is on a journey to the far reaches of the universe.
- Why Watch: It offers a different tone and style from the previous shows, focusing on survival, character dynamics, and a more serialized narrative. It provides a fresh perspective within the Stargate universe.
Watching Order
- Start with the movie “Stargate” to understand the origin of the Stargate concept.
- Watch “Stargate SG-1” from Season 1 through Season 10, including the TV movies.
- Continue with “Stargate Atlantis” after finishing SG-1 for a new setting and storyline.
- Finish with “Stargate Universe” for a different take on the franchise.
Following this order will give you a complete experience of the Stargate franchise, from its origins to its various expansions.