One of 'best sci-fi space movies ever made' now streaming on Amazon Prime

A mid-90s sci-fi adventure has long been hailed as one of the standout chapters in an expansive space saga.

Star Trek: First Contact, released in 1996, sees the crew of the USS Enterprise-E journey back in time from the 24th century to thwart the Borg - cybernetic beings hell-bent on conquering Earth by altering history.

The film marked the directorial debut of Jonathan Frakes, a cast member from Star Trek: The Next Generation, who was selected to maintain the familiar tone beloved by fans.

READ MORE: The Chase contestant dies one month after winning £100k jackpot

READ MORE: Where Educating Yorkshire legends are now - from teaching ban to prison sentence

The storyline revolves around Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his team, who voyage from the 24th century to the 21st century to stop the Borg from assimilating mankind. The Borg, cybernetic creatures that transform humans into machines, have pinpointed Earth as a key stage in their conquest.

Picard, tormented by previous encounters with the Borg, grapples with both external threats and internal conflict as he faces the psychological aftermath of their prior assault, reports the Express.

Simultaneously, the crew must tackle the complexities of time travel, safeguard the inventor of first contact with an alien species - Zefram Cochrane - and ensure that humanity's initial foray into interstellar exploration remains unscathed.

Drama escalates as the Borg breach the Enterprise directly, transforming the vessel into a war zone whilst Picard and his crew scramble to halt the assault. The picture strikes a balance between intense, high-octane sequences and more intimate, character-focused scenes that showcase devotion, bravery, and resourcefulness.

Alongside Picard, fellow Enterprise personnel assume crucial positions. Commander Riker, Data, Worf, and the remaining team members each face the Borg menace whilst grappling with the challenges of temporal displacement and ethical dilemmas.

The picture also features gripping Earth-based sequences, where humanity remains oblivious to the approaching peril and must be protected whilst the crew battles an adversary that functions with merciless efficiency.

On Rotten Tomatoes, where the picture boasts an impressive 93% rating, one critic described it as "my favourite Trek movie. Action, thrills, heart, and the spirit of adventure. The pinnacle of what Star Trek aspires to be, and a great way to spend two hours."

Another said: "Surprising, funny, paced well, and full on Next Gen Star Trek. One of the best space, sci-fi movies of the 90s."

A third wrote: "As far as the Star Trek universe is concerned, this is the crème at the top. The cast is at its best and most comfortable looking. The iconic Borg and old Earth. Script is the best out of all the Star Treks."

Star Trek: First Contact is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.