The film begins with the discovery of a mysterious artifact in Egypt. This artifact is a large, circular stone with intricate symbols, known as the Stargate. It was found buried in the desert and is believed to be an ancient device of immense significance.

In the present day, Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader), an eccentric archaeologist and linguist, is recruited by the U.S. government to decode the symbols on the Stargate. The government has been studying the artifact for years and believes it to be a key to accessing other worlds. Dr. Jackson is brought in because of his expertise in ancient languages and his unconventional theories about ancient civilizations.

Dr. Jackson and a military team, led by Colonel Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell), activate the Stargate for the first time. The Stargate creates a wormhole to a distant planet, identified as Abydos, located on the other side of the galaxy. The team travels through the Stargate to explore this new world.

On Abydos, the team discovers a society of humans living under the rule of a powerful alien being named Ra (Jaye Davidson). Ra is a parasitic alien who has taken on the guise of an ancient Egyptian god and rules over the inhabitants with an iron fist. The people of Abydos are enslaved and worship Ra as a deity.

Dr. Jackson learns that Ra’s rule over Abydos is part of a larger plan to control other worlds using the Stargate network. The aliens have been exploiting the Stargates to subjugate various civilizations across the galaxy. Ra’s ultimate goal is to keep the people of Abydos and other planets under his control while using the Stargates to consolidate his power.

Colonel O’Neil and his team, with the help of the Abydos people, plan a rebellion against Ra. They work with Sha’uri (Mili Avital), the daughter of the Abydos chieftain and Dr. Jackson’s love interest, to orchestrate a revolt. The team utilizes advanced weapons and technology to fight against Ra’s forces and liberate the enslaved people.

In the climactic battle, O’Neil and Jackson confront Ra and his guards. They succeed in defeating Ra and freeing the people of Abydos. The film ends with the Stargate network being shut down to prevent Ra’s return, and the team returns to Earth, having established a new alliance with the people of Abydos.