Every Star Trek Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best

For more than five decades, the television series “Star Trek” has daringly ventured into unexplored territories of its intellectual property. It’s amazing to think that it started as a simple TV show in the 1960s, yet it has grown into a massive blockbuster franchise with an impressive collection of fourteen films. While many of Star Trek’s movies are renowned as genre classics, not all of them measure up, and some are flat-out disappointing.

The films push the boundaries of Star Trek beyond its TV constraints, with larger budgets creating more grandiose visual experiences. They function independently as complete tales, often featuring well-structured arcs and satisfying endings that aren’t always present in the series. However, when comparing them, it’s crucial to consider elements such as acting, script, and cinematography, while also taking into account special effects based on each film’s historical context. While every dedicated Trekkie may have their personal preferences, we have assembled a comprehensive ranking of Star Trek films from least favorable to most.

14) Star Trek: Section 31

In January 2025, I found myself immersed in Michelle Yeoh’s standalone series, Section 31, exclusively on Paramount+, skipping the big-screen premiere. The advertising promised a gripping, covert-ops-filled espionage drama, revolving around rebellious admirals and the clandestine operations of Starfleet. Michelle Yeoh delivered an outstanding performance as Philippa Georgiou, showcasing her character’s sharpness and dangerous allure. However, despite her best efforts, the series seemed to stumble in finding its bearings.

In my opinion, it falls short and seems to emulate a less sophisticated Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-off rather than the epic masterpiece that is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Regrettably, it’s often overlooked or placed towards the bottom in many rankings. As the critics on Rotten Tomatoes put it, “Transport this production elsewhere, Scotty.

13) Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

As a movie enthusiast, I had high expectations for Star Trek 5, particularly given that Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner, was now sitting in the director’s chair. His vision was nothing short of epic – exploring the spiritual journey of Spock’s enigmatic half-brother Sybok as he seized control of the Enterprise in a quest to find what he believed was the divine force at the heart of the galaxy.

However, the weighty premise proved too much for the production, with budget constraints, mediocre special effects, and some questionable creative decisions causing the movie to crumble under its own ambition. Shatner himself admitted that he bears the responsibility for these shortcomings.

It’s worth noting that Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, was not a fan of the concept for “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” as it conflicted with his vision for the series which favored a post-religious approach. In a 1987 production memo discovered by Mission Log Podcast, he expressed his disapproval by saying, “I cannot endorse a story that portrays our wise and thoughtful crew being captivated by a 23rd century religious fraud.” While there are times when the campiness of “The Final Frontier” is enjoyable, it’s not widely liked among fans.

12) Star Trek: Nemesis

Described as a fitting farewell to “The Next Generation,” the movie “Nemesis” unfortunately fell short and seemed more like a pale imitation of the iconic “Wrath of Khan.” In this production, a young Tom Hardy plays Shinzon, a clone of Picard who incites a rebellion among the Romulans. However, the film’s grim atmosphere, uninspiring action sequences, and departures from established lore left many Trekkies feeling underwhelmed. This disappointment was reflected in its box office performance, as it became the lowest-grossing Star Trek movie ever shown in theaters.

To put it simply, Hardy’s character remains intriguingly villainous, while Data’s sacrifice to save the crew is truly memorable. Patrick Stewart’s acting in the subsequent scenes added depth, but the arrival of B-4 (an android prototype) lessened its emotional resonance for some. Critics felt it was a weak ending, and for many fans, it marked the close of an era that deserved more closure.

11) Star Trek: Insurrection

Following the dramatic, operatic production of “First Contact,” Paramount aimed for something more light-hearted. This led to the creation of “Insurrection,” a movie that, in all honesty, seems like a blend of unremarkable episodes from “TNG.” In this story, Captain Picard and his team encounter a plot by Starfleet to forcibly relocate the peaceful Ba’ku people. This situation compels them to take a moral stance against their own higher-ups.

Despite some captivating scenes, the movie’s heavy-handed moralizing messages, which appeared insufficiently developed to many viewers, led to a fair share of criticism. Roger Ebert suggested that the creators themselves may have had reservations about the film’s central message, stating, “Perhaps this is why the ninth Star Trek saga appears dull and unconvincing.

10) Star Trek: Generations

Connecting two iconic crews is a formidable challenge indeed. ‘Generations’ managed to bring Picard and Kirk together on-screen, but the outcome sparked heated debates among fans. The storyline involving the Nexus, a ribbon of energy that grants heartfelt wishes, was intriguing; however, the manner in which Kirk met his end left many viewers boiling with anger.

Notable scenes in the movie feature prominently the destruction of the Enterprise-D’s saucer section, a practical effect sequence that continues to be among Trek’s most impressive. Malcolm McDowell’s portrayal of the villain Soran stood out, adding depth and urgency to an otherwise less compelling storyline. Critics admired the ambition yet criticized the execution, while modern fans often view it as a transition with varying quality between generations.

9) Star Trek Into Darkness

In Abrams’ second Kelvin film, there was a greater focus on grandeur, delivering an abundance of high-speed space battles, and Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed a shrouded antagonist who turned out to be Khan. However, the effort to replicate the atmosphere of Wrath of Khan proved problematic. The dramatic twist where Kirk died in Spock’s stead and Quinto’s cry of “Khan!” in response has since become notorious among Star Trek fans.

Although it has its strengths, it can’t be denied that they outshine its weaknesses. Benedict Cumberbatch delivered a chilling performance, and the film’s exploration of militarism and drone warfare aimed for some Star Trek-like moral depth, which was commendable. Michael Giacchino’s soundtrack was nothing short of magnificent. However, it shines more in its visual aspects rather than its storytelling, with the space battle above Earth being a particularly breathtaking moment. Initially, critics were generous with their praise, but over time, their sentiments have become more reserved.

8) Star Trek Beyond

Justin Lin steered the course and changed direction following the controversy of Star Trek: Into Darkness. In Star Trek Beyond, the Enterprise crew lost their ship at the start, leaving them stranded on a dangerous planet. This setup allowed for more focused character interactions, such as Spock and McCoy, to excel. Karl Urban’s portrayal of McCoy’s wit and tenacity was exceptionally well done.

Idris Elba’s character Krall may not have stood out as a particularly memorable villain, yet his portrayal of a forgotten Starfleet soldier was skillfully executed. One unforgettable moment is the “Sabotage” sequence, where Kirk uses the Beastie Boys’ music as a powerful sonic weapon, causing controversy but also providing an enjoyable experience. Critics generally approved of this shift in direction, but disappointing box office figures suggested that Star Trek was moving too far away from its core values.

7) Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

After Spock’s demise, Paramount was confronted with a tough task: revive him while preserving the impact of Wrath of Khan. Leonard Nimoy’s initial directorial venture dealt skillfully with this predicament, as the Starship Enterprise crew bravely jeopardized their careers to rescue their comrade. The act of stealing the Enterprise remains a cherished and memorable victory in the ongoing saga.

1. The film is bolstered by Christopher Lloyd’s menacing portrayal of Klingon commander Kruge, a villain who adds edge to the movie with his growling, tactical nature. The death of David Marcus leaves a significant mark on Kirk and viewers alike. Regrettably, a somewhat weak storyline and an awkward “Pon farr” side plot prevent it from standing out among the series.

2. Kruge, played by Christopher Lloyd, as the Klingon commander, gives the movie its bite with his snarling, strategic villainy. The demise of David Marcus leaves a lasting impression on Kirk and spectators. However, due to an underdeveloped plot and an awkward “Pon farr” scene, it remains average within the series.

3. The presence of Christopher Lloyd’s vicious Klingon commander Kruge gives the movie a bite. The death of David Marcus resonates with both Kirk and viewers powerfully. Despite a storyline that could have been better and an awkward “Pon farr” subplot, it manages to hold its ground among the films in the series.

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6) Star Trek (2009)

J.J. Abrams rejuvenated Star Trek by daringly establishing the “Kelvin Timeline.” This allowed him to introduce fresh faces while preserving the fundamental storyline. Chris Pine embodied Kirk’s charisma, Zachary Quinto portrayed a softer side of Spock, and Karl Urban’s Bones frequently outshone everyone else in each scene.

The destruction of Vulcan left fans stunned and raised high expectations, while Michael Giacchino’s inspiring music became the pulsating core of the movie. Critics praised it as a stylish reboot, but hardcore Trekkies argue that the Kelvin Timeline series leans more towards action than philosophy, and doesn’t capture the essence they cherish from Star Trek. However, it managed to make Star Trek appealing again for a new generation of science fiction enthusiasts.

5) Star Trek: The Motion Picture

In the first “Star Trek” movie, director Robert Wise (known for “The Day the Earth Stood Still”) went all out. Instead of following typical sci-fi spectacle, it opted for grand visuals and a leisurely narrative style, similar to “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Unlike conventional space operas, it delved deeply into philosophical themes such as life, consciousness, and existential contemplation. The enigma of V’Ger, an advanced Voyager probe, was the central focus, with thought-provoking questions taking precedence over fast-paced action.

The response to this production has been varied. Some find it dull, while others appreciate it as raw, authentic science fiction. For many, it holds a sentimental value as it was the initial Trek movie shown in theaters. The elevating soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith and the first-ever widescreen depiction of the Enterprise are still memorable. Despite not meeting financial expectations at the box office, the 2022 TMP Director’s Cut helped restore its credibility, with many now admiring its artistic finesse. Essentially, it is an intellectual story that seems to align more with the original series and early seasons of TNG than any other film in the franchise.

4) Star Trek: First Contact

In a notable reinterpretation, Jonathan Frakes oversaw the crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s most acclaimed episode, raising the stakes significantly. The chilling Borg became even more formidable with the introduction of Alice Krige’s character, the Borg Queen, adding layers of complexity to their menace. Amid this, Sir Patrick Stewart delivered a powerful portrayal as Picard, whose experiences in “The Best of Both Worlds” left him scarred and raw, providing emotional continuity to the storyline.

The simultaneous narrative (Picard engaging the Borg on the Enterprise while Riker and Geordi assist Zefram Cochrane in achieving warp speed) provided a fantastic blend of tones, offering relief from more intense sequences. James Cromwell’s portrayal of the hesitant Cochrane is particularly commendable. Back then, critics acclaimed it as one of the best Star Trek episodes, and it remains the only Star Trek: The Next Generation movie to match the quality of its television counterpart.

3) Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

In a fitting timeline, Nicholas Meyer once again took the helm for this Cold War-inspired narrative, which hit screens as the Soviet Union was on the brink of disintegration. The Klingon Empire finds itself in crisis, and Captain Kirk, still grappling with the loss of his son, navigates through prejudice during peace negotiations. Christopher Plummer’s General Chang, who artfully weaves Shakespearean quotes into his dialogue, emerges as one of Star Trek’s most formidable antagonists. The film’s themes are masterfully executed.

1) The courtroom scenes and political maneuvers in this film were captivating, making it a movie worth watching multiple times. In fact, it converted some casual viewers into dedicated Star Trek fans. Critics often describe it as a strong comeback after “Trek 5,” which was one of the franchise’s weaker films. The last scene showing the Enterprise journeying towards the stars offered a poignant farewell to the original series crew, effectively marking the end of that era.

2) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Titled “the one featuring whales,” this movie does away with traditional villains. Instead, an enigmatic probe endangers Earth, forcing the team to time travel back to 1900s San Francisco to acquire humpback whales. The humor is effortless, featuring Scotty attempting dialogue with a computer mouse, Spock using his nerve pinch on a bus punk, and Chekov inquiring about “nuclear weapons” from passersby.

Behind all the comedic elements, there’s a clear environmental message that remains relevant and true to Star Trek’s core values. It was appreciated by many due to its inclusivity, as you didn’t need previous Star Trek knowledge to enjoy it. Its optimistic tone is contagious yet never overbearing, avoiding the feeling of being preachy. For numerous fans, this film embodies the most purely delightful representation of Star Trek ever produced.

1) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

In many Star Trek communities, Nicholas Meyer’s Wrath of Khan is universally acclaimed as the champion. This film revived the franchise following the mediocre response to The Motion Picture. Ricardo Montalbán’s portrayal of Khan marks the first operatic villain, making his vendetta against Kirk a significant conflict. The compelling music score by James Horner and the nautical-inspired direction further distinguished this movie from its counterparts.

Besides the outstanding character development, Spock’s selfless act, as symbolized by his famous quote, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few… or the one,” is a moment that continues to be deeply impactful. The emotional farewell scene between Captain Kirk (Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Nimoy) remains the emotional core of Star Trek. Critics hailed it as groundbreaking in 1982, and even today, more than four decades later, it is considered the franchise’s most memorable cinematic experience.

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2025-09-08 14:47