Four decades after Star Trek: The Motion Picture came out, the franchise has grown, with five more TV shows, many books, toys, comic books, games, and a dozen more movies with three different casts.
When there’s a lot of history like that, there will be a lot of debate about it. Of course, the passion that comes with being a Trek fan always helps.
But even then, it can also be tough to sort out which Star Trek movies ranked from best to worst, because there are so many of them. Even if you evaluate all of these factors, some individuals will tell you that you’re incorrect.
For example, Star Trek casting, sci-fi storytelling, and how well the “spirit of the franchise” is kept, which means something different to everyone, all have to be considered while making a movie.
As a fan who ranks Star Trek movies in order, you may have access to completely unexplored territory. With that in mind, we’ve ranked every Star Trek movie so far, from the best to the worst.
Star Trek- 2009
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writer: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
Cast: Simon Pegg, Zachary Quinto, and Chris Pine
Runtime: 127 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Is it a decent story? Maybe. Is reading Kirk and Spock’s adventures entertaining? Absolutely. It’s entertaining to see Spock beat up a student at school.
However, it’s also amusing to see Kirk’s father, who is usually in Kirk’s shadow, guarantee that the show’s relaunch would not be dragged down by the events that preceded it. Therefore the narrative bends the chronology. Leonard Nimoy’s last performance as Spock is a lot of joy to see.
The Original Series’ spirit of adventure lives on in Star Trek, but the crew members are more than simply props that activate hailing frequencies and press buttons. Nero is the one who says that. That’s the finest line in all Star Trek movies ranked.
Star Trek: First Contact- 1996
Director: Jonathan Frakes
Writer: Gene Roddenberry
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner
Runtime: 111 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
With Jonathan Frakes as Commander Riker’s TV show co-star, the movie was a tremendous delight. Every scene he’s in is filled with references to Star Trek, and his enthusiasm for the franchise shines through.
This film is a must-see for every Star Trek enthusiast! “Best of Both Worlds” is referenced in the television episodes “Deep Space Nine” and Voyager and Picard’s journey.
To prevent the Borg from tampering with The First Contact, Enterprise travels back in time and intervenes. In spite of Data’s desire to be like humans once again, Picard must confront the queen of the Borg, Alice Krige.
In the Earth-based scenario about resuming First Contact, humanity is shown in a different light. How someone is called to lead and how they accomplish it is examined.
Star Trek Beyond- 2016
Director: Justin Lin
Writer: Simon Pegg, Doug Jung and Gene Roddenberry
Cast: Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine
Runtime: 122 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
However, apart from the fact that Idris Elba portrays Krall in Beyond, the actor doesn’t look like him. You can tell it’s all about style over content because of how quick and loud it is.
The Beastie Boys’ song, “Sabotage,” has the tune “Sabotage.” There is no logic to this situation. However, it seems to be rather tasty. For those who don’t like thinking, this is the film to watch.
A lot of action-packed combat and pursuit sequences make this film enjoyable to watch. The phrase “beats and yelling” perfectly captures the tone of Star Trek Beyond in this Star Trek movie ranked.
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Star Trek Into Darkness- 2013
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writer: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
Cast: Zoe Saldana and Chris Pine
Runtime: 132 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Scholars are still debating how this film rendered Khan a villain. When it comes to Darkness, Benedict Cumberbatch lacks the charisma to let viewers forget about the film’s plot holes and bizarre character choices.
Kirk and Spock’s tragic sacrifice in Wrath of Khan doesn’t succeed since they aren’t pals.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier- 1989
Director: William Shatner
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, William Shatner
Cast: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy
Runtime: 107 mins
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Spock’s half-brother wants to sail the Enterprise into space and see God, so he hijacks it. Unfortunately, the authors went on strike, and the script was halted before it could begin.
This leaves a mess that, if William Shatner hadn’t been in it, may have been entertaining to watch. As promised, he sat in the director’s chair for a little moment.
However, this is how everything transpired: If the charges concerning Shatner’s big ego are true, there is no need to look any further than that.
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan- 1982
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennette
Cast: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy
Runtime: 113 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
This is the only Trek movie you should see if you only have time for one. Admiral James T. Kirk is Khan’s white whale, a reworking of Moby Dick’s tale in which the genetically superior Khan pursues his nemesis.
The episode “Space Seed” continues the story that was left unfinished in the previous episode. Both Montalban and Shatner have reached the pinnacle of their respective professions.
They not only command attention in every moment they’re in, but their chemistry is undeniable. In Mutara Nebula, filmmaker Nicholas Meyer exhibits a great deal of patience, allowing the tension to grow as Kirk and Khan seek one another.
Khan was another work by him. The other Star Trek films have their fans, too, but Khan is a unique case. You’ll feel as though you’re there in the middle of these two titans as they spit and claw at one another.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home- 1986
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Leonard Nimoy and Harve Bennett
Cast: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy
Runtime: 119 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
“The One with the Whales,” also known as “Voyage Home,” is an enjoyable watch. Rather than sci-fi, it aims for a fish out of water scenario instead.
Humpback whales have long ago gone out, making it impossible for an extraterrestrial probe to communicate with Earth.
The crew of an Enterprise travels back in time to 1980 to rescue two humpback whales who are preparing to mate. In the end, the unanswered probe will not be able to reach the planet.
Voyage’s environmental message wasn’t subtle, but the film isn’t overly preachy. The “nuclear Wessels” is a recurring question for Chekov.
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Star Trek III: The Search For Spock- 1984
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Leonard Nimoy and Harve Bennett
Cast: DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy, and William Shatner
Runtime: 105 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Christopher Lloyd plays a Klingon in the film. On the other hand, everything else is bad. His coffin is sent into deep space after Spock’s heroic sacrifice rescues the Enterprise from impending extinction.
It landed in the world of Genesis. “How can we get Spock’s consciousness back into his body?” reverse heist movie. Awkward situations abound in this first scene. Kirk’s son was slain by Klingon forces. Even the film as a whole seems to be quite low-budget.
To suggest that this is a “homage” to the early days of Trek would be an understatement; it’s a lot to say after witnessing Khan. This film had to be made in order to get Spock to return. It’s just not worth it.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country- 1991
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Leonard Nimoy and Lawrence Konner
Cast: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy
Runtime: 110 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
There aren’t any episodes in this movie. This isn’t a movie, either. When the credits start rolling, it’s time for more popcorn and headphones.
The Klingons are in desperate need of assistance when their moon explodes. It’s up to Kirk, whose son was slaughtered by Klingons only a few films ago, to mediate between the two.
That’s how a murder mystery begins. In order to find out who did it, Kirk and McCoy will be imprisoned by Spock, who will flip the Enterprise upside down and find out.
Playing Shakespeare-quoting Klingon who doesn’t want to be friends is a lot of fun for Christopher Plummer as a Shakespearean Klingon. This is one of Nicholas Meyer’s best Star Trek movies ranked.
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Star Trek Generations- 1994
Director: David Carson
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman and Ronald.D Mooore
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Malcolm McDowell, and William Shatner
Runtime: 118 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Generating a new generation of Star Trek performers by enlisting the aid of Kirk and Picard was a primary goal of Generations. In the movie, Kirk and Picard face Malcolm McDowell, who isn’t bad but melancholy.
It doesn’t look great when Kirk, Scotty, and Chekov appear on a future film set. So many people bid their last goodbyes to the old team that a film adaptation of Generations is never made.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture- 1979
Director: Robert Wise
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Harold Livingston
Cast: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and Leonard Nimoy
Runtime: 132 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Even if you dislike The Motion Picture due to its length, you will still have a nice time watching it. The storyline reminds people of something out of Star Trek.
On its journey to Earth, an energy storm with the living machine in it is going to wipe out everything in its path. To intercept the cloud, only one ship can approach near enough.
This provides Kirk with the opportunity to assume command. It’s worth noting that none of the other films in the series is as old-fashioned as “Motion Picture”.
In a sense, it was a fantastic transition from television to the big screen for the Enterprise and its crew. Fighting amongst individuals, heroism, and arrogance are only some of the elements in this story.
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Star Trek: Nemesis- 2002
Director: Stuart Baird
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, John Logan and Rick Berman
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, and Jonathan Frakes
Runtime: 116 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
In this list of best Star Trek movies ranked, Shinzon was Picard’s clone. Tom Hardy has been Picard’s clone in the beginning. Before, other people called him that. He has been Bane, Venom, Mad Max, or something else.
To get Picard and his crew to meet with him on Romulus for peace negotiations, he ends up killing the Romulan Senate and luring them there. There are so many things in the plot that it’s hard to keep track of what is going on with the characters or the stakes.
Star Trek: Insurrection- 1998
Director: Jonathan Frakes
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman and Michael Piller
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner
Runtime: 103 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
For those who are die-hard Star Trek fans, the movie may be completely forgotten. Because it’s a filler episode in a movie, not because it’s confusing. This is the course of action taken by Starfleet.
To ensure that the Federation has access to their planet’s one-of-a-kind natural resource, they decide to evacuate a small number of humans.
Picard is enraged that Starfleet seems to have disobeyed the Golden Rule in the past. There is nothing to say about this film that is favourable or bad. If you’re not a fan of Insurrection, skip it. It is not going to result in a better or worse day.
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Wrapping Up
According to user reviews on different platforms, here are all the Star Trek movies ranked from best to worst.
This is a thrilling franchise. The novel contains a lot of action, beautiful ladies and gorgeous men, science fiction, and fantastic storylines that are also realistic to our life here on Earth. Captain Kirk is a well-known figure in the Star Trek universe. Captain: The Federation, or United Federation of Planets, has a relatively youthful leader.
The good thing is that these series are available online on various streaming platforms, like Amazon Prime. You can even buy them on DVD or Blu-Ray and watch them at your convenience.
Also read about Star Trek quadrants explained in our guide to have a clear understanding of their science and how these are different from geocentric quadrants.