Star Trek Turns 58! Here Are The Best Star Trek Movies Of All Time, According To Fans

1. “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982)

“The Wrath of Khan” pits a charismatic villain against Captain Kirk and his crew and ends with an emotional payoff. It’s peak Star Trek to many Trekkies out there. 

You know how sometimes a sequel comes along and just blows everyone away? Well, that’s exactly what happened here. Den of Geek can’t stop raving about this film, calling it the gold standard for the entire franchise. And get this – we’re talking about a movie that came out over 40 years ago! It’s like the fine wine of sci-fi films, just getting better with age.

“The Wrath of Khan” isn’t just a great Star Trek movie, though. It’s a cinematic masterpiece, period. Collider hits the nail on the head when they say it’s not just the obvious choice, but the right one. This film doesn’t just appeal to die-hard Trekkies; it’s the kind of movie that can make anyone sit up and take notice. It’s got drama, action, and enough heart to make even a Vulcan shed a tear (well, maybe not, but you get the idea).

Now, if you’re wondering why this particular film stands head and shoulders above the rest, SYFY has the answer. They’re not shy about heaping praise on “The Wrath of Khan,” and for good reason. This movie isn’t just a space adventure; it’s a deep dive into themes and emotions that resonate with all of us. It’s the benchmark that every Star Trek film since has been measured against. SYFY doesn’t just call it the best Star Trek film. They boldly go a step further and claim it’s one of the best science fiction films of all time. Now that’s high praise! So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a complete newbie to the franchise, “The Wrath of Khan” is definitely a must-watch. Trust me, resistance is futile!

2. “Star Trek VIII: First Contact” (1996)

This film follows the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-E from the cast of “The Next Generation” as they attempt to stop the Borg from taking over Earth in a previous era.

Alright, fellow space enthusiasts, let’s warp into the world of “Star Trek: First Contact.” Remember how “Generations” felt a bit like a family reunion, with two Enterprise crews crammed into one movie? Well, Paste magazine points out that “First Contact” ditches that approach, and boy, does it pay off! This time around, it’s all about Patrick Stewart and his Next Generation crew facing off against their most formidable foe. No more handoffs or team-ups – just pure, unadulterated Next Gen action.

Now, let’s talk about the man himself – Jean-Luc Picard. Forbes is absolutely buzzing about Patrick Stewart’s performance in this flick. Picard goes full Captain Ahab, dead set on destroying the Borg no matter the cost. It’s like watching a Shakespearean actor at a sci-fi convention – and I mean that in the best way possible! Stewart brings his A-game (or should I say his “capital A” game?), delivering powerful performances amidst some truly epic action scenes. It’s the kind of acting that makes you forget you’re watching a sci-fi movie and not a theatrical masterpiece.

Empire magazine dishes on a twist that had some Trekkies scratching their heads – the introduction of the Borg Queen. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t the Borg supposed to be a hive mind? Why do they suddenly need a leader?” Well, logic aside, this curveball turned out to be a home run. The Borg Queen, brought to life by the incredibly talented Alice Krige, is like the love child of a chess grandmaster and a supercomputer, with a dash of pure malevolence thrown in for good measure. Krige plays her with such delicious, otherworldly menace that you can’t help but be captivated.

3. “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986)

This next film is a time-traveling romp through Earth’s history as the Crew of the USS Enterprise tries to save the planet from destruction. And fans definitely have a lot to say about this one.

Alright, buckle up, space cadets! We’re about to dive into “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” or as I like to call it, “That Time Kirk and Spock Went Whale Watching.” Screen Rant nails it when they point out the brilliant mash-up of sci-fi and environmentalism in this flick. Our intrepid crew zips back in time to save some humpback whales and, you know, casually prevent Earth’s destruction in the 23rd century. It’s like “Free Willy” meets “Back to the Future,” but with phasers and pointy ears!

Now, here’s a fun fact that’ll make you say “Fascinating” in your best Spock voice: this cosmic comedy was actually directed by none other than Leonard Nimoy himself! That’s right, our beloved Vulcan stepped behind the camera for this one, and boy, did he knock it out of the park. SYFY can’t stop gushing about how this isn’t just the funniest Star Trek movie – it’s comedy gold, period. They’re giving major props to Nimoy and the late producer Harve Bennett for crafting a film that’ll have you laughing harder than a Klingon at a tribble farm.

Movie Web points out that “The Voyage Home” isn’t just for die-hard Trekkies. This movie is like the cool, approachable cousin of the Star Trek family. It swaps out some of the heavier sci-fi stuff for a lighter, more accessible plot. The result? A time-travel adventure that’s more fun than a barrel of photon torpedoes. It’s the kind of movie that could make even your grandma say, “Beam me up, Scotty!” So whether you can recite every Star Trek episode by heart or you think Vulcan is just a type of rubber, this movie’s got something for everyone. Live long and prosper… and maybe save a whale while you’re at it!

4. “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991)

The sixth major motion picture was also the final time a group of the cast members from the original TV show were together. Space.com is adamant that this isn’t just another glorified TV episode. Nope, this is the real deal, folks – a bona fide, honest-to-goodness movie that’ll make you sit up and say, “Now that’s what I call sci-fi cinema!”

But what’s a great movie without some stellar performances? And boy, does this film deliver! Entertainment Weekly points out a key scene: a dinner scene so captivating, so brilliantly executed, that it’s like watching the Starfleet Academy of Acting in action. Shatner and the gang are firing on all cylinders, delivering what many consider their best work in the entire franchise. It’s like they knew this was their last hurrah and decided to leave it all on the table (or should I say, all on the bridge?).

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Collider points out something that sets “The Undiscovered Country” apart from all its Star Trek siblings – it’s got its finger firmly on the pulse of real-world events. This isn’t just space opera; it’s a clever mirror of the Cold War’s end, with the Federation and Klingons standing in for the US and USSR. The Klingon Empire is on the brink of bankruptcy (sound familiar?), and suddenly peace talks are on the table. It’s like watching history unfold, but with more ridged foreheads and photon torpedoes. This film doesn’t just boldly go where no Star Trek has gone before; it boldly goes where no sci-fi film has dared to tread, blending intergalactic politics with real-world parallels. Now that’s what I call smart storytelling! 

5. “Star Trek” (2009)

The reboot by J.J. Abrams was considered a fresh start for the series as it tried to give us an origin story for major characters like Captain Kirk and Spock. It was meant to be a movie for Trekkies and newcomers alike.

Hold onto your warp cores, folks, because we’re about to dive into the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot that had fans both old and new saying, “Beam me up!” While this isn’t your grandpa’s Star Trek (although he’d probably love it too), Rotten Tomatoes describes it as a high-octane cocktail of action, humor, and storytelling. And let’s not forget those visuals – they’re so stunning, you’ll think you’ve been transported to an actual alien world.

Now, let’s talk about that cast. Empire magazine is over the moon about how this film manages to bridge the gap between old and new. It’s like they found the perfect balance between respecting the past and boldly going into the future. You’ve got Leonard Nimoy popping in as the Spock we all know and love (cue the nostalgic sighs), while the new cast breathes fresh life into these iconic roles. It’s like they’ve been injected with a dose of youth serum, making the characters feel both comfortably familiar and excitingly new. The whole thing is a love letter to Star Trek, wrapped up in a shiny, energetic package that’ll have you grinning from ear to pointy ear.

Den of Geek points out something that sets this reboot apart – it’s turned our beloved Enterprise crew into a team of cosmic superheroes. Gone are the days of Captain Kirk grappling with yet another midlife crisis (sorry, Shatner). Chris Pine’s Kirk is a reminder of what made us fall in love with the character in the first place – that youthful spark, that twinkle in the eye that says, “I might just save the galaxy and look good doing it.” It’s like watching the Avengers in space, but with more treknobabble and red shirts. This fresh take on Kirk and the crew reminds us that at its heart, Star Trek has always been about the thrill of exploration and the bonds of friendship. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be part of this crew?