Star
Trek is personally my favorite franchise of all time (which is no small
accomplishment), not just in regards to the movies but the whole TV franchise
as well. Now after all these years a new Star Trek TV show is coming out called
“Star Trek Discovery” and it has
gotten me pumped to dust off my Star Trek movie collection and quickly discus
my feelings on each film. Now years ago back in 2013 I went through each film
individually and graded them, but this time I’m going to arrange them in my own
personal order of least favorite to favorite. This of course is just my own personal
opinion and I can guarantee that the placements of some select films may shock
fans, but I’m not about to lie about my honest feels toured a film and how I’d
rank them. So with all that said, here are all 13 Star Trek movies ranked in my
own personal opinion from least to best.
#13 Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1980)
My overall score is 4 out of 10.
It’s ironic that of all thirteen Star Trek movies, the first film is my absolute least favorite. Despite being credited for re-launching the series and introducing us to the awesome musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith, this film just can’t redeem its painfully slow passé, overly long run time, and it’s completely empty story that doesn’t focus on the characters. Some of the ideas in this film are interesting, there's some good atmosphere, and the visuals are spectacles for its time, but that’s all this film is, just one long, slow special effect that doesn’t do anything meaningful with its iconic cast. It’s a very rare case in which the first movie is the worst and all the sequels (even the bad ones) are far superior, but that's just my opinion.
#12 Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
My overall score is 5 out of 10.
Often regarded as the worst of the Star Trek series, and for good reason, “The Final Frontier” provides a ludicrous story, with constant plot wholes, really bad visual effects, painfully stupid hummer, boring villains and there’s just one ridicules event after the next. However, there are at least some really good character moments and even some good statements on accepting the pain in one’s life, but that’s still not enough to save this disaster of a movie. Even with that said, the film can also pass on a level of so bad it's good ... which is more then I can say for the first film.
#11 Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
My overall score is 7 out of 10.
Even though the plot is very similar to "The Wrath of Khan", there's just enough smart twists and turns to hold it's own in the series. This one unfortunately still ranks further down on my list, because it's frustrating that the film had so much potential, and it just subtled for fun laser shooting space mayhem. There are still some really good character themes, and dilemmas that just barley balanced the films thrilling action scenes. Also, the film is still bursting with breath taking visual effects, and an amount of energy that never dies. Oh, and Khan is cool enough, although he really should have been an original villain, as opposed to an easily marketable returning character.
#10 Star Trek Generations (1994)
My overall score is 7 out of 10.
I'll always have fondness for the TNG film series, because even when at their worst, there's still something special about seeing my favorite cast in their iconic roles. As for "Generations", The average story, annoying scenes, and slow passé keep this from being the great first installment that the TNG franchise deserved, and is probably the weakest of their four films, however ... it certainly isn’t terrible. For all its shortcomings, there are still enough dramatic moments, charismatic charms, and power house scenes to make it worthwhile. Plus, it’s a real treat to finally see Captain Picard and Captain Kirk together on screen.
#9 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
My overall score is 7 out of 10.
It's the mixed-middle chapter of the original trilogy, and the one that's frequently branded as the weakest of the best films. Even though the story isn’t structured as well as its predecessor, and features some really odd plot points, it's never the less a really fun adventure to embark on with the classic crew. There's lots of high-teak Sci-Fi charms, some of the best character moments in the series run, including a very touching ending, plus Christopher Lloyd and his Klingon’s are a lot of fun to watch. Odd numbered Trek films are often written off as the weaker films, but this is a good one, and well worth checking out.
#8 Star Trek Nemesis (2002)
My overall score is 7.5 out of 10.
I’ll admit this movie has some areas that could be improved upon, but never the less, I consider "Nemesis" to be a very underrated entry in the TNG series, and personally it's another small personal favorite in the Star Trek motion picture line-up. The premise gives the TNG crew more of a character themed story than any of their other films, and there are even some intriguing concepts of nature versus nurture. More than anything, it’s the conflicts between Captain Picard and the villain Shinzon that elevate the enjoyment and character depth of this movie. Throw in some incredible visual effects, a solid supporting role by a young Tom Hardy, another terrific score provided by Jerry Goldsmith, some of the best action scenes in Star Trek history, including a powerhouse climax and you get a mostly worthy ... if admittedly flawed ... installment in the Star Trek cannon.
#7 Star Trek Beyond (2016)
My overall score is 8 out of 10.
The third entry of the new reboot series gives us a fast paced adventure set on a planet for once, which is a refreshing change of pace, and allows for some gorgeous scenery. This is arguably the best looking Star Trek movie sense “Insurrection” back in 1998. Aside from all the visual appeal and spectacular action, this film really stays true to its roots, pays respect to the characters, and is just a wonderful love letter to the legacy of this 50 year old franchise. The banter and interactions between the cast are some of the most enjoyable to date, and new characters like Jaila help breathe some new life into the film.
#6 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
My overall score is 8.5 out of 10.
Woops ... I put a big target on my head putting this one at number six. Any hard core Star Trek fan would label this film as the best of the series, however while it’s personally not my absolute favorite, “The Wrath of Khan” is undeniably the classic movie that started everything. The performances are all stronger, especially from Ricardo Montalban who’s downright chilling as the villain Khan. The story is structured very firmly and focuses on the characters first before spectacles. Yet, more than anything, it’s the films deep-context regarding life and death that make it one of the most meaningful entries in the series.
#5 Star Trek Insurrection (1998)
My overall score is 8 out of 10.
The internal conflicts of the film are really one-sided, resulting in a serious problem regarding the films sub-text, and the main plot is very reminiscent of several TNG episodes. However, the premise is engaging enough as Picard and crew deify their superiors and defend a planet from a global invasion ... which just happens to be their very own Star Fleet. This leads to some exciting action sequences, and it's a cool situation to see our hero's in. There are plenty of Trek charms, fine performances and it’s the only film that allows us to just have a fun time with the next generation crew. Plus, from a personal point of view, this is my favorite Star Trek movie to look at. I love all the scenery, landscape, spaceship interiors and all of the dazzling effects provided in this film. I'm well aware that this is not a favored film, and it may seem sacrilege to put it a peg above "Wrath of Khan", but for all it's faults, this is sill a personal favorite of mine.
#4 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
My overall score is 9 out of 10.
Of the six original films, “The Voyage Home” is the one I enjoy re-watching the most. The plot is very odd, but so well constructed, combining themes and morals with a very fun time-travel concept, and lots of comedy. The whole movie experience is just a real joy to watch, providing lots of excitement, while still teaching the viewer simple life lessens along the way. There’s just no other way to describe this movie other than a simple, lighthearted, and a completely joyful experience. It's absolutely my favorite of the Original trilogy that began with "Wrath of Kahn", and makes for a fitting polar opposite to close the story on.
#3 Star Trek (2009)
My overall score is 9.5 out of 10.
Just like “First Contact”, this film is a spectacle that non-trek fans can enjoy, and even more importantly it proves that an old franchise can still thrill and excite audiences for a new generation. The characters feel fresh and new while still keeping their timeless and charismatic charms intact. The story is very engaging, heavy on classy Sci-Fi elements, boasted by some stellar set pieces, livened up by some really good hummer, and electrified by some awesome action scenes. Finally, everything is presented in a vary energized tone, which makes the whole experience nothing short of a fun time. I don’t even know what else to say about this one, it’s just a really fun movie that’s sure to win the franchise some new fans.
#2 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
My overall score is 9.5 out of 10.
I stated earlier that “The Voyage Home” is my personal favorite of the original six, which it certainly is ... however, I honestly consider “The Undiscovered Country” to be the absolute best. It just gets everything right, boasting an intriguing, character-driven mystery plot with lots of incite on themes of prejudice, forgiveness, betrayal, nationalism and the fear of an un-known future. The result is a genuinely thrilling and even inspiring motion picture that’s nothing short of a masterpiece.
#1 Star Trek First Contact (1996)
My overall score is 10 out of 10.
This is the Star Trek movie that seems to have something for everyone, whether their fans or not. The story is exciting, there’s plenty of action, some stellar visual effects, a beautiful musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith and standout performances from James Cromwell and star Patrick Stewart in his respected roll as Captain Picard. Plus the film manages to juggle a relatively dark, even frightening overtone involving the popular Borg villains with plenty of humanity, good character structure and even a subtle touch of hummer. It’s just an excellent film on all grounds and it still stands as my personal favorite of all thirteen Star Trek movies.
Engage!
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