All 13 Star Trek movies ranked from worst to best
1. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is gold standard when it comes to Star Trek movies, and it’s really not hard to understand why. Wrath of Khan masterfully puts together a narrative that is both intimate and meaningful, mixing a deeply personal conflict with an exploration of moral and philosophical questions that will resonate with anyone and everyone. Unlike many sci-fi movies of its time, it doesn’t lean on just flashy special effects or high-concept ideas. It digs deep into the heart of its characters, exploring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the very nature of humanity. .
And let’s not forget the iconic villain, Khan Noonien Singh, portrayed with such charismatic intensity by Ricardo Montalban. Khan shows us all what a well-written villain can bring to a story. He’s not evil for the sake of being evil – he’s driven by revenge and injustice and while we may not agree with him, we can understand where he’s coming from. His scenes with Admiral Kirk are some of the most intense in the entire franchise, building a level of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek found the perfect balance between thoughtful narratives and a blockbuster experience – a balance that has made it a timeless classic in the realm of science fiction cinema.
Now, whether you agree with this ranking or not, it’s an exciting time to be a Star Trek fan. With Chris Pine hopefully set to make me swoon a few more times reprise his role in the next Star Trek movie, Discovery being renewed for its fifth and final season, and Strange New Worlds continuing to be an impressive new addition, Star Trek promises to thrill audiences for years to come.
Which Star Trek movie is your favorite? Are you hoping for more to come in the future?