All 13 Star Trek movies ranked from worst to best

8. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Star Trek Into Darkness, the second installment in J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the franchise, certainly shines when it comes to visual effects and Chris Pine’s gorgeous existence. The film’s striking aesthetics and CGI, from the alien landscapes to the sleek design of the Starship Enterprise, are a testament to the the advancements in cinematic technology. With a vibrant color palette and heart-pounding action sequences, Into Darkness is a feast for the eyes not just because of Chris Pine that consistently delivers when it comes to its visual effects.

However, for all its visual effects and glamour, Into Darkness has drawn criticism for its plot intricacies and the overuse of nods to its predecessors. The storyline, while ambitiously expanding throughout the movie, often feels tangled in its own complexities. That leaves viewers to untwist the narrative threads on their own, and that’s not a whole lot of fun. Similarly, while nostalgia can certainly be an asset for any reboot, the film’s frequent call-backs to the original series and movies, most notably the retelling of key plot points from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, felt like a crutch used by J.J. Abrams in places where his story wouldn’t hold its own.

Instead of confidently carving out its own path in the Star Trek universe, Into Darkness sometimes seems anchored by its history, leading to a sense of déjà vu rather than discovery. Speaking of déjà vu, doesn’t that kind of remind you of another franchise Abrams was involved with…? *cough cough* Star Wars *cough cough*