All 13 Star Trek movies ranked from worst to best

6. Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Star Trek Beyond, the third entry in J.J. Abrams’ reboot series, came to movie theaters in 2016 and it fared a little better in the story department than its predecessors.

One thing that works well for it is that it recaptures the exploratory spirit and camaraderie of the original series. The movie’s true strength lies in its ability to balance action-packed sequences, dry humor, and truly touching character development. Director Justin Lin exhibits a deft hand in choreographing thrilling space battles and ground skirmishes alike, but he never loses sight of the characters at the heart of the action. Their interactions, filled with witty banter and moments of sincere emotion, breathe life into the narrative and provide a depth that resonates beyond the flash and sizzle of the special effects.

Something that stands out from this movie is its ability to recapture the sense of adventure and exploration that pervaded Gene Roddenberry’s original Star Trek series. The characters are not just faced with aliens or space adventures – they deal with ethical dilemmas and personal growth, reminding viewers that Star Trek is, at its core, a story about humanity’s quest for knowledge and understanding. Whether it’s Captain Kirk handling deep space exploration or Spock’s struggle between his duty to his people and his loyalty to his crew, Star Trek Beyond reaffirms that the true frontier lies not just in the stars, but in the complexity of the human (or alien) heart.