Top 5 Star Trek Movies Every Fan Must Watch

Yes, this is a predictable choice for Number 1, but it’s also well-deserved. Khan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic villains in franchise history, and he is genuinely terrifying in this movie, bent on revenge against Kirk no matter what the cost – but at the same time, you can almost feel sorry for how much he’s lost. The misuse of the Genesis Project is a fine example of how a benevolent idea can be twisted into something destructive. Of course, the Spock death scene will forever break our hearts, even when we know that he will be resurrected.

2. Star Trek (2009)

J.J. Abrams‘ franchise reboot made some controversial choices, but overall, it’s still very much worth watching. It has intense action scenes that are pretty obviously inspired by Star Wars, the new actors capture the essences of their beloved characters, and the set pieces are gorgeous. It helped a whole new generation get into Star Trek and seek out the original series. Even if the idea of a reboot that still tries to tie in with the original series rubs some Trekkie purists the wrong way, you can’t call this a bad movie by any means. Besides, seeing Leonard Nimoy don the Spock ears again is nothing short of wonderful.

3. Star Trek IV: The Journey Home

If you want a serious, thought-provoking movie, this film isn’t for you. However, if you want to see the franchise just have fun with itself, then relish in this movie. The movie knows that its plot of the Enterprise crew going back in time to the 1980s to fetch a pair of humpback whales so they can communicate with a strange message is ridiculous. It knows, so it decides to just make the audience laugh at the crew being so completely out of place in the twentieth century. After the previous movie’s emotional journey to bring Spock back to life, it’s nice to just kick back and enjoy the fun.

4. Star Trek: First Contact

This movie is the Wrath of Khan for the Next Generation batch of movies, by which I mean it’s really good. Utilizing yet another time-travel plot (yes, it happens a lot in the Star Trek universe), this time the crew is trying to protect the invention of the warp drive so Earth can be noticed for First Contact. However, it turns out that the inventor of the warp drive isn’t that willing to cooperate. After The Next Generation had an awkward start on the big screen with Generations, this movie has complete confidence in the crew’s ability to carry a movie. Also, the ending is nothing short of wonderful.

5. Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Yes, all the criticisms of this movie are valid. It is indeed as slow and bloated as everyone says it is, and probably a half hour could be cut without losing anything. Still, this movie has a special place in my heart since it was my introduction to the Enterprise crew. Remember, at the time, it was pretty thrilling for people to see their TV friends on the big screen. Even with its flaws, every Trek fan should still see this movie. It’s ultimately a decent movie. Besides, the ending twist is pretty cool.

Final Thoughts

Sixty years later, Star Trek is still highly relevant and beloved by many. It helped to show the world that yes, sci-fi can be taken seriously and it can be used to discuss real-world issues. You really should see all the Trek movies. Even the lower quality films are still worth watching. No matter which film you choose, you’re bound to be sent on a grand adventure.