The other day, while in Los Angeles working on a press junket, I had a few hours to kill and decided to stop by probably my favorite movie theater in the world to catch a matinee. And what a matinee it was — they were showing a vintage 35mm print of The Last Starfighter from Quentin Tarantino’s private collection. Before the film, they played a bunch of trailers, including one that sent my nostalgia into overdrive: the original teaser trailer for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
I was ten when this movie hit theatres and was totally mad about Star Trek. I vividly remember that it was part of a year-long celebration of Star Trek’s 25th anniversary, and having seen the movies on TV, this was my first chance to see the original crew on the big screen. My father promised to take me to see it over the Christmas holidays — which he did, despite having zero interest in Trek.
It got me thinking about how important these movies — and this franchise — were to me as a kid. These days, with the streaming era, we get so much Star Trek content that it feels like the magic has faded a bit. Take the Star Trek streaming movie Section 31 — pretty unwatchable as a movie, in my opinion, though I’ve heard some of the shows are good (I’ve never been able to stick with one).
With Skydance now owning Paramount, my hope is that once the shows run their course, they rest the franchise a bit and maybe focus on making movies again. I’ve always enjoyed Trek on the big screen, and since we’ve gotten so much episodic content from the series, I’m not sure it can stay fresh indefinitely.
With that in mind, I want to know what you folks think is the best big-screen Star Trek movie. For me, The Wrath of Khan is the easy winner, although I’m impossibly fond of the entire Genesis Trilogy. And I’ve never bought into the notion that only the even-numbered Trek movies are good, especially since probably the worst Trek movie ever — Nemesis — is even-numbered.
THE STAR TREK MOVIE LEGACY
For decades, Star Trek has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. With over a dozen films in the franchise, there has always been one burning question on the minds of fans: which Star Trek movie is the best?
From the original cast to the J.J. Abrams' reboot, each Star Trek movie has offered something unique—whether it's the timeless story of "The Wrath of Khan" or the action-packed spectacle of "Star Trek (2009)." But now, it's time for the fans to decide: which film reigns supreme?
FANS CHIME IN
The debate over the best Star Trek movie is often heated, and fan opinions are divided. "The Wrath of Khan" is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of Star Trek films, delivering an intense battle of wits between Kirk and Khan. Others argue that "First Contact" holds the title for its balance of action and character-driven storytelling, with a timeless fight against the Borg.
Meanwhile, fans of the J.J. Abrams reboot swear by the excitement of the 2009 movie, which introduced a fresh generation to the franchise. Some believe that this film revitalized Star Trek for a new era.
And then there's the more philosophical "The Voyage Home," which brings humor and heart to the forefront. With its lightheartedness and social commentary, it's easy to see why many fans hold this one in high regard.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
The poll is now open! What is YOUR favorite Star Trek movie? The fans' voice matters, and it’s time to settle this debate once and for all. Vote below and let us know which movie captures the essence of Star Trek in your eyes.
VOTE NOW: What is the best Star Trek movie?
A) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
B) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
C) Star Trek (2009)
D) Star Trek: First Contact
E) Other – Share your favorite in the comments below!