The Best Star Trek Films

This is the motion picture that set off the franchise into the film series, and even though it's not considered the crème de la crème, it deserves a special place on the best Star Trek films list. The plot begins with a mysterious and powerful alien cloud known as V'Ger approaching Earth, destroying everything in its path. Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of his previous starship to lead it on a mission to save the planet and determine V'Ger's origins. Be sure to check out the restored Director's Edition of the original Star Trek classic with enhanced visual effects and a new sound mix for a voyage you won't forget.

The Wrath of Khan is the second feature film in the Star Trek universe and is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best. The plot centres on Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise and their fight against the genetically engineered tyrant Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán). Khan first appeared in the television series, but the film revolves around the events after Khan escapes from a 15-year exile to exact revenge on Kirk. This film marks the beginning of a story arc that continues with the next two full-length features. Don't forget to check it out on DVD and Blu-ray, you'll be awarded with special features including Starfleet academy: The Mystery Behind Ceti Alpha VI.

Star Trek: The Search for Spock is the third instalment in the film series, and it's a part of the story arc spanning over three films. The plot begins after Kirk's defeat of Khan and the creation of the Genesis planet, but due to Spock's death and McCoy's madness it all seems like an empty victory. When Sarek, Spock's father, visits Kirk he explains that McCoy is harbouring Spock's living essence. That's when Kirk and company steal the Enterprise to return Spock's body to his home planet. This is just a little taste of the exciting story that is Star Trek, so be sure to check out all entries on the franchise's best films list. For the best quality, rent it on DVD and Blu-ray and additionally enjoy in special features such as Terraforming and The Prime Directive.

The fourth instalment in the Star Trek cinematic universe, The Voyage Home, is the film that concludes the story arc set in motion with The Wrath of Khan. The former crew of the USS Enterprise finds the planet in grave danger when a mysterious alien power threatens Earth by evaporating the oceans and destroying the atmosphere. Captain Kirk and his crew must travel to 1986 San Francisco in attempt to save their world from an alien probe. The film's different story filled with humour was well received by fans and critics, and even was nominated for four Academy Awards. To best experience The Voyage Home and once praised cinematography and audio, be sure to rent it on DVD and Blu-ray.

It is the fifth film in the Star Trek film series. The plot follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-A as they face off against the renegade Vulcan Sybok, who is on a quest for God at the galaxy's centre. Film was directed by William Shatner, following two films directed by his co-star Leonard Nimoy.

We're continuing the best Star Trek films list with the sixth instalment in the series, The Undiscovered Country. This is also the last film featuring the entire cast of the original series. After the destruction of the Klingon moon Praxis brings the Klingon Empire to its knees, the foreign concept of peace with the Federation may be finally within reach. But nothing ever goes according to plan, so the crew of the USS Enterprise must race against unseen conspirators with a militaristic agenda to broker that peace. To this date, The Undiscovered Country is the only Star Trek movie to win the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. Don't forget to check it out on DVD and Blu-ray for a real Trekkie experience.

Our next entry for the best Star Trek films is First Contact, the second film in the series to star the cast of TNG. Following a battle against the Borg, Captain Picard and his crew choose to chase the Borg Sphere back in time to prevent Earth's first contact. Resistance is futile. Or is it? First Contact is directed by cast member Jonathan Frakes, and the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup. See it on DVD and Blu-ray to get access to an abundance of special features, such as Industrial Light and Magic: The next generation, Greetings from the international space station and Commentary by: Damon Lindelof and Anthony Pascale.

This is the seventh feature film in the franchise and it's the first film to star the cast of The Next Generation. As the title suggests, Generations is the film where two iconic starship captains meet. Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise-D teams up with his predecessor Captain James T. Kirk (trapped inside the Nexus since he was swept out into space) to stop a villain from destroying a planet, that includes the destruction of the Enterprise and millions of lives. Be sure to check it out on DVD to experience this legendary meeting, and enjoy in additional special features including commentary by director David Carson and Manny Coto.

This is the ninth in the Star Trek film series, as well as the third to star the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. When the Enterprise crew discovers a Federation plot against the residents of a peaceful Ba'ku's planet, Captain Picard starts an open rebellion. Special effects depicting outer space were computer-generated, a first for a Star Trek movie.

Star Trek Into Darkness is a sequel to the Star Trek, rebooted franchise in 2009, and it's the 12th instalment overall. Again, directed by J.J. Abrams, Into Darkness gets the spot on our Star Trek films list, but it could be said it's "the weakest" of the newer features films regarding script and story. Nevertheless, the film has an abundance of action and special effects perfect for a sci-fi movie night. In this one we see the return of Khan, a classic baddie in a somewhat different form. A merciless mastermind known as Khan, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, declares a one-man war on the Federation, and it's up to the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to set out on the most action-packed manhunt of all time. See it on DVD, Blu-ray or Blu-ray 3D accompanied with plenty of special features including featurettes The Klingon Home World and Creating the Red Planet.

After Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond is the 13th film in the franchise and the third instalment in the reboot series. Dispatched on a rescue mission to the farthest reaches of space, the USS Enterprise is ambushed by Krall, a ruthless enemy sworn against the Federation. On a melancholic note, the film is dedicated to Anton Yelchin and the legendary Leonard Nimoy who died during pre-production.

Next up on our list is the first rebooted instalment, and 11th film overall in the series. Simply named Star Trek, it marked a new beginning for the franchise - younger cast, better special effects and more action - under the experienced guidance of J.J. Abrams. Star Trek features the main characters of the original Star Trek television series, portrayed by a new cast. The film follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) aboard USS Enterprise in their battle against Nero, a Romulan from their future. Interestingly, the plot is set in an alternate reality because of time travel, including the appearance of original Spock (Leonard Nimoy). DVD and Blu-ray editions are waiting for you, packed with additional content such as BD-Live™ Features: NASA News and Gene Roddenberry's Vision.