If you’re a fan of science fiction, then you’ve probably heard of Star Trek. This iconic franchise has been around for over 50 years and has spawned numerous TV shows and movies. Navigating through the vast collection of Star Trek TV shows and movies can be a daunting task. To make it easier, we’ve created an all-inclusive ranking list featuring each show and film from worst to best. This will help you to quickly determine which titles are worth your time so that you can start exploring further into this beloved franchise with confidence.

Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or a newcomer to the franchise, this list is the perfect guide to help you navigate the vast universe of Star Trek. From the original series to the latest movies, we’ve ranked every single entry in the franchise based on factors such as plot, acting, special effects, and overall entertainment value. This list is sure to spark debates among fans, but we’ve done our best to provide an unbiased ranking that takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of each entry.

So, get ready to boldly go where no one has gone before as we dive into the world of Star Trek and explore the best (and worst) that this beloved franchise has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of Captain Kirk or Captain Picard, the original series or the latest movies, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, sit back, relax, and prepare for a journey through the final frontier.

The Original Series

The iconic Original Series of Star Trek, more commonly referred to as TOS, is the franchise’s original installment. It first aired on television from 1966 to 1969 and featured William Shatner in his renowned role as Leonard Nimoy as the beloved Mr. Spock, Captain James T. Kirk, and DeForest Kelley playing the part of Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy.

The show was groundbreaking in its time, featuring a diverse cast and tackling social issues such as racism, war, and politics. It also introduced many of the iconic elements of Star Trek, such as the USS Enterprise, the transporter, and the phaser.

While the special effects and production values may seem dated by today’s standards, the storytelling and characters still hold up. The chemistry between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy is a highlight of the series, and the episodes range from thought-provoking to action-packed.

ProsConsStrong characters and chemistryDated special effectsGroundbreaking in its timeSome episodes are weaker than othersTackles social issues

Overall, The Original Series is a must-watch for any Star Trek fan. It may not have the flashy visuals of the newer series, but its impact on science fiction and television as a whole cannot be denied.

The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) premiered in 1987 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 1994. The series is set 78 years after the original Star Trek series and follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they explore space, encounter new civilizations, and tackle moral and ethical dilemmas.

The show was praised for its innovative storytelling, complex characters, and impressive special effects. It also introduced several iconic characters, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and Lieutenant Commander Data (Brent Spiner).

Among the most iconic episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, “The Best of Both Worlds” stands out as one of the series’ most memorable. In this episode, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is captured and assimilated by the nefarious intergalactic cybernetic species known as the Borg. Additionally, there is also “The Inner Light,” another classic story from TNG which sees Picard living an entire lifetime in a matter of minutes; a truly remarkable and thought-provoking experience for viewers.

The series also spawned several successful feature films, including Star Trek: Generations and Star Trek: First Contact.

Overall, Star Trek: The Next Generation is widely regarded as one of the best Star Trek series and a classic of science fiction television.

4. Deep Space Nine

Deep Space Nine is often considered one of the most underrated Star Trek series, but it has a loyal following of fans who appreciate its darker tone and complex characters. The show takes place on a space station located near a wormhole that leads to a distant part of the galaxy, and it explores themes of politics, religion, and war.

One of the standout characters on the show is Benjamin Sisko, played by Avery Brooks. Sisko is a Starfleet commander who is tasked with overseeing the station and managing its diverse crew. Another memorable character is Quark, a Ferengi bartender who often finds himself embroiled in various schemes and shenanigans.

Deep Space Nine also features some of the most compelling story arcs in the Star Trek franchise. The Dominion War, which spans several seasons, is a particularly memorable storyline that explores the consequences of war and the toll it takes on both individuals and societies.

Overall, Deep Space Nine is a must-watch for fans of the Star Trek franchise who are looking for something a bit different from the other series. Its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and compelling storylines make it a standout in the sci-fi genre.

5. Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager is the fourth TV series in the franchise, and it premiered in 1995. The show follows the USS Voyager, a Starfleet vessel that gets stranded in the Delta Quadrant while pursuing a group of Maquis rebels. The show features an ensemble cast led by Captain Kathryn Janeway, played by Kate Mulgrew.

Voyager is known for its strong female characters, including Captain Janeway, Chief Engineer B’Elanna Torres, and Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone. The show also explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of actions.

While Voyager received mixed reviews during its initial run, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase. The show’s seven-season run produced some standout episodes, including “Year of Hell,” “Scorpion,” and “Blink of an Eye.”

ProsConsStrong female charactersInconsistent writingExploration of complex themesSome underdeveloped charactersMemorable episodesOccasional plot holes

Overall, Voyager is a solid entry in the Star Trek franchise that is worth watching for its strong characters and exploration of complex themes.

6. Enterprise

Enterprise, also known as Star Trek: Enterprise, is a prequel series that takes place before the events of the original Star Trek series. It follows the crew of the first starship Enterprise as they explore the galaxy and encounter new civilizations.

From 2001 through 2005, the show, which was produced by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga, was shown. Along with Scott Bakula as the Enterprise’s first captain Jonathan Archer, Jolene Blalock played the Vulcan scientific officer T’Pol, and Connor Trinneer played chief engineer Charles “Trip” Tucker III.

Enterprise received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, with some praising its exploration of new themes and characters and others criticizing its departure from established Star Trek canon. Despite this, the series was nominated for several awards and has since gained a dedicated fanbase.

Overall, Enterprise is worth watching for fans of the franchise who want to explore the early days of Starfleet and the challenges faced by the crew of the first Enterprise. While it may not be the strongest entry in the series, it still offers plenty of exciting adventures and interesting characters.

7. The Kelvin Timeline Films

The Kelvin Timeline Films is a series of Star Trek movies that were released between 2009 and 2016. These films take place in an alternate timeline, created when the Romulan Nero travels back in time and alters history. The Kelvin Timeline is a pathway that deviates from the conventional “prime” timeline of the Star Trek universe. This divergence is caused by an event in which Nero, an antagonist in the first film, obliterates the USS Kelvin. As a result of this incident, this timeline has become drastically different from its predecessor, with numerous changes to characters, events, and technology occurring across multiple films and television series. This catastrophic incident caused a ripple effect throughout history, resulting in an alternate timeline with distinct characters and events that are separate from those of its prime counterpart. The name ‘Kelvin Timeline’ is thus derived from this defining moment in the franchise’s chronology.

The Kelvin Timeline Films are known for their action-packed scenes, stunning visuals, and incredible cast. Here’s a brief overview of each film:

• Star Trek (2009): This film serves as a reboot of the original Star Trek series, introducing a new cast to play the iconic characters. The film follows the crew of the USS Enterprise as they battle Nero, a Romulan from the future who seeks revenge on the Federation.
• Star Trek Into Darkness (2013): In this film, the crew of the Enterprise faces a new threat in the form of John Harrison, a rogue Starfleet officer who seeks to destroy the organization from within.
• Star Trek Beyond (2016): The third film in the Kelvin Timeline series sees the Enterprise crew stranded on an alien planet, where they must team up with a group of aliens to defeat a powerful enemy.

The Kelvin Timeline Films have been praised for their exciting action sequences and stunning special effects. However, some fans have criticized the films for deviating too far from the original Star Trek canon. Nevertheless, these films remain a popular part of the Star Trek franchise and are a must-watch for any fan of the series.

8. Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery is a highly anticipated science fiction television series that first aired in 2017. Taking place a decade prior to the events of the iconic original Star Trek series, it follows the captivating adventures of the crew aboard the USS Discovery as they traverse new galaxies and come into contact with an array of extraordinary alien civilizations.

The first season of Discovery received mixed reviews, with some fans criticizing the show’s departure from traditional Star Trek storytelling. However, the show’s second season was generally well-received, with many fans praising the show’s character development and exploration of classic Star Trek themes.

One of the standout characters of Discovery is Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green. Burnham is a human raised by Vulcans and serves as the show’s protagonist. Other notable characters include Captain Gabriel Lorca, played by Jason Isaacs, and Saru, played by Doug Jones.

Discovery also features a diverse cast, with actors of various ethnicities and genders in prominent roles. The show has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters, including the relationship between Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber.

Overall, while Discovery may not be for everyone, it offers a fresh take on the Star Trek universe and is worth checking out for fans of the franchise.

9. Picard

Picard is a science fiction television series created by CBS All Access. It premiered on January 23, 2020, and is set 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis.

The critically acclaimed television series, Star Trek: Picard, has returned to our screens and fans of the franchise are delighted to welcome back Jean-Luc Picard, the much-loved character played by Sir Patrick Stewart. This beloved role was first made famous in Star Trek: The Next Generation and now Sir Patrick Stewart reprises his iconic portrayal of this charismatic figure.

Viewers are delighted to have the opportunity to reconnect with this legendary figure, as they follow him on a brand new journey full of fascinating adventures.

The series follows Picard, who has retired from Starfleet, as he embarks on a new adventure. He is joined by a fresh and exciting cast of characters, including Isa Briones as the enigmatic Dahj and her twin sister Soji Asha, Alison Pill as the highly-intelligent Doctor Agnes Jurati, the charismatic Santiago Cabrera as Cristobal Rios and Harry Treadaway in the role of Narek. Each character brings something new to their roles, creating an exciting narrative from which viewers can experience thrilling entertainment.

The series has been praised for its storytelling, character development, and performances, particularly Stewart’s. It also explores themes such as identity, mortality, and the consequences of actions.

Overall, Picard is a great addition to the Star Trek franchise, and fans of the series will not be disappointed.

10. Lower Decks

Lower Decks is an animated series that premiered on August 6, 2020, on CBS All Access. It is created by Mike McMahan and set in the Star Trek universe. The series follows the crew of the USS Cerritos, a less important Starfleet ship, and focuses on the lower-ranking officers and crew members, rather than the senior officers who are usually the main characters in Star Trek series.

The show has been praised for its humor and irreverence, while still staying true to the Star Trek universe. The animation style is unique and visually appealing, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The series also features numerous references and nods to previous Star Trek series and movies, which will delight long-time fans.

Lower Decks is a refreshing addition to the Star Trek franchise, and a must-watch for fans who want a new perspective on life in Starfleet.

Ranking Criteria

Ranking Star Trek TV shows and movies is no easy task. With so many different series and films to choose from, fans often have differing opinions on which ones are the best. To create a comprehensive list that is fair and balanced, we used the following criteria:

• Storytelling: How well does the show or movie tell its story? Is the plot engaging and well-paced?
• Characters: Are the characters well-developed and relatable? Do they have interesting backstories and motivations?
• Visual Effects: How well are the visual effects executed? Do they enhance the story or detract from it?
• Originality: Does the show or movie bring something new and fresh to the Star Trek universe?
• Legacy: How has the show or movie impacted the Star Trek franchise as a whole? Has it left a lasting impression on fans?

By using these criteria, we hope to provide a well-rounded and fair ranking of all the Star Trek TV shows and movies. Keep in mind that this is just our opinion, and yours may differ. However, we believe that our ranking takes into account the most important aspects of what makes a great Star Trek series or film.

Conclusion

Star Trek has been a beloved franchise for over five decades, and it’s no surprise that there are so many TV shows and movies for fans to enjoy. From the original series to the latest releases, there is something for everyone in the Star Trek universe.

While opinions may vary, we’ve done our best to rank the Star Trek TV shows and movies based on a variety of factors, including storytelling, character development, and overall impact on the franchise. We hope this comprehensive list provides a helpful guide for fans looking to explore the vast world of Star Trek.

Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s no denying the impact that Star Trek has had on popular culture. With new TV shows and movies in the works, the future of Star Trek looks bright and we can’t wait to see what’s next for the crew of the USS Enterprise and beyond.