2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 130107, ID: 0084726 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is widely regarded as one of the best films in the Star Trek franchise. The film’s strong plot, memorable villain, and emotional depth make it a standout. Ricardo Montalban’s performance as Khan is particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of intensity and drama to the film. A Picard movie could build on this legacy, offering a fresh perspective and new challenges for the beloved character.
3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 1984，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 86836, ID: 0088170 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) is a solid entry in the franchise, focusing on themes of friendship and sacrifice. The film’s plot is engaging, and the performances by the cast are strong. However, it lacks the emotional impact of its predecessor. A Picard movie could delve deeper into these themes, providing a richer and more nuanced exploration of the characters and their relationships.
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 92193, ID: 0092007 Photo by isfdb.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) is a delightful and humorous entry in the series, with a unique plot that involves time travel and environmental conservation. The film’s lighthearted tone and strong performances make it a fan favorite. A Picard movie could bring a similar sense of fun and adventure, while also addressing contemporary issues in a meaningful way.
5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier 1989，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 64718, ID: 0098382 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) is often considered the weakest of the original series films. The plot is convoluted, and the film’s attempts at humor fall flat. Despite its flaws, the film does explore interesting philosophical questions. A Picard movie could avoid these pitfalls by focusing on a more coherent and compelling story, with a stronger emphasis on character development and emotional depth.
6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 1991，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 81477, ID: 0102975 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is a thrilling political allegory that masterfully blends Shakespearean dialogue with a gripping mystery plot. The film’s exploration of peace negotiations with the Klingons mirrors contemporary geopolitical tensions, making it a thought-provoking watch. The performances of the original cast, especially William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, add a nostalgic charm. However, the film’s true strength lies in its ability to balance action with intellectual depth, making it a standout in the Star Trek series.
7. Star Trek: Generations 1994，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 87611, ID: 0111280 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: Generations attempts to bridge the gap between the original series and The Next Generation, but falls short with its convoluted plot and over-reliance on nostalgia. While the performances of Patrick Stewart and William Shatner are commendable, the film struggles to find its footing. The concept of the Nexus is intriguing, but its execution leaves much to be desired. Despite its flaws, Generations offers moments of genuine emotion and spectacle, making it a worthwhile watch for die-hard fans.
8. Star Trek: First Contact 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 132840, ID: 0117731 Photo by nocookie.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: First Contact is a standout entry in the franchise, delivering a thrilling and visually stunning adventure. The film’s exploration of the Borg and their attempt to alter history adds a layer of tension and excitement. Patrick Stewart’s performance as Captain Picard is both commanding and emotionally resonant, while the special effects and action sequences are top-notch. First Contact successfully balances character development with high-stakes action, making it one of the best Star Trek films.
9. Star Trek: Insurrection 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 79951, ID: 0120844 Photo by sketchfab.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: Insurrection feels more like an extended TV episode than a feature film, with its slow pacing and lack of high-stakes drama. The plot, centered around the moral dilemma of relocating a peaceful race, is thought-provoking but lacks the excitement of previous entries. Patrick Stewart and the cast deliver solid performances, but the film’s overall impact is diminished by its predictable storyline. Despite its shortcomings, Insurrection offers moments of charm and humor that will appeal to dedicated fans.
10. Star Trek: Nemesis 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 84437, ID: 0253754 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: Nemesis is a mixed bag, with its ambitious plot and impressive action sequences overshadowed by a lack of coherence and emotional depth. The film’s exploration of themes like identity and sacrifice is commendable, but the execution falls flat. Patrick Stewart and Tom Hardy deliver strong performances, but the film’s uneven pacing and reliance on clichés detract from its overall impact. Nemesis is a decent addition to the franchise, but it fails to reach the heights of its predecessors.
11. Star Trek 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 622539, ID: 0796366 Photo by kairos2.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ (2009) is a thrilling reboot that reintroduces the iconic characters of the USS Enterprise with a fresh, youthful cast. The film’s dynamic action sequences and engaging plot make it a standout in the sci-fi genre. However, while it successfully revitalizes the franchise, it lacks the depth and philosophical exploration that ‘Star Trek: Picard’ offers. A Picard movie could bring back the intellectual and emotional richness that fans cherish, making it a more fitting continuation of the Star Trek legacy.
12. Star Trek Into Darkness 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 498705, ID: 1408101 Photo by wp.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013) is a visually spectacular and action-packed sequel that pits the crew of the Enterprise against a formidable adversary. Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance as the villain adds a layer of intensity to the film. Despite its entertainment value, the movie’s focus on action over character development and moral dilemmas makes it less satisfying for fans seeking the thoughtful storytelling found in ‘Star Trek: Picard’. A Picard movie could provide the depth and nuance that ‘Into Darkness’ lacks.
13. Star Trek Beyond 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 259949, ID: 2660888 Photo by gaypost.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016) brings back the fun and camaraderie of the original series, with the crew facing new challenges on a distant planet. The film’s emphasis on teamwork and adventure is commendable, but it falls short in delivering the philosophical and emotional depth that ‘Star Trek: Picard’ excels in. A Picard movie could bridge this gap, offering a more profound and meaningful exploration of the Star Trek universe.
14. Star Trek: Picard 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 95759, ID: 8806524 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (2020) is a masterful continuation of Jean-Luc Picard’s journey, delving into themes of loss, redemption, and the passage of time. Patrick Stewart’s performance is both powerful and poignant, capturing the essence of his character. The series’ thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout in the Star Trek franchise. A Picard movie would be a natural extension, providing a cinematic platform to further explore these rich themes and bring closure to Picard’s story.
15. Top Gun: Maverick 2022，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 719449, ID: 1745960 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022) is a high-octane sequel that successfully captures the spirit of the original while introducing new characters and challenges. Tom Cruise’s performance is as charismatic as ever, and the aerial sequences are breathtaking. While not directly related to the Star Trek universe, the film’s success in blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling could serve as an inspiration for a Picard movie, demonstrating how beloved characters can be revitalized for a new generation.
16. Avatar: The Way of Water 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 504372, ID: 1630029 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is a visual spectacle that immerses viewers in the stunning world of Pandora. While the plot may be predictable, the breathtaking visuals and action sequences make it an unforgettable experience. The film’s focus on family and environmental themes resonates deeply, making it a must-watch for fans of the original. However, a Picard movie could bring a fresh perspective and deeper emotional connection to the Star Trek universe.
17. Star Trek: The Next Generation 1987，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 138083, ID: 0092455 Photo by varady.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced us to the iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard, whose leadership and wisdom have left a lasting impact on fans. The series’ exploration of complex moral and ethical dilemmas, combined with strong character development, makes it a timeless classic. A Picard movie would build on this legacy, offering a new adventure that honors the beloved captain and his crew.
20. Enterprise 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 59826, ID: 0244365 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: Enterprise explores the early days of space exploration, with Captain Archer and his crew paving the way for future generations. The series’ focus on the challenges and triumphs of early space travel provides a unique perspective within the Star Trek universe. A Picard movie could build on this foundation, offering a story that bridges the past and the future of Starfleet.
Why a Jean-Luc Picard Movie Is the Star Trek Film We Need, Not Star Trek 4
