Top 10 Star Trek Movie Moments
#10- Meeting God “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (1989)
Kicking off our list is the moment that epitomized Kirk’s need for pain. Arriving on the God planet at the center of the galaxy, Kirk and company meet what appears to be the almighty, only to overhear that it needs a ride. Leave it to Kirk to point out the elephant in the room.
#9- Crash Landing “Star Trek Generations” (1994)
There are plenty of ships that blow up in Star Trek, but it’s rare to see a starship, albeit half of one, crash-land into a planet! Here, the Enterprise D is forced to make a harrowing and spectacular landing. An unforgettable scene, it’s an awesome sign off to the ship we loved throughout The Next Generation Series, and proving even in space, you should always buckle up.
#8- Vulcan Rescue Mission “Star Trek” (2009)
With a Romulan mining ship from an alternate future attacking Vulcan, the Enterprise arrives late, seriously outgunned and unable to use its transporters. As a result, Kirk, Sulu and a red shirt decide to attempt an atmospheric sky dive to shut down the drill. This adrenaline-pumping scene led to one heck of a nod to the original series, while the unexpected destruction of Vulcan no doubt caused fans to implode their pants.
#7- The Cloaked Warbird “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991)
If there’s one constant in the Star Trek universe, its that a Klingon bird of Prey cannot fire while cloaked. Well, cue everyone’s surprise when a rogue Klingon general uses such a ship to prevent the Enterprise and the Excelsior from saving a peace summit. The result is harrowing one-sided space fight that’s only resolved when Kirk fires a special cloak-seeking torpedo. Shakespeare can’t help you now…
#6- Battle With The Borg “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996)
This is easily the franchise’s most sweeping space battle yet. Here, humanity’s most terrifying enemy arrives at Earth, causing the entire Federation to give the cube everything they’ve got. While their battle comes across as hopeless, and Worf gets a chance to gleefully attempt to sacrifice his own ship, Picard arrives and saves the day in the nick of time. See Picard’s calm demeanor? It’s just a ruse, that dude is seriously pissed…
#5- 1980s San Francisco “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986)
Time travel is often used in the franchise, but this time it was all about the fish out of water comedy! Ironically, the wayward crew went to the 80s to find a whale in order to satisfy a destructive alien probe. Shenanigans ensue, including Chekov unsuccessfully asking for directions, Scotty trying to use a computer, Kirk learning how to swear, and Spock neck pinching a street punk!
#4- Mutara Nebula and the Death of Spock “Star Trek 2: The Wrath Of Khan” (1982)
In what is widely regarded as the greatest Trek film ever, Kirk and his crew face off against Khan’s captured ship in the Mutara Nebula. A blind showdown, it ultimately ends with the damaged Enterprise coming out on top. However, when Khan decides to use the Genesis device to kill them all, Spock sacrifices himself to save the day. But, this bromantic sacrifice is only the second biggest tearjerker of the franchise….
#3- Self Destruct “Star Trek III: The Search For Spock” (1984)
Of all the ways a spaceship has ended its run, nothing has been as emotionally draining or visually gratifying as Kirk sacrificing his one true love, next to Spock. Here, Kirk sets the original Enterprise to self-destruct before beaming to the planet below as an alternative to surrendering to the Klingons that killed his son. You’re not a die-hard fan unless you got chocked up seeing the old girl go.
#2- Final Farewell “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991)
If there’s one thing sadder then seeing any of characters or ships meet their end, it’s this scene, which ended the original cast’s twenty-five year run. Here, the crew is ordered to return to base to be decommissioned. You can feel the emotion, and see the sense of dread, as even the actors knew their time was up. Having earned a dignified send off, they decide to take the ship for one last ride before hanging up their uniforms.
#1- Kirk’s Yell “Star Trek 2: The Wrath Of Khan” (1982)
Taking the top spot on our list is the most famous, and certainly the most mimetic Star Trek moment ever! This one came from Kirk losing the upper hand and realizing that he had been bested by his arch nemesis who took great pleasure leaving Kirk stranded on a barren moon without the possibility of rescue. All things considered Kirk took the news pretty well…
Agree with our list? What’s your favorite Star Trek movie moment? For more entertaining top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.