Ranking Star Trek Movie Directors: A Comprehensive Analysis

From Wrath of Khan to Star Trek Beyond, the Star Trek franchise has seen a diverse range of directors contribute to its legacy. This article aims to rank the directors involved in Star Trek movies, providing a detailed list based on various aspects such as character understanding, action sequences, humor, and overall impact on the franchise.

1 Nicholas Meyer - Valued for His Unique Vision

Undisputedly, Nicholas Meyer ranks as the top director in the Star Trek franchise. His contributions to Wrath of Khan and Undiscovered Country solidify his position as a master storyteller, particularly within the Next Generation and Reboot series. Meyer's ability to delve deeply into the intricacies of the characters, combined with thrilling action, brilliant humor, and grand concepts, sets him apart from other directors. His direction of Wrath of Khan is often considered one of the most pivotal moments in Star Trek history, and Undiscovered Country, while perhaps not as legendary, still delivers a satisfying conclusion to a beloved trilogy. While some may claim that Uncontroversial choice is subjective, Meyer's unique vision and execution cannot be ignored.

2 David Carson - A Controversial But Admirable Director

David Carson is a somewhat controversial choice, yet his contribution to the franchise cannot be denied. Known for directing some of the most iconic episodes of the Next Generation, such as Yesterday's Enterprise, Carson also directed Star Trek Generations. While Generations may not be among the most beloved entries in the franchise, the movie's problems lie more in the script than in the visuals or performances. Carson's storytelling and character development, particularly in the aforementioned episodes, demonstrate his value to the franchise. His involvement in Generations showcases his ability to blend character-driven narratives with visual storytelling, making him a significant and often overlooked figure in Star Trek's cinematic legacy.

3 Robert Wise - A Hollywood Great with a Diverse Portfolio

Robert Wise, a true Hollywood great, lends a stately grandeur to Star Trek The Motion Picture. His directorial touch brings a richness and depth to the film, elevating it above others in the franchise. While he may not be the best Star Trek director, his overall impact on cinema is undeniable. Wise's history of directing classics like The Sound of Music and West Side Story underscores his skill and versatility as a film maker. His approach to Star Trek The Motion Picture demonstrates his ability to blend grandiose storytelling with technical proficiency, making him a standout among the directors analyzed here.

4 Justin Lin - Bringing Freshness to the Reboot Universe

Justin Lin brings a fresh perspective to the Reboot universe in movies like Star Trek Beyond. Lin's earlier work in action films, particularly Fast Furious, proves instrumental in delivering an engaging and dynamic Star Trek experience. While the reboot universe may not be as well-received by all, Lin's ability to create thrilling action sequences and maintain a relatively consistent level of quality makes his work noteworthy. Star Trek Beyond may not be perfect, but it successfully captures the essence of Star Trek with its blend of action and character development, making it a commendable addition to the franchise.

5 Leonard Nimoy - The Fascinating Middle Ground

Leonard Nimoy holds a unique place in the Star Trek pantheon, directing Search for Spock and The Voyage Home. With a rather unusual distinction of directing one of the "least bad" bad Star Trek movies and one of the "least good" good Star Trek movies, Nimoy's work falls right in the middle. His direction often highlights strong character moments while falling short in the overall direction and execution. While Search for Spock delivers some solid performances and character interactions, The Voyage Home's humor and pacing struggle to live up to the standards set by other directors. Nimoy's contribution to the franchise, while valuable, is by no means the most impressive, placing him squarely in the middle of the ranking.

6 Jonathan Frakes - A Juggler with Limited Success

Jonathan Frakes helmed one of the lone successful movies in the Next Generation series with Star Trek First Contact. Despite his personal preference for Star Trek Insurrection, which he finds to be one of his least favorite, Frakes is known for delivering a consistently good movie in a series that often underperformed. First Contact demonstrates his ability to balance character development with plot progression, even if it's not widely acclaimed. His efforts in First Contact reflect his journeyman status in the Star Trek directorial corps, making him a reliable choice for those seeking a well-executed and character-driven film.

7 JJ Abrams - A Mixed Bag of Success and Disappointment

JJ Abrams has a mixed record with Star Trek, contributing to two films: Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. While he was lauded for his work in The Force Awakens, his entry into Star Trek with Star Trek Into Darkness falls short in the ranking. Abrams' involvement in these films brings a fresh take to the franchise, enhancing the visual effects and character development. However, Into Darkness does not meet the high standards set by earlier directors, particularly in terms of narrative cohesion and emotional depth. While it's enjoyable, Into Darkness is widely considered the bottom of Abrams' Star Trek career, reflecting a fundamental incompatibility with the franchise that most of his critics find compelling.

8 William Shatner - A Promising Start, Uncompleted Legacy

William Shatner directed only one movie, The Final Frontier. Despite some positive character moments and a pure "Star Trek" plot, the film does not meet the expectations for a well-directed Star Trek movie. Shatner's involvement highlights his unique position among the cast members who have ventured behind the camera. While the plot remains true to Star Trek, the execution is notably poor, showcasing a lack of direction that fails to capitalize on its strengths. Shatner's Star Trek directorial experience is valuable but ultimately disappointing, given his theatrical background and reputation within the series.

9 Stuart Baird - A Director with Little Passion

Stuart Baird directed Nemesis, a film often criticized by fans for its lack of passion. Baird's work in this movie is notable for its uninspired direction, which is reflected in the overall low enjoyment it brings to viewers. While Nemesis has its merits in terms of visual effects and performances, the film's direction fails to engage the audience in a meaningful way. Baird's approach in this film paints a picture of a director lacking the creative spark necessary to elevate a Star Trek movie to its full potential.