STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS drew strong reviews and a high box office position, yet such success did not automatically translate into fan approval. Audiences praised its visuals and action, but many viewers questioned the story and character choices. Critics offered respectable marks, yet the response from diehard fans was mixed. Some celebrated the production for its energy and scale, while others argued that the film strayed from the spirit of earlier entries. In the end, commercial performance and critical praise did not align with how fans felt about the film.
Fans at the latest STAR TREK convention in Las Vegas gathered for panels, cosplay displays, and surveys about the franchise. The voting captured by attendees reshaped the ranking of the best films while dropping other titles down the list. STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER no longer occupied the bottom slot, and J. J. Abrams’ most recent installment was named the worst STAR TREK film to date. The results reflected a shift in sentiment among fans, with some embracing the modern reboot while others questioned if the older canon had been compromised.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN retained its status as the franchise’s standout entry, cited for its character development, memorable set pieces, and emotional resonance. STAR TREK FIRST CONTACT followed in second place, while STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY landed in third, highlighting the durability of both classic storytelling and the franchise’s willingness to explore complex themes across generations.
Perhaps the most unexpected entry was GALAXY QUEST, the STAR TREK-inspired comedy that fans still celebrate. It not only appeared on the list but rose to the seventh position, illustrating that satire and affection for the series can endure alongside action-packed epics. The film’s humor and affectionate tone have given it a lasting place in the franchise’s broader cultural conversation.
The overall takeaway is that fan rankings can differ widely from critical judgments. The lingering question remains whether STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS represents the franchise’s weakest chapter in the eyes of the audience.