25 Best Star Trek Episodes of all Time [Updated 2023]

Best-Star-Trek-Episodes

Star Trek has been in the games for many decades and continues to amaze the minds and hearts of viewers, along with having a massive amount of share in the market. The Star Trek show has a total of 178 episodes, and the countless efforts of the cast and crew shine bright in the form of its 7 seasons.

Without any doubt, there are some best Star Trek episodes that many people aren’t aware of, so we’re here to tell you about the most loved episodes of Star Trek of all time so that you never skip them by any chance.

So scroll down and check out the complete list of best Star Trek episodes!

Complete List of Best Star Trek Episodes

We all love watching our favorite characters on Star Trek, whether they appear in the show or in Star Trek movies in order. That’s why we have listed some of the best episodes from Star Trek shows that you can watch to enjoy the series to the fullest.

You can watch the Star Trek series on Netflix and on many other streaming platforms. Just select the episode from the below list and enjoy streaming.

The City On The Edge Of Forever (TOS)

the-city-on-the-edge-of-forever-tos

Director: Joseph Pevney
Writer: Harlan Ellison, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Joan Collins, DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, John Harmon, George Takei, Hal Baylor
Genre: Sci-Fi. Adventure | Time Travel
IMDB Rating: 9.2/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: This episode’s plot revolves around the insane character of Dr. McCoy, who accidentally does something that changes his life and others on the brink of a second.

He transitions the history and also changes the times, now Kirk and Spock must help him out and support him to protect him in preventing the upcoming danger. But unfortunately, doing that will not be easy as the price is very high.

Be sure to watch this episode of Star Trek as it is enlisted in one of the 25 best Star Trek episodes of all time as it features James Dohan, who has played more than 50 characters in Star Trek.

 The Devil In The Dark (TOS)

the-devil-In-the-dark-tos

Director: Joseph Pevney
Writer: Gene L. Coon, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Ken Lynch, James Doohan, Brad Weston, Biff Elliot, George Allen, Jon Cavett
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: This episode revolves around when the group of bold and complex ones is sent to a mining colony because that place is threatened and under control by a mysterious monster.

But soon enough, they find out that it’s not as simple as they thought it would be, it is much different from what it seems like. It is undoubtedly one of the best Star Trek episodes original, and if you haven’t already gotten a hold of it, do it right away.

 Yesterday’s Enterprise (TNG)

yesterdays-enterprise

Director: David Carson
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Ira Steven Behr, Richard Manning, Hans Beimler, Ronald D. Moore
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.2/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: Without the slightest doubt, it is one of the best Star Trek TNG episodes beginning with the enterprise recognizing something off in space, a cosmic glitch.

What actually happens is Enterprise C enters Enterprise D’s time and space range, and at the same time, Picard and the crew are continuously fighting off against the Klingons for two decades and Guinan only knows this fact.

Surprisingly, Tasha Yar is alive, and Lt. Worf is not in sight since he was last seen getting caught. If you love watching Star Trek then you can find some of the Star Trek movies on Hulu.

The Visitor (DS9)

the-visitor-ds9

Director: David Livingston
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Michael Taylor
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Drama
IMDB Rating: 9.1/10
Runtime: 45m

Episode Plot: When Walter Vale comes back to his home after a business trip he comes to know that two illegal immigrants named Tarek and Zainab have started to live in his apartment but soon enough Tarek gets into problems and faces deportation.

Vale starts to feel guilty when he comes to know they were leased by a con artist and to compensate for the loss he did to them, he invites them to live with him.

The Doomsday Machine (TOS)

the-doomsday-machine-tos

Director: Marc Daniels
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Norman Spinrad
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, William Windom, James Doohan, George Takei, Elizabeth Rogers, John Winston, Richard Compton
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: Everyone fears nuclear war and it is something universal. Within a few clicks, our beloved planet would be destructed in seconds. The thing is, Former Cold War atomic war architect Daniel Ellsberg is contemplating and figuring it out as a severe potential danger to our planet.

One of the highly developed countries in the world started to test its nuclear missiles during this period, showcasing its nuclear arsenal in front of the world. But the truth is, nuclear weapons are an ultimate danger to our planet and it’s something never previously thought about.

All Good Things (TNG)

all-good-things-tng

Director: Winrich Kolbe
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Ronald D. Moore, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria, Naren Shankar
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Clyde Kusatsu, Patti Yasutake,
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.0/10
Runtime: 1h 45m

Episode Plot: David gets married to Katie and after marriage, both of them shift to Vermont but due to his father insisting so hard, he goes home and Katie gets admission to College. When the space between them starts to get broad, Katie decides to run away without telling anyone anything.

The scar between David and Katie’s relationship emerges because of David’s father who wants him to work in the family business and their loving relationship starts to go down a hole of regret.

In The Pale Moonlight (DS9)

in-the-pale-moonlight-ds9

Director: Victor Lobl
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Michael Taylor, Peter Allan Fields
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor,
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.4/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: The Federation has to be saved from serious circumstances and Sisko realizes he must do something lawfully wrong in order to save the Federation. Captain Sicko asks for Garak’s assistance so that he can force the Romulans to step into the Federation.

Unluckily, the Federation-Dominion battle loses and Sisko understands that to save the Federation he will have to compromise on the principles the Federation stands firm on.

 The Enemy Within (TOS)

the-enemy-within-tosDirector: Leo Penn
Writer: Richard Matheson, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Grace Lee Whitney, George Takei, James Doohan, Ed Madden, Garland Thompson, Jim Goodwin,
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: The Colonel who works at the Joint Chiefs of Staff is fired because he comes to know that with the help of a conspiracy one of his superiors removed the President.

This episode showcases the efforts of Colonel Casey when he reveals General Lloyd’s utilization of fabricated military exercises to help out Jack Giddings in order to overthrow President Foster from his rank.

Now, Colonel Casey and President Foster must do everything and find out evidence in order to prevent a revolution that is being plotted.

The Measure Of A Man (TNG)

the-measure-of-a-man-tng

Director: Robert Scheerer
Writer: Gene Roddenberry , Melinda M. Snodgrass , Leonard Mlodinow, Scott Rubenstein
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, Diana Muldaur, Amanda McBroom
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.1/10
Runtime: 45m

Episode Plot: The staff of Starbase 173 is finally headed for a vacation, and Captain Picard stumbles upon an old colleague, Captain Phillipa Louvois, because of whom the JAG office was established at the facility; on the other hand, Data learns all the particulars and details about poker.

Ultimately, Data resigns his commission and is not pulled apart or taken into pieces for examination by a scientist. Soon enough, the decision is made on whether Data is supposed to be considered as a being with sentiments or someone without rights.

Brothers (TNG)

brothers-tng

Director: Rob Bowman
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, Cory Danziger, Colm Meaney
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: Sam is considered dead when his helicopter crashes down while being on a tour in Afghanistan but when he comes back home he witnesses his brother has taken charge of the household.

Sam and Tommy Cahill are brothers but totally opposite from each other as Sam is a disciplined Marine working for the betterment of the nation while Tommy just got out of jail.

When Sam is assumed dead, Tommy promises himself that he is going to take care of Tom and Grace, Sam’s family. With the passage of time, Tommy and Grace come close to each other and Sam comes back home alive leaving a big question in everyone’s mind of what will happen to the relationship that exists.

 Space Seed (TOS)

space-seed-tos

Director: Marc Daniels 
Writer: Gene L. Coon, Carey Wilber, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Ricardo Montalban, Madlyn Rhue, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Makee K. Blaisdell, Nichelle Nichols, Mark Tobin
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: Captain Kirk and his crew are on a deep-space patrol and meanwhile they find out about a genetically engineered world oppressor and his acquaintances from the 20th century of Earth.

Khan is a Sikh and a warrior who has been brought back to life after visiting this spacecraft and he is instilled with power and ambition five times more than humans possess. Don’t forget to watch this out, as it is one of the best Star Trek episodes of all time.

If you love watching fiction and space related content, then check out our list of best space movies of all time.

Our Man Bashir (DS9)

our-man-bashir-ds9

Director: Winrich Kolbe
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Ronald D. Moore, Bob Gillan
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: Bashir always admires James Bond and wants to be in a James Bond movie but unknowingly his dreams become true as an emergency carrier turns Bashir’s dream into a reality and he finds himself in a James Bond movie.

Without any doubt, this is one of the best Star Trek episodes ds9, so if you’re a die-hard fan of Star Trek don’t skip this episode ever.

 Year Of Hell (VOY)

year-of-hell-voy

Director: Allan Kroeker
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor, Brannon Braga
Cast: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Robert Duncan McNeill, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Tim Russ, Jeri Ryan, Garrett Wang
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: In order to change the current history, Voyager uses a Krenim time that has the ability to wipe off all the species from the planet. In short, Voyager has stepped into the Year of Hell that was predicted by Kes a while before.

Krenim times runs under the command of Captain Annorax who is on a mission to alter the history of the area and to perish the warp-capable anthropomorphic creatures from the planet. This episode is one of the best Star Trek episodes voyager.

For The Uniform (DS9)

for-the-uniform-ds9

Director: Victor Lobl
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Peter Allan Fields
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: Following Manuela’s mother’s death, she is sent off to live in a boarding school all managed by dictatorial Fräulein von Nordeck. She is extremely sad and resentful due to the fact that she’s sent away and because of that she isolates herself and doesn’t interact with other girls in the boarding school.

Slowly and gradually, Elizabeth von Bernburg who happens to be Manuela’s teacher pulls her out of the bubble of sadness, and soon enough Manuela starts to admire her to the point that it turns into a love relationship creating a controversy across the school.

 Unification@ (TNG)

Unification@-tng

Director: Les Landau
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Jeri Taylor, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Brannon Braga
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Leonard Nimoy, Joanna Miles
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Runtime: 45m

Episode Plot: Spock and Sareknpayed a visit to Picard and they came to realize that Park who is a long-time friend of Spock’s is the ultimate solution to solving the mystery.

Picard gives out a suggestion that K’Vada should be utilized as a cloaked spacecraft for this operation along with Data in order to mimic Romulans on Romulus.

This episode is one of the best Star Trek episodes of all time so don’t forget to watch this one.

 The Wounded (TNG)

the-wounded-tng

Director: Chip Chalmers
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Jeri Taylor, Stuart Charno, Sara B. Cooper, Cy Chermak
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Bob Gunton, Rosalind Chao
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: This episode revolves around Julie Clayton who happens to be a forest ranger and Don Powell is a bear hunter. Both of them together are out locating dead grizzlies in the woods.

When suddenly a surprise visit has been given by FBI agent Eric Ashton along with his partner and crew members, they end up in a situation where they have to answer to their senior officer.

Don murders the FBI agent and Julie ends up in a hospital after having multiple critical injuries and soon comes to know that her beloved Don is no more. Now, Julie is burning to seek revenge. One of the best Star Trek TNG episodes indeed.

 Duet (DS9)

duet-ds9

Director: James L. Conway
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Peter Allan Field, Lisa Rich
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Alexander Siddig, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor, Marc Alaimo
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.0/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: The episode revolves around Aamin Marritza who is a Cardassian currently suffering from Kalla Nohra in order to get medically assisted DS9 is called.

Upon meeting him Major Kira Nerys immediately figures out what kind of sickness it is and then later on she predicts that it could have been contracted when an accident took place at the work camp Gallitepp on Bajor during the Cardassian occupation.

 Little Green Men (DS9)

little-green-men-ds9

Director: James L. Conway
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Ira Steven Behr, Robert Hewitt Wolfe
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Runtime: 45m

Episode Plot: This episode revolves around Quark and Rom who have taken Nog to Earth and the Starfleet Academy but unfortunately they’re met with a malfunction on the ship because of which the crew goes back in time and lands in 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico.

 The Menagerie – Parts One and Two

the-menagerie-–-parts-one-and-two

Director: Robert Butler, Marc Daniels
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Jeffrey Hunter, Susan Oliver, Malachi Throne, Majel Barrett, Peter Duryea, John Hoyt, Laurel Goodwin
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: After immense speculation, it was confirmed that it was Leonard Nimoy’s Spock who did not go near the unaired pilot the records of Enterprise are taken as a piece of proof in The Menagerie.

Unluckily, after a vehicle accident took place, Hunter did not remain the same, and his character was disfigured so he did not continue being Pike. On the other hand, Pike is kidnapped by Spock and orders the Enterprise which results in the story taking a different turn.

You can also find out which Star Trek series characters you are according to your zodiac sign.

 Broken Bow (ENT)

broken-bow-ent

Director: James L. Conway
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Brannon Braga
Cast: Scott Bakula, John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Linda Park, Connor Trinneer, John Fleck, Melinda Clarke
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Runtime: 1h 26m

Episode Plot: This episode revolves around the Klingon who has been shot with a plasma weapon and is immediately transferred to Starfleet hospital in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

Soval is a Vulcan diplomat who thinks the life support system should be turned off and the body should be sent back to his warrior kingdom on Kronos.

Unfortunately, Klaang gets kidnapped by the Taliban after a shootout takes place in the hospital. Without any doubt, one of the best Star Trek episodes of all time.

 Past Tense (DS9)

past-tense-ds9

Director: Reza Badiyi
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Robert Hewitt Wolfe, Ira Steven Behr
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Alexander Siddig, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor, Jim Metzler
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: As the rebellious, Captain Sisko, First Officer Bashir, and Second Officer Drax finally arrive on Earth, they will have to prepare and deliver a speech at this year’s Star Trek: The Future Saga’s Starfleet Symposium.

But unfortunately, none of them show up and O’Brien has no idea about the ongoing situation. It is discovered later on that they have been transported to San Francisco in 2024 and Bashir and Sisko are held over there as they don’t have any form of identification. Certainly, one of the best Star Trek episodes ds9.

 Arena (TOS)

arena-tos

Director: Joseph Pevney
Writer: Gene L. Coon, Fredric Brown, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, Jerry Ayres, Grant Woods, Tom Troupe
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: A colony on Earth is being destroyed by the Gorn and during all of that the Enterprise gets attacked by a Gorn vessel that results in the Enterprise being completely demolished.

Now, Kirk is in full mood to destroy the Gorn ship but one obstacle comes in between when they are met with more strong aliens, Metrons.

If you’re into Star Trek, this episode is definitely a must-watch for all the Star Trek lovers out there!

 Balance Of Terror (TOS)

balance-of-terror-tos

Director: Vincent McEveety
Writer: Paul Schneider, Gene Roddenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Mark Lenard, Paul Comi, Lawrence Montaigne, DeForest Kelley, Grace Lee Whitney, George Takei, James Doohan
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Runtime: 50m

Episode Plot: This episode revolves around the outposts that were established many centuries ago and nobody ever witnessed a Romulan existing in their natural habitat. Although, the ships have a cloaking mechanism that makes them invisible, but the Romulan spacecraft also has high-energy explosive weapons.

 Sacrifice Of Angels (DS9)

sacrifice-of-angels-ds9

Director: Allan Kroeker
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Ira Steven Behr, Hans Beimler
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 9.0/10
Runtime: 46m

Episode Plot: The Dominion is now fully prepared to step into the Alpha quadrant from the reverse side simultaneously the Federation airstrikes a DS9 to sustain a minefield. Surely, one of the best Star Trek episodes on board.

 Hard Time (DS9)

hard-time-ds9

Director: Alexander Singer
Writer: Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Robert Hewitt Wolfe, Daniel Keys Moran
Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Genre: Action. Adventure. Sci-fi
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Runtime: 45m

Episode Plot: O’Brien was accused by the Agrathi that he spies and after he admits that he’s guilty, he receives a punishment of 20 years in an alternate world’s prison but in reality, only a few hours have been spent which seems like 20 years to O’Brien.

Don’t forget to watch this episode because, with a whopping rating of 8.2, this is one of the best Star Trek episodes of all time.

 What is considered the best Star Trek series?

The list below represents the Star Trek series ranked from worst to best.

  1. STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE (2001)
  2. STAR TREK: VOYAGER (1995)
  3. STAR TREK (1966)
  4. STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS (2020)
  5. STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (2017)
  6. STAR TREK: PICARD (2020)
  7. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE (1993)
  8. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION (1987)
  9. STAR TREK: PRODIGY (2021)
  10. STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS (2022)

Which Star Trek was most successful?

Star Trek: The Next Generation is considered the most successful Star Trek series.

Conclusion

If you are a die-hard fan of Star Trek, this list of best Star Trek episodes we gathered with utmost perfection will help you a great time as you wouldn’t need to carry out extensive research to find the best episodes on board as we have already done that job for you.

You can use the best VPN for streaming to watch all your favorite episodes of the Star Trek series.

Chris Mack

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!


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