“Star Trek” is a massive science fiction media franchise and global phenomenon! First debuting with the original television series in 1966, “Star Trek” has expanded over the last five decades to include comic books, video games, novels, blockbuster films and more. As of 2024, there are a total of 12 distinct episodic series across multiple channels and streaming services, and there’s reportedly another on the way for 2025!
In total, there are hundreds of episodes of the franchise’s television series. Choosing the best ones is no easy task, even for diehard Trekkies! There’s no shortage of memorable episodes that defined the genre and helped make “Star Trek” the media juggernaut it is today. Let’s look back at some of the series’ best.
1. “The City on the Edge of Forever” – “Star Trek: The Original Series” (1966-1969)
This episode was the penultimate of the original series’ first season, and many consider it to be among the best of the entire franchise because of its ability to blend the excitement of science-fiction fantasy with the devastation of romantic tragedy. The episode revolves around Spock and Kirk traveling back in time to undo the changes made by Dr. McCoy. At this point, the old “Butterfly Effect” trope is cliche to some. However, this episode portrays it brilliantly.
Kirk and Spock travel back to 1930s America to prevent Dr. McCoy from changing the course of history. But in doing so, Kirk must make a personal sacrifice for the greater good. The death of Kirk’s love interest, Edith, is truly heartbreaking, but the events that unfold play with the episode’s themes of morality.
2. “Darmok” – “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994)
“Darmok” is a season-five episode of “The Next Generation” that many hold close to their hearts. It’s just one example of many episodes that tackle real-world problems amidst a sci-fi background. Technically, this episode retools a plot told during the original series. However, the rewrite allows Patrick Stewart to flex his Shakespearian roots!
In the episode, Picard and company encounter the Tarmarians, an alien species that speaks a language that the universal language technology can’t translate. The species uses a language that relies heavily on cultural metaphors. Therefore, the team must understand Tarmarian culture in order to communicate. The journey to deep cultural understanding is beautifully relevant, even today.
3. “The Visitor” – “Deep Space Nine” (1993-1999)
“Deep Space Nine” explored many captivating themes during its run. It focused heavily on family and balancing familial duties and commitment to Starfleet. This episode beautifully portrays the importance of family in a way that’s still true to science fiction and fantasy. Jake Sisko becomes scattered across time due to an accident, and “The Visitor” takes place in an alternative timeline where he loses his father.
The riveting story shows how grief can take over a person’s life. Jake becomes obsessed with discovering what happens to his father, leaving behind his career to pursue his father.
4. “Inner Light” – “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994)
This thematically rich episode is another example of “Star Trek” going beyond the boundaries of sci-fi to deliver real human emotions. It’s a profound story that shows Picard using an alien probe to live through the last days of Kamin, an iron weaver on the planet Kataan. Picard experiences the final days of now-extinct civilization, encountering those moments through the eyes of Kamin.
The experience profoundly changes Picard. As viewers, we don’t know if Kamin was real or if a simulation was created for Picard. However, the ambiguity only adds to the story.
5. “The Best of Both Worlds” – “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994)
This two-part episode began as a cliffhanger at the end of season three. Long-time fans often consider the first part one of the best cliffhangers in the entire franchise! It shows Captain Picard turning against his crew after full assimilation from the Borg threat. In the final moments of the first part, Riker orders the Enterprise to fire on the former Captain Picard. It’s a dramatic moment that many believe served as a turning point for the series, helping it move beyond the shadow of the original series.
The second part had a lasting impact on the series, and the wait between seasons three and four was nail-biting for fans everywhere!
6. “Memento Mori” – “Strange New Worlds” (2022-Present)
Many long-time fans of the franchise are wary of newer iterations, but this season-one episode of Strange New Worlds helped show that newer outings could be just as resonant and impactful as the classics. In this story, the Enterprise completes a routine supply mission to Memento Mori. Upon arrival, they discover a devastating and bloody scene. The crew is attacked by the Gorn and forced to flee.
The episode is thrilling, action-packed and full of intrigue. Amidst the chaos, we learn more about the crew and see how terrifying the Gorns can be. It’s a standout episode with all the magic of the classics, helping put this new show on the map.
7. “Yesterday’s Enterprise” – “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994)
“Yesterday’s Enterprise” wasn’t a huge hit upon release. But many fans recognized it as an important story over time, giving it a legacy as one of the best in “The Next Generation.” The plot revolves around time travel and alternate dimensions while exploring themes of self-sacrifice.
It’s a gritty tale that shows the Enterprise-C emerging from a temporal anomaly. Characters killed off in the first season return in the alternate timeline. Furthermore, we see an alternate version of history in which the Klingon Empire and the Federation were at war, but the Federation was losing.
8. “Balance of Terror” – “Star Trek: The Original Series” (1966-1969)
This episode of the original series introduced us to the Romulans. The Romulans are an offshoot of the Vulcans and became one of the fiercest antagonists. After discovering destroyed outposts in the neutral zone, the Enterprise engages with the Romulans. The Romulans were the prime suspects.
While this episode debuted early in the “Star Trek” franchise, its impact is still evident today. The story explored themes of bigotry while including some great action-packed scenes throughout.
9. “In a Mirror, Darkly” – “Enterprise” (2001-2005)
Here’s another two-part episode. It’s the most popular episode of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” and it’s not hard to see why. It takes place in the Mirror Universe, a parallel universe first touched on in the original series. Fans love the concept of the Mirror Universe, and this episode showed its ugly potential.
Rather than themes of morality the franchise is known for, this episode explored the evil counterparts in their unflinching glory. It created an entirely different show within a show, showing the horror of an alternate reality.
10. “The Last Generation” – “Picard” (2020-2023
“The Last Generation” was a special episode for fans of “The Next Generation.” It’s the series finale of “Picard,” a short-lived show that brought back Patrick Stewart and the old crew for one final adventure. In this episode, the Enterprises faces its biggest threat yet. Borg has control of Starfleet, and the Queen is on a fierce path of revenge. We see Picard fight to save his son’s life despite the clear threat.
Fans love this episode for many reasons. The biggest is that it felt like a clear “goodbye” to “The Next Generation.” It’s a beautiful sendoff for Picard and his crew while also hinting at the future of “Star Trek.”
What’s Next for the “Star Trek” Franchise?
Those are just ten standout episodes over the nearly six-decade legacy of “Star Trek.” The franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Newer shows are in the works, continuing the long-running series while attracting new fans.
There’s much to love about “Star Trek” and its past. However, fans are eager to see where the story goes next and how a newer generation of fans brings this universe to life.
