Curator Watchlist
A lively, self-contained space adventure that leans into ensemble chemistry, brisk pacing, and big-screen spectacle. It’s lighter and more crowd-pleasing than the franchise’s darker entries, with enough character work and inventive action to make it an easy recommendation for mainstream sci-fi fans.
Where to watch: Buy
Thu · 2h 2m
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban
The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.
Justin Lin
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban
A lively, self-contained space adventure that leans into ensemble chemistry, brisk pacing, and big-screen spectacle. It’s lighter and more crowd-pleasing than the franchise’s darker entries, with enough character work and inventive action to make it an easy recommendation for mainstream sci-fi fans.
Star Trek Beyond works best when it remembers that Star Trek is an ensemble show first and a spectacle machine second. The crew feels relaxed and well-used, the banter lands, and the film gives each major player at least a few moments to matter. It’s the rare modern blockbuster that seems to enjoy its own characters without turning them into punchlines or wallpaper.
Justin Lin brings a clean sense of movement to the action, and the film’s best sequences have a playful, almost physical inventiveness. The Enterprise gets battered in ways that feel exciting rather than merely destructive, and the movie keeps its geography clear even when it’s throwing a lot at the screen. It’s not especially deep, but it is nimble, confident, and easy to watch.
The story is strongest as a piece of franchise course correction: less grim, less self-serious, more interested in teamwork and the spirit of exploration. The villain is effective enough, though the movie is really about the crew’s chemistry and the pleasure of watching them solve problems together. For viewers who want a summer sci-fi adventure with heart, humor, and momentum, it delivers.
davidehrlich (3★) · 1089 likes
slick, self-contained, and has the best music cue of any blockbuster this year. by the standards of summer 2016, it might as well be the sistine chapel. and then someone asked me if it was "good." and i said "good? GOOD? it made me want to stand up and shout "REMEMBER MOVIES!?!?" these things are relative, people. STB is to Warcraft what Chris Pine is to *me.* everyone is super charismatic. i liked that nothing really matters. i liked that… more
Matt Singer (4★) · 970 likes
I watched it again with Justin Lin commentary and came to a brain-melting realization: There is a foolproof way to determine if a modern Star Trek will be good. If Chris Pine’s hair is parted to the right, as in Star Trek and Star Trek Beyond, the movie will be good. If Chris Pine’s hair is parted to the left, as in Star Trek Into Darkness, the movie will be bad. Henceforth, this shall be known as The Pine Directive.
Evan (4★) · 654 likes
Rest in Peace Anton Yelchin. I am so glad he was very much apart of this movie and got a lot of screen time. I've got to tip my hat to you Justin Lin. This is what a summer blockbuster is all about. Star Trek Beyond is full of fantastic characters. There are so many great character moments through out the film. Several laughs to be had. Plenty of awesome action set pieces. A good story (Simon Pegg's writing was… more
Diego Crespo (4.5★) · 555 likes
Through the power of the Beastie Boys and friendship anything is possible.
Lucy (2.5★) · 536 likes
"for anton" THANKS I LOVE CRYING
Shares the franchise’s lighter touch, ensemble charm, and playful sense of adventure while keeping the optimism front and center.
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A crew-driven sci-fi adventure that leans on banter, loyalty, and kinetic action in a way that will appeal to ensemble-first viewers.
For viewers who liked the clean action geography and momentum, this is a similarly nimble, crowd-pleasing blockbuster.
A smart, fast-moving sci-fi action film that pairs spectacle with a playful tone and strong problem-solving energy.
Optimistic, accessible science-fiction adventure with humor, teamwork, and a can-do spirit under pressure.
A different tonal register, but it shares the appeal of a mission-based space adventure with a strong ensemble and big-scale action.
For viewers interested in militarized sci-fi with satirical undercurrents and energetic action, though it’s much sharper-edged.
A quintessential large-scale summer invasion movie with clear stakes, team spirit, and blockbuster spectacle.
A goofy, high-concept disaster adventure that thrives on momentum, teamwork, and unapologetic genre fun.
ensemble teamwork, space exploration, found family, franchise course correction, optimistic sci-fi, identity and duty, survival under siege, military adventure
science fiction, action-adventure, space opera, ensemble cast, summer blockbuster, lighthearted tone, found family, exploration, high-energy action, 2010s