Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Admiral Kirk risks his command and his starship to recover Spock from the dangerous Genesis Planet before the Klingons seize its world-making technology.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- earnest
- adventurous
- emotional
- science fiction marathon
- franchise rewatch
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an entertaining, character-focused return to the spirit of the television series, while viewing its overplotted screenplay and television-like presentation as limitations.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kirk and the Enterprise crew defy Starfleet authority to recover Spock and restore him to Vulcan.
The Genesis Device transforms a planet while its secrets become the object of Klingon pursuit.
The threatened decommissioning of the Enterprise reflects pressure on the established crew and their traditions.
The film emphasizes starship travel, Spacedock, the Genesis Planet, Klingon vessels, and large-scale planetary effects.
Films like Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and why
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Shared character-driven space opera, franchise mythology, emotional stakes, and ensemble adventure.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Shared optimistic science fiction adventure, starship crew dynamics, Klingon conflict, and emphasis on friendship.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Shared classic space opera scale, practical-effects spectacle, ensemble camaraderie, and interstellar danger.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Shared science fiction adventure, crew loyalty, alien politics, and a mission across dangerous planetary environments.
Movie Details
- Director
- Leonard Nimoy
- Release Date
- 1984-06-01
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (1593)
Cast
- William Shatner
- DeForest Kelley
- James Doohan
- George Takei
- Walter Koenig
- Nichelle Nichols
- Christopher Lloyd
- Robin Curtis
- Mark Lenard
- Merritt Butrick
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock about?
- Admiral Kirk risks his command and his starship to recover Spock from the dangerous Genesis Planet before the Klingons seize its world-making technology.
- What is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock as moderate.
- What did critics think of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock?
- Critics generally found the film an entertaining, character-focused return to the spirit of the television series, while viewing its overplotted screenplay and television-like presentation as limitations.
- Which films are like Star Trek III: The Search for Spock?
- Films with a similar feel include Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
- How long is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock?
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Star Trek III: The Search for Spock?
- In United States, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock streams on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.
