Chris Pine stepped into the legendary role of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek reboot series, bringing new life to a character that has been beloved by fans for generations. Over the course of four films, Pine’s portrayal of Kirk has been at the heart of a series that has sought to both honor the legacy of Star Trek and chart new courses into unexplored territories. Here are Chris Pine’s Star Trek movies, ranked from worst to best:

1. Star Trek IV: ????? (Upcoming)

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there hasn’t been a fourth installment released with Chris Pine as Kirk, although one has been announced with no definitive ranking possible other than it being highly anticipated by Star Trek enthusiasts eager to see where Pine’s Kirk goes next.

Whether fans are revisiting these movies or experiencing them for the first time, Chris Pine’s contribution to the Star Trek universe will continue to be celebrated for its charm, leadership, and ability to command the big screen as Captain Kirk.

2. Star Trek (2009)

J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot titled simply “Star Trek” gave a fresh start to the franchise, creating an alternate timeline (“Kelvin Timeline”) that allowed new stories to be told without overwriting existing canon. This film brought together a new cast embodying classic characters with Chris Pine as Kirk at the forefront. It successfully introduced Star Trek to a new generation while maintaining enough familiarity to please long-time fans. The film struck a balance between high stakes, humor, and heart.

3. Star Trek Beyond (2016)

The third installment in the series, “Star Trek Beyond,” attempted to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration synonymous with the original Star Trek series. Directed by Justin Lin, this film finds the crew stranded on an unknown planet after an ambush by a new enemy, Krall (Idris Elba). “Beyond” is praised for its character development and thrilling set-pieces but often felt disconnected from the overarching narrative established in previous films.

4. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

“Star Trek Into Darkness” is often considered the least favorite among fans and critics alike, though it’s certainly not without its exciting moments. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this sequel dives into darker territory as the crew of the USS Enterprise faces off against a terrorist within Starfleet, later revealed as Khan (played by Benedict Cumberbatch). Though visually impressive and full of action, “Into Darkness” was critiqued for its convoluted plot and for playing it too safe with its homage to “The Wrath of Khan.”