Star Trek (2009)
Kernel Score: 83% · 10,351 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Released: 2009-05-06
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Star Trek worth watching?
Worth watching. A fast, bright reboot of the crew's first mission that makes Star Trek fun for newcomers. It's more action than ideas, but the cast is likeable.
Watch it if you
- want a fast space adventure
- like new takes on old series
- are new to Star Trek
Skip it if you
- want thoughtful science fiction
- dislike lens flares and fast cuts
Best for: Casual movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Star Trek
- Stream: Paramount+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again.
Star Trek parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Star Trek (2009) is a PG-13 sci-fi action film with space battles and peril.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Space battles, a black hole crisis, and action sequences drive the plot, consistent with PG-13.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Star Trek
If you liked Star Trek, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) — 83%: The follow-up with the same crew.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 87%: Space adventure with a heist feel.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 90%: Fun space adventure with a quirky crew.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: The best of the classic Star Wars films.
- Star Wars (1977) — 94%: The original space adventure.
- Galaxy Quest (1999) — 80%: Funny, warm sci-fi spoof of Trek.
Director
Cast
- Chris Pine as Cadet James T. Kirk
- Zachary Quinto as Commander Spock
- Leonard Nimoy as Ambassador Spock
- Eric Bana as Captain Nero
- Bruce Greenwood as Captain Christopher Pike
- Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy
- Zoe Saldaña as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura
- Simon Pegg as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott
- John Cho as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu
- Anton Yelchin as Ensign Pavel Chekov
Star Trek FAQ
Is Star Trek worth watching?
Worth watching. A fast, bright reboot of the crew's first mission that makes Star Trek fun for newcomers. It's more action than ideas, but the cast is likeable.
Where can I watch Star Trek?
In the US you can stream Star Trek on Paramount+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Star Trek OK for kids?
Star Trek is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Star Trek (2009) is a PG-13 sci-fi action film with space battles and peril.
What movies are like Star Trek?
If you liked Star Trek, try Star Trek Into Darkness, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Empire Strikes Back.