Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,084 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 1982-06-04
Runtime: 113 minutes
Is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan worth watching?
Must-watch. Widely regarded by fans as the best Star Trek film, this is a sharp, character-driven revenge story with a memorable villain. It works even if you know little about the series.
Watch it if you
- like space adventures built on character
- enjoy a strong villain and a good rivalry
- are a fan of the original crew
Skip it if you
- dislike older special effects
- want fast-paced modern action
Best for: Classic sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Philo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The starship Enterprise and its crew is pulled back into action when old nemesis, Khan, steals a top secret device called Project Genesis.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a PG sci-fi adventure with space battles and themes of self-sacrifice.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Space battles and a vengeful antagonist drive the PG-rated action.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
If you liked Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) — 77%: Original crew's last mission, with a mature, thoughtful story
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996) — 81%: Crew faces a relentless enemy in a tense, personal story
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: Classic sci-fi sequel with a darker, richer tone
- Star Trek (2009) — 83%: Fresh start for the crew with big adventure
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) — 83%: Rework of the same villain with big action
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) — 79%: Lighter, funnier adventure with the original crew
Director
Nicholas Meyer
Cast
- William Shatner as Admiral James T. Kirk
- Leonard Nimoy as Captain Spock
- Ricardo Montalban as Khan Noonien Singh
- DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy
- James Doohan as Cmdr. Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott
- Walter Koenig as Cmdr. Pavel Chekov
- George Takei as Cmdr. Hikaru Sulu
- Nichelle Nichols as Cmdr. Uhura
- Bibi Besch as Dr. Carol Marcus
- Merritt Butrick as Dr. David Marcus
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan FAQ
Is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan worth watching?
Must-watch. Widely regarded by fans as the best Star Trek film, this is a sharp, character-driven revenge story with a memorable villain. It works even if you know little about the series.
Where can I watch Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?
In the US you can stream Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on Fubo and Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Philo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan OK for kids?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a PG sci-fi adventure with space battles and themes of self-sacrifice.
What movies are like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?
If you liked Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, try Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Star Trek: First Contact, The Empire Strikes Back and Star Trek.