Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) — PICK
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) — PICK
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) — PICK
It’s often said that the even-numbered Star Trek films are good and the odd ones are bad. The key problem with that theory is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
The Wrath of Khan is a masterpiece with everything you could ask for in a good sci-fi action-adventure film. The Voyage Home is the most widely apapealing and idiosyncratic Trek film.
The Search for Spock is the necessary bridge between them — and the heart of the “Spock Trilogy.” Watch them all!
Caveat Spectator: Star Trek films generally include stylized sci-fi violence and menace. The Wrath of Khan includes references to a character’s out-of-wedlock origins. The Voyage Home includes mostly humorous (mis)use of crude language and footage of whale hunting and butchery.