Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

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Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

PG

Released Jun 1, 1984

1h 45m

Sci-Fi

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78%

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51 Reviews

70%

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50,000+ Ratings

Adm. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) has defeated his archenemy but at great cost. His friend Spock has apparently been killed, the USS Enterprise is being scrapped, and starship physician Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) has taken ill. McCoy's odd behavior is evidence he's harboring Spock's katra, or animating spirit, and Kirk seeks to take the Enterprise back to the Genesis Planet and find his friend. Rebuffed, Kirk takes dramatic action that results in war with deadly Klingons.

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Critics Consensus

Though it may be short on dazzling special effects, The Search for Spock is still a strong Star Trek installment, thanks to affecting performances by its iconic cast.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

You will have to disregard the fact that Kirk and a handful of intimates manage to pilot the Enterprise on their own. But this episode is written and performed with muscular vigour and attack, and there are some nice moments.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 14, 2024

Full Review

Jay Carr

Boston Globe

This "Star Trek," the liveliest and most likable of the three, will satisfy hard-core Trekkies and win more than a few new recruits to their ranks.

Apr 26, 2018

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

"Star Trek III" has a genuine spirituality, and, at its end, you may be surprised, especially if you're not really a Trekkie, to realize how moved you've been.

Sep 7, 2016

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

The central villain of the film is under baked though delightfully portrayed by Christopher Lloyd.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 6, 2025

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Flaws aside, The Search for Spock is pleasant, character-driven entertainment.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 5, 2023

Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

Not as iconic as The Wrath of Khan, this is still one of the better original Trek film, which stays close to the series original purpose.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 16, 2023

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Stephen C

Success in 1.75 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

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Paul S

Spock's absence was definitely felt throughout the movie, and there were a lot of parts that didn't make sense to me. Despite its flaws, it was incredibly imaginative and had a compelling story. I definitely recommend it for sci-fi fans!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

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Tom F

After the terrific Wrath of Khan this feels like treading water until the one with the whales, but that’s okay.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

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Gorptholemew T

🍀4.7/10 Christopher Lloyd! It took me like an hour to realize. Ok I think it’s official I really don’t like star trek 😞 I’m trying here but damn these movies are just boring in my opinion. Also teenage Spock kinda looks like Walter jr.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

Full Review

Robert E

THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK is always the middle act of a wonderful trio of films - KHAN and VOYAGE HOME complete the trilogy. Nimoy wanted it to be very operatic and it indeed is. This is a movie about friends - what are friends for goes one line. Lloyd is a wonderful villain and Kirk has his best moment falling out of the command chair when David is killed. And one can really enjoy the double cross Kirk performs on Kruge. Nimoy let the cast have great moments and scenes. Sulu being called TINY and Uhura with Mr. Adventure. Just give the word.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

Full Review

Shawn S

This movie has aged like wine. What makes it great is it's very real stakes, and dire consequences, that make it feel like a necessary addition to Wrath of Khan.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

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Leonard Nimoy

Director

William Shatner

Admiral James T. Kirk

DeForest Kelley

Commander Leonard H. McCoy, M.D.

James Doohan

Commander

George Takei

Commander Hikaru Sulu

Walter Koenig

Commander Pavel Andreievich Chekov

Movieclips: Star Trek - Spock's Best Scenes

25:54

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - A Damn Illegal Thing

2:14

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - I'll Kill You Later

2:11

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - Ever Shall Be Your Friend

2:13

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - Be Careful What You Wish For

2:14

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip- A Klingon Bird of Prey

2:13

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - Don't Call Me Tiny

1:52

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - The Enterprise Self Destructs

2:13

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Official Clip - I Have Had Enough of You

2:13

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Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Trailer 1

1:06

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Synopsis

Adm. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) has defeated his archenemy but at great cost. His friend Spock has apparently been killed, the USS Enterprise is being scrapped, and starship physician Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) has taken ill. McCoy's odd behavior is evidence he's harboring Spock's katra, or animating spirit, and Kirk seeks to take the Enterprise back to the Genesis Planet and find his friend. Rebuffed, Kirk takes dramatic action that results in war with deadly Klingons.

Director: Leonard Nimoy
Producer: Harve Bennett
Screenwriter: Harve Bennett
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Cinema Group Ventures
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 1, 1984, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 16, 2009
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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