Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Play trailer

1:06

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

PG

Released Jun 1, 1984

1h 45m

Sci-Fi

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Adam W

A good entry in the series that does a good job of picking up the pieces or the previous film and forging a road ahead. A worthy entry in the series.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

Full Review

Stephen C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

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

View more videos

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

83%

84%

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

22%

25%

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Star Trek Generations

47%

57%

Star Trek Generations

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Star Trek Generations

2010

68%

61%

2010

Watchlist

Twilight Zone: The Movie

60%

55%

Twilight Zone: The Movie

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Your Epic Movie Franchise Binge Guide: The Best Way to Watch the Biggest Series

Every Star Trek Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Trekking With Tim, Day Three: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Trailer 1

1:06

View more videos

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now