Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

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Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

PG

1984

1h 45m

Sci-Fi

Action

Adventure

Drama

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

71%

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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

06/14/2024

4/5

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.

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Jay Carr

Boston Globe

04/26/2018

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.

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

09/07/2016

"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.

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

07/06/2025

3/4

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

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

09/05/2023

3/4

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

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

06/16/2023

3/4

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.

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Tyler S

@tylerking24 Jul 20

Another Star Trek, another pretty boring movie.

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diogo13 T

@Tua_mera Jul 10

Por favor, será que é pedir demais que alguém além do Kirk realmente faça alguma coisa nesses filmes? Quando o retorno do Spock é decepcionante, é sinal de que vocês têm muito trabalho pela frente.

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Melissa M

@Lisey Jul 9

Leonard nimoy is the director on this film. Once again the most awesomest Star Trek cast is back. But this time you'll need a box of tissues to go with your box of popcorn . Specially Midway through the movie. There are heartwarming scenes in the film. And bittersweet moments. This 3rd installment in the series is one of the best. A new actress is playing lieutenant Saavik Robin Curtis. Kirk has a new diabolical Nemesis in this film Kruge. Interesting movie fact Leonard nimoy helped to collaborate with industrial light and magic to develop storyboards & new ship designs. Another interesting movie fact Leonard nimoy was the 1st Star Trek cast members to direct One of the Star Trek movies. This is definitely one of the best science fiction movies of all time.

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Phil D

@RT16493517 Jun 26

This film is prefect to follow on from the wraith of khan. Emotional and action packed. Must have seen it fifty times.

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Priya C.

@Sci-FiTrekkie May 18

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is a film I loved. It does serve as a continuation film rather than a standalone sequel but I loved the way they handled the story. The villains in the story however were underutilized and I wish there was more backstory for them.

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Cem Okan Y

@cmyldz23 May 5

For me it was an unconvincing attempt to bring Spock back to life. However, I do understand why this is treated as one of the good Star Trek movies out there.

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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

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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, Action, Adventure, Drama, Comedy
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)