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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78%

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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

Jun 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

Apr 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

Sep 7, 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

Jul 6, 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

Sep 5, 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

Jun 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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Alejandro E

@Alex970 5 hrs ago

For some reason, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the previous two instalments; the first 20 minutes feel slow, and Spock’s resurrection lacks sufficient emotional impact. In any case, fans of the series won’t be disappointed.

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Robert P

@Superbad 6 days ago

This is a great movie!

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DanTheMan 2

@DanTheMan2150AD Aug 25, 2026

At times, a sombre and mournful gaze into mortality, refusing to accept death as final, yet an equally ridiculous fetch quest filled with plenty of silly, mystical exposition, The Search for Spock sets out to prove that some friendships are worth almost any sacrifice. An awkward extended bridge rather than its own independent entry, at its best when it concentrates on its core crew, at its weakest when it attempts to turn Genesis and the Klingons into a grand science-fiction spectacle, yet for all its faults there's still some genuine love in this one, putting friendship and character ahead of spectacle, turning death into a fighting chance to live.

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Tyler S

@tylerking24 Jul 20, 2026

Another Star Trek, another pretty boring movie.

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diogo13 T

@Tua_mera Jul 10, 2026

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, 2026

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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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

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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)

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