The Ultimate Countdown: Ranking the Top 20 Star Trek Characters from the past 20 Years

Summary

Star Trek has introduced numerous great new characters in the last 20 years.

In this compilation, the characters from J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies in the Kelvin timeline are considered "new" as their existence and experiences occur in an alternate universe. Alongside animated characters such as Lt. Brad Boimler and Rok-Tahk, this list encompasses the most notable Star Trek characters from the past two decades, including Captain Saru, Emperor Georgiou, and Captain Michael Burnham.

The Star Trek franchise has always been renowned for its memorable characters, and over the past two decades, many fantastic new faces have been added to the Trek family. Following the conclusion of Star Trek: Enterprise in 2005, there was a four-year hiatus without any new Star Trek content. However, J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek film brought the beloved series back to the big screen, reaffirming that audiences were still captivated by the thrilling exploits of starship captains and space exploration.

It wasn't until 2017, though, that Star Trek made its triumphant return to television with the launch of Star Trek: Discovery on CBS All Access (now Paramount+), marking the start of an exciting new era for the TV series. Since the debut of Discovery, four other Star Trek shows have premiered, introducing us to a mix of brand new characters and fresh takes on beloved characters from the past.

For the purpose of this list, characters from J.J. Abrams' Star Trek films are considered "new," given that these movies exist in the alternate Kelvin Timeline, where the USS Enterprise crew leads different lives compared to their Prime Timeline counterparts. However, characters like Ethan Peck's Spock or Anson Mount's Captain Pike should not be classified as "new" characters, despite being portrayed by different actors. These versions are simply younger iterations of established Star Trek characters within the Prime universe.

In honor of Screen Rant's 20th anniversary, we proudly present a selection of 20 outstanding Star Trek characters introduced since 2003.

20 Oded Fehr as Admiral Charles Vance

Throughout the history of Star Trek, Starfleet admirals have often been portrayed as antagonists to the main characters. However, in Star Trek: Discovery, Admiral Vance breaks this trend. As the leader of Starfleet in the 32nd century, Vance meets the crew of the USS Discovery when they arrive in the future. Known for his fairness and level-headedness, he goes above and beyond to assist the Discovery and its crew in finding their place within the remnants of the Federation. Admiral Vance values the input and recommendations of Captain Michael Burnham and the rest of the Discovery crew, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice himself in order to protect as many lives as possible.

19 Isa Briones as Soji (& Dahj, Kore Soong, & Sutra)

In Star Trek: Picard season 1, Soji found herself working on the Borg cube known as the Artifact. Initially convinced of her complete humanity, she soon stumbled upon inconsistencies in her past. The shocking truth came to light when she realized that she was actually an advanced synthetic android, carefully crafted by Dr. Bruce Maddox (John Ales) and Dr. Altan Soong (Brent Spiner). Upon being discovered by Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) on the Artifact, Soji embarked on a journey alongside him to the birthplace of her creation, the planet Coppelius. Impressively, Isa Briones impeccably portrayed not only Soji, but also her twin sister Dahj, another synthetic named Sutra, and Kore, a 21st-century clone engineered by Adam Soong (Brent Spiner) in Picard season 2.

18 Melanie Scrofano as Captain Marie Batel

Melanie Scrofano's character, Captain Marie Batel, made her debut in the premiere episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds as a starship Captain, also known as the girlfriend of Captain Christopher Pike (played by Anson Mount). Throughout the series, Batel has showcased her competence as a captain, capable of handling crises with ease. Although Marie and Pike faced some communication challenges, they managed to resolve them in the exceptional musical episode of Strange New Worlds. In the finale of the show's second season, Captain Batel finds herself under attack by the Gorn and infected with their eggs. As Captain Pike grapples with an impossible decision regarding the Gorn, Batel's life hangs in the balance.

17 Bruce Horak as Lt. Hemmer

In Strange New Worlds season 1, Lt. Hemmer, portrayed by Bruce Horak, emerged as a truly remarkable character. Being both a blind engineer and one of the few Aenar species members in Starfleet, Hemmer stood out as one of the most distinct figures in Star Trek. Despite meeting a tragic fate in episode 9, "All Those Who Wander," Hemmer's presence still resonates throughout the show. He acted as a mentor and father figure to Cadet Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), and she often fondly recalls her time with him.

16 Todd Stashwick as Captain Liam Shaw

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15 Jason Isaacs as Captain Gabriel Lorca

, Todd Stashwick's Captain Shaw made a memorable debut in Star Trek: Picard season 3. From his very first scene, where Shaw showed disrespect towards Captain William Riker and Admiral Picard, two iconic characters from the Star Trek franchise, fans were not initially won over. However, Captain Shaw's journey throughout the season succeeded in winning the hearts of viewers, making his untimely demise in episode 9, titled "Vox," all the more emotionally devastating. Despite his character's demise, Stashwick has confirmed that if the proposed Picard spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, comes to fruition, Liam Shaw will make a return.

Star Trek: Discovery delivered an astonishing plot twist with Captain Gabriel Lorca, brilliantly portrayed by Jason Isaacs. Unveiling his true colors, Lorca turned out to be his Mirror Universe doppelgänger posing as the Prime universe captain. Crafty and manipulative, Lorca successfully concealed his identity for a considerable amount of time, until Michael Burnham eventually exposed his deceitful façade. Jason Isaacs brought depth and complexity to the character, making Lorca a captivating Starfleet captain unlike any other. Though the mirror universe Lorca met his demise at the hands of Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), the ultimate fate of his Prime counterpart remains shrouded in mystery.

14 Ed Speleers as Ensign Jack Crusher

13 David Ajala as Cleveland Booker

: Jack Crusher, the son of Captain Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), carries a significant legacy. Despite being on the run from Captain Vadic (Amanda Plummer) in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Jack demonstrates compassion and resourcefulness. In the finale, he secures a role as the special counselor to Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) on the USS Enterprise-G's bridge after joining Starfleet. Additionally, the omnipotent being known as Q (John de Lancie), an old nemesis/friend of Picard, pays Jack a visit. These intertwined storylines position Jack as a key character in the proposed Picard spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy.

In Star Trek: Discovery, Michael Burnham finds herself in the 32nd century after traversing the wormhole. It is during this time that she encounters Cleveland Booker and their ships collide. Throughout the following year, Burnham and Booker collaborate on numerous occasions until the USS Discovery finally follows suit and enters the same time period, a year after Burnham's arrival. During this period, Booker, who belongs to the Kwejian species, becomes a valuable ally to Discovery and the Federation. Moreover, a romance blossoms between Booker and Burnham. Despite Booker occasionally conflicting with the Federation's ideals due to his unwavering commitment to justice, he is an excellent addition to the ensemble cast of Discovery.

12 Noël Wells as Lt. D'Vana Tendi

11 Rylee Alazraqui as Rok-Tahk

Star Trek: Lower Decks, Tendi emerges as one of the most compelling characters, breathing new life into the Star Trek universe. Her contagious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to Starfleet have completely reshaped the perception of Orions as a species. Despite her previous identity as the notorious pirate, Mistress of the Winter Constellations, Tendi ardently pushes to redefine the narrative surrounding Orions. Serving in the science division aboard the USS Cerritos, Tendi sets out on a mission to establish a profound bond with T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), the ship's new Vulcan science officer, as Lower Decks season 4 unfolds.

As a security officer chosen for her size and strength, Rok-Tahk unexpectedly developed a passion for science during her time aboard the USS Protostar. Initially uncertain of herself in the early episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy, this young Brikar has gradually emerged as a formidable force. Her genuine warmth and unwavering determination to assist her friends have proven invaluable on multiple occasions. Rok-Tahk's endearing personality and her journey of self-discovery and confidence-building while finding her place on the ship have undeniably become a highlight of Prodigy.

10 Melissa Navia as Lt. Erica Ortegas

9 Christina Chong as Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh

: Lt. Ortegas, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, showcases her exceptional piloting skills. Her self-assurance in navigating the ship through hazardous debris and asteroid fields is well-deserved. Throughout the first two seasons, Ortegas has consistently captivated audiences with her quick-witted charm, stealing the spotlight in every scene she graces. With hopes for future seasons, we anticipate Erica being given more opportunities to shine. Notably, Ortegas' involvement in the Klingon War adds an intriguing layer to her character, potentially proving valuable as she finds herself trapped aboard a Gorn ship at the conclusion of Strange New Worlds season 2.

In her role as Chief of Security aboard the Enterprise on Strange New Worlds, Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh diligently safeguards the crew and remains ever vigilant against potential security threats. La'an's tumultuous past includes being captured, along with her entire colony, by the Gorn. Miraculously, she emerged as the sole survivor from the harrowing ordeal. Not only does La'an bear the scars of a traumatic childhood, but she also carries the weight of being descended from the infamous dictator Khan Noonien-Singh, portrayed by Ricardo Montalbán. Over the course of the first two seasons of Strange New Worlds, La'an has undergone significant character development and proven to be a valuable and cherished addition to the Star Trek franchise.

8 Michelle Yeoh as Emperor (& Captain) Phillipa Georgiou

7 Zoe Saldaña as Lt. Nyota Uhura

Michelle Yeoh, the Academy Award-winning actress, took on the challenging task of portraying two distinct versions of Phillipa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery. In the first season, the Georgiou from the Prime universe met a tragic end at the hands of the Klingons. However, her doppelgänger from the Mirror Universe found herself in the prime universe. This alternate Georgiou embarked on a journey with the USS Discovery, but her displacement in dimensions and time resulted in agonizing flashbacks. Determined to find a remedy, Georgiou ventured through the portal protected by the Guardian of Forever, eventually landing in an unknown era. Throughout her captivating character development on Discovery, Georgiou's story will be further explored in the highly anticipated Star Trek: Section 31 film.

The Star Trek franchise was given new life by J.J. Abrams' 2009 film, Star Trek. One of the ways it revitalized the series was by brilliantly recasting several characters from the original Star Trek television series. Lt. Uhura, portrayed by Nichelle Nichols in the original series, often had limited screen time and her main role was to declare that hailing frequencies were open. However, in the Kelvin timeline version of Star Trek, Uhura's character was given the opportunity to shine by becoming a central character alongside Captain James T. Kirk, played by Chris Pine, and Spock, played by Zachary Quinto. Zoe Saldaña brought a fresh take on the character by incorporating elements of Nichols' original performance while also infusing Uhura with a newfound sense of confidence.

6 Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy

Karl Urban's portrayal of the cantankerous Dr. McCoy was one of the standout aspects of the Star Trek movies set in the Kelvin timeline. Urban adeptly captures the essence of DeForest Kelley's original performance while also infusing the character with a contemporary sensibility. During his time at Starfleet Academy, McCoy forges a close friendship with James Kirk, and later earns the title of Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Enterprise. Despite his tendency towards frustration and dry wit, McCoy remains a deeply empathetic individual who prioritizes the well-being and safety of his patients above all else.

5 Tawny Newsome as Lt. Beckett Mariner

Known for her rule-breaking tendencies, Beckett Mariner is not only an exceptional Starfleet officer but also a highly intelligent one. Serving under the command of her mother, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis), on the USS Cerritos, Mariner frequently finds herself immersed in wild escapades alongside her best friend and partner in crime, Lt. Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid). Despite her remarkable qualifications, Mariner deliberately jeopardizes her own career to remain a Lower Decker. While she may conceal her true compassionate nature, Mariner has evolved into one of the most intricate and captivating characters in Lower Decks.

4 Jack Quaid as Lt. Brad Boimler

Jack Quaid brings a delightful and lively energy to the animated portrayal of Lt. Brad Boimler on Star Trek: Lower Decks, and he brings that same infectious energy when Boimler makes the transition to live-action in Strange New Worlds. Despite Boimler's impressive intelligence and skills, his own anxiety and tendency to overanalyze often hinder him. However, as the seasons progress in Lower Decks, Boimler's confidence steadily grows, hinting at his potential to become an exceptional starship captain in the future. Lt. Boimler often serves as a relatable character for fans, expressing his excitement when meeting Captain Christopher Pike or obtaining Lt. Tom Paris's (Robert Duncan McNeill) signature on his cherished commemorative plate.

3 Michelle Hurd as Commander Raffi Musiker

Commander Raffi Musiker, a troubled and indomitable figure, accompanied Admiral Picard on numerous adventures during the initial two seasons of Star Trek: Picard. Subsequently, she joined Starfleet Intelligence, where she discovered that her handler was none other than Captain Worf (Michael Dorn), a highly respected mentor and dear friend. In the climactic finale of Picard season 3, Raffi receives a new assignment as the First Officer of the newly renamed Enterprise-G, serving under the command of Captain Seven of Nine, her complicated love interest. Michelle Hurd's emotionally profound performances transformed Raffi into a groundbreaking Star Trek character, perpetually triumphing over her inner struggles to pursue what is right.

2 Sonequa Martin-Green as Captain Michael Burnham

Star Trek: Discovery is centered around its central heroine, and Captain Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, exemplifies a remarkable blend of compassion, vulnerability, and unwavering determination. She is a true trailblazer within the Star Trek franchise, portraying a brilliant individual who wears her emotions openly and possesses a strong moral compass. Overcoming a devastating mistake at the outset of Discovery provided an opportunity for both Burnham and the series as a whole to redefine the true values of Starfleet. Throughout her journey, Burnham has evolved into a capable and self-assured leader as the Captain of the USS Discovery, a vessel that was transported more than 900 years into the future. While Burnham's entanglements with her foster brother Spock and their parents added intrigue, it was her personal growth beyond her Vulcan upbringing and connections to Spock that allowed Burnham to consistently save the galaxy.

1 Doug Jones as Captain Saru

Captain Saru, as the first Kelpien to venture out from his homeworld of Kaminar, embodies the Starfleet ideals of exploration, acceptance, and co-existence. Not only does Saru hail from a novel and exceptional alien species, but he also exudes the essence of a quintessential Star Trek character. The benevolent, sagacious, and dependable Saru stands out as the most captivating non-human persona introduced in this generation of Star Trek. Throughout his journey on Star Trek: Discovery, Saru undergoes a remarkable transformation from a timid officer to a confident Captain, marking one of the most compelling story arcs in recent Star Trek history. Furthermore, his intriguing romance with Vulcan President T'Rina (Tara Rosling) adds another layer of fascination. With his nuanced performance, Doug Jones infuses Saru with kindness, warmth, and unwavering loyalty, elevating the Kelpien hero to the pinnacle of this list of the finest Star Trek characters introduced in the last two decades.