Top Villains of Star Trek: Who Reigns Supreme?
From the iconic Khan Noonien Singh to the mysterious Romulans in Strange New Worlds, every Star Trek series has introduced unforgettable villains Discover the top antagonists in each series, including the relentless Borg, cunning Gul Dukat, and shapeshifting Changelings, in this thrilling list
The Star Trek franchise has been known to transport audiences to uncharted territories. With its inception in 1966, the franchise has brought forth some of the most fascinating extraterrestrial beings in the realm of science fiction. However, it has also unveiled some of the most malevolent aliens and ruthless antagonists to ever grace the small screen.
Within each series, there are iconic characters that leave an indelible impression on viewers. These characters remain etched in the minds of audiences, serving as a reminder of the series' impact. Some of these villains have even managed to transcend their original series, making their presence felt across multiple installments, showcasing their formidable power.
8 The Original Series: Khan Noonien Singh
With only one appearance in Star Trek: The Original Series, Khan became one of the franchise's most iconic villains. He was a genetically-engineered superhuman who gained control of Earth, but was ultimately overthrown and banished to space. However, he returned in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as a cult leader who posed a threat to the crew of the Enterprise. This film's success revitalized the franchise and paved the way for future shows.
7 The Next Generation: The Borg
The Star Trek: The Next Generation crew encountered numerous formidable foes, including the unforgettable Q, but none quite as menacing as the Borg. With the ability to assimilate even the Captain of the Enterprise, the Borg posed a significant danger to their own kind. Their threat was further magnified in the film Star Trek: First Contact, where they expanded their reach and power.
The Borg's modus operandi involved going from planet to planet, assimilating aliens into their collective hivemind and depleting all the resources available. Their quick adaptability allowed them to neutralize any potential threats with ease.
6 Deep Space 9: Gul Dukat
As a Cardassian, Gul Dukat held the position of head of the Deep Space 9 space station before the Federation assumed control. Given the strained relations between the Cardassians and the Federation, it is unsurprising that Dukat harbored resentment towards the Federation's takeover of the station.
During his tenure, Dukat committed numerous atrocities, particularly against the Bajoran people. Despite occasional alliances with Captain Benjamin Sisko, his skewed worldview prevented him from achieving true redemption. Eventually, Dukat became a religious extremist devoted to a malevolent higher power, but his character lacked the impact of his earlier villainy.
5 Voyager: The Borg Queen
The Borg have caused issues in various Star Trek series, but it was the Borg Queen who proved to be the most destructive adversary for the crew of Voyager. Her ability to manipulate and ensnare others made her a formidable foe, especially given her link to Seven of Nine, the first Borg Starfleet crew member.
In the more recent Paramount+ era of Star Trek, the Borg Queen's manipulative tactics remained a prevalent theme, particularly in the second season of Star Trek: Picard.
4 Enterprise: The Xindi
Star Trek: Enterprise may have received criticism, but its third season's Xindi attack story arc is highly regarded. The Xindi's assault on Earth was an attempt to prevent Starfleet from attacking them, leading to Captain Jonathan Archer and the Enterprise crew being commissioned to retaliate. The Xindi, a species with six distinct sentient forms residing in the Delphic Expanse, ultimately sparked the formation of United Earth, which went on to become a significant member of the United Federation of Planets.
3 Discovery: Captain Gabriel Lorca
Captain Gabriel Lorca, the initial commander of the starship Discovery, was discovered to be the ship's ultimate adversary. Despite his reputation as a competent Starfleet officer, Lorca's true identity as a fugitive from the Mirror Universe is exposed during the end of season one. He is determined to dethrone the Emperor of the Mirror Universe. Jason Isaacs' portrayal of Lorca is impeccable, displaying a commanding and genuine demeanor when necessary, but also terrifying once his motives are revealed. Although he only appeared in one season, Lorca remains an exceptional villain.
2 Picard: The Changelings
The Changelings emerged as a formidable foe in season three of Star Trek: Picard, surpassing even the Borg and the Borg Queen from the previous season. Their target was none other than Picard's son with Beverly Crusher, Jack Crusher, as they sought vengeance against the Federation for their role in the Dominion War. To achieve their goal, the Changelings devised a cunning plan to infiltrate and take control of Starfleet from within.
1 Strange New Worlds: The Romulans
The integration of The Original Series and Discovery in Strange New Worlds is seamless, especially in how it introduces the Romulans into the story. Captain Pike's quest to prevent a tragedy he foresaw during Discovery's second season leads him to face a critical decision, similar to Captain Kirk's in "Balance of Terror." However, Pike's handling of the situation leads to a war with the Romulans that lasts for decades. The showrunners' approach to introducing the Romulans is commendable, considering the constraints imposed by previous Star Trek canon.
