Unveiling the Terrifying Side of Star Trek: 10 Bone-Chilling Nightmarish Moments

Summary

Star Trek has always been willing to explore different genres, including horror. It has a history of telling terrifying space stories. (150 characters)

Notable horror episodes include "Catspaw" (The Original Series), "Night Terrors" (The Next Generation), and "Context is for Kings" (Discovery). These chilling episodes showcase eerie atmospheres, hallucinations, mutilated bodies, zombie-like Vulcans, and gripping medical experiments. Star Trek's adeptness at delivering genuine scares is on full display.

Star Trek, as a franchise, is renowned for its experimentation with different storytelling techniques and its occasional ventures into the horror genre. Ranging from comedies to crossovers and even musicals in recent times, Star Trek has always pushed the boundaries of the stories it can tell. Even since its original series, Star Trek has delved into the realm of scary space stories, and every installment of the series has featured at least one episode that is truly horrifying. Whether it's the eerie setting of an abandoned starship, relentless alien attacks, or disturbing medical experiments, Star Trek incorporates numerous classic horror tropes into its narratives.

While Star Trek may be primarily remembered for its thought-provoking and adventurous episodes, as well as its comedic endeavors, it is equally adept at delivering terrifying experiences. Starfleet captains encounter their fair share of horrors during their journeys into the unknown, with Star Trek unflinchingly depicting the multitude of terrors that space can hold. So, whether you're seeking something to watch during the spooky season or simply enjoy being scared, brace yourself for these 10 genuinely terrifying episodes of Star Trek that have haunted viewers' dreams. Consider this fair warning.

10 Star Trek: The Original Series - "Catspaw" (Season 2, Episode 7)

9 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Night Terrors" (Season 4, Episode 17)

"Spooky" Halloween vibes permeate Star Trek: The Original Series' "Catspaw" with its witches, black cats, and skeletons. While lacking genuine horror, the episode compensates with an eerie ambiance. Exploring a planet to locate a missing landing party, Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) stumble upon a Medieval castle ruled by the enigmatic and formidable Korob (Theo Marcuse) and Sylvia (Antoinette Bower). Written by Robert Bloch, renowned for his novel Psycho, this episode suitably premiered close to Halloween in 1967.

Sleep and nightmares are common themes in horror stories, and Wes Craven's Nightmare on Elm Street is a prime example. In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Night Terrors," the crew of the Enterprise faces a dilemma where they are unable to enter the REM sleep phase, resulting in horrifying hallucinations. The concept of an entire ship's crew slowly succumbing to madness and turning against each other is truly chilling and would be a dreadful fate for all involved. Fortunately, the Enterprise-D has the assistance of Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), an android who does not require sleep or experience dreams. Working alongside Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), a half-Betazoid with telepathic abilities, they collaborate to uncover a solution and save the day.

8 Star Trek: Discovery - "Context is for Kings" (Season 1, Episode 3)

Although "Context is for Kings" in season 1 of Star Trek: Discovery doesn't solely focus on horror, the horror elements it does have are incredibly impactful. When the USS Discovery is tasked with investigating an "incident" on the USS Glenn, Michael Burnham and her team are confronted with the gruesome remains of the ship's crew. The scenes aboard the Glenn are predominantly portrayed in darkness, as the boarding party's flashlights reveal the disturbing sight of mutilated bodies. Adding to the foreboding atmosphere, it is later revealed that Captain Gabriel Lorca has obtained Ripper, the colossal tardigrade responsible for the deaths on the Glenn.

7 Star Trek: Enterprise - "Impulse" (Season 3, Episode 5)

The opening scene of Star Trek: Enterprise's "Impulse" is unsettling as T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) is forcefully restrained in sickbay, emitting piercing screams. It is unusual to witness such an outburst from T'Pol, known for her stoic Vulcan demeanor. The narrative then shifts back to the events preceding this distressing moment. Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise respond to a distress call from a Vulcan ship drifting in space. Upon arrival, they are confronted with a crew of Vulcan-like individuals exhibiting zombie-like behavior, leading them to battle their way back to their shuttles. As the episode progresses, T'Pol experiences symptoms resembling those of the zombie Vulcans, intensifying the disconcerting nature of the situation.

6 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - "All Those Who Wander" (Season 1, Episode 9)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1's "All Those Who Wander" evokes the essence of Ridley Scott's Alien movies, featuring the emergence of chest-bursting alien hatchlings. During this episode, Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and the USS Enterprise swiftly respond to a distress signal from the USS Peregrine, which had lost communication four days earlier. Upon reaching the planet Valeo Beta V, the source of the Peregrine's last transmission, they encounter the gruesome remains of the Peregrine's crew. Soon thereafter, the Enterprise crew confront a formidable group of vicious Gorn hatchlings. While bravely battling against the surviving hatchlings, Lt. Hemmer (Bruce Horak) becomes infected with Gorn eggs and ultimately sacrifices himself to save his comrades.

5 Star Trek: The Original Series - "Wolf in the Fold" (Season 2, Episode 14)

The premise of Star Trek: TOS' "Wolf in the Fold" shares similarities with many horror stories. In this episode, USS Enterprise Chief Engineer Scotty (James Doohan) finds himself confronted with a horrifying situation - he is discovered at the scene of a brutal murder, holding a bloodstained knife, yet devoid of any recollection of what transpired. The episode is deeply unsettling for two main reasons. Firstly, it depicts the savage killings of multiple women, evoking a palpable sense of horror. Secondly, it forces Scotty to question his own sanity and contemplate the depths of his capabilities. Ultimately, it is unveiled that the true culprit is an intangible entity that had taken control of Scotty, revealing itself as Jack the Ripper. While this revelation may be considered an additional twist, "Wolf in the Fold" remains an undeniably spine-chilling installment of Star Trek.

4 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - "Hegemony" (Season 2, Episode 10)

3 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Schisms" (Season 6, Episode 5)

Following a distress call from Captain Marie Batel (Melanie Scrofano) and the USS Cayuga, the Starship Enterprise embarks on a mission to locate them. Sadly, they discover only the remnants of the destroyed Cayuga upon arrival. Complicating matters further, a Gorn hunting vessel lurks nearby. In order to search for survivors, Captain Pike and a select few crewmembers embark on a covert mission to the planet Parnassus Beta. After locating the battered and injured members of Cayuga's crew, they are faced with the challenge of escaping the planet undetected by the Gorn. The tension escalates as a fully grown Gorn engages in a fierce battle with Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) and Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) within the wreckage of the Cayuga. The episode "Hegemony" concludes with a nail-biting cliffhanger, as several crewmembers from the Enterprise and Cayuga ships find themselves held captive by the formidable Gorn.

While the troubles in this particular installment initially revolve around sleep-related issues, TNG's "Schisms" gradually morphs into a chilling medical horror tale. As a number of crew members aboard the Enterprise-D encounter difficulties with their sleep patterns, Dr. Beverly Crusher (portrayed by Gates McFadden) diligently investigates the matter and uncovers something truly harrowing. Evidently, enigmatic extraterrestrial beings have been intermittently abducting Enterprise crew members, subjecting them to bizarre experiments--including, it seems, the removal and subsequent reattachment of Commander Will Riker's limb (played by Jonathan Frakes). As the crew gradually begins to unravel the truth, Riker daringly permits himself to be whisked away by the aliens, resiliently maintaining consciousness throughout the ordeal. Ultimately, his unwavering presence of mind facilitates his escape and aids the Enterprise in eluding the clutches of the mysterious beings. Nevertheless, one can only imagine the traumatic nature of this experience for him.

2 Star Trek: Deep Space Nice - “Empok Nor” (Season 5, Episode 24)

Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) leads a team to a supposedly abandoned Cardassian space station, only to discover that it is far from vacant. To their surprise, they find two Cardassian soldiers still present, but these soldiers have been under the influence of drugs, intensifying their aggression. Consequently, the Cardassian soldiers embark on a relentless pursuit of O'Brien and his team, eliminating multiple crew members along the way. The eerie atmosphere of the deserted space station is amplified by the concealed traps and the bloodthirsty Cardassian soldiers. This episode, penned by Bryan Fuller, who would later contribute to various Star Trek projects and create the visually stunning yet profoundly unsettling Hannibal television series, astutely captures the bone-chilling visuals.

1 Star Trek: Voyager - "Scientific Method" (Season 4, Episode 7)

Star Trek: Voyager's "Scientific Method" is another gripping episode that delves into medical-related horror. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and the USS Voyager crew find themselves plagued by mysterious health issues. The ship's Doctor (Robert Picardo) soon discovers that someone has been manipulating their DNA, resulting in potentially dangerous mutations. To combat the invisible alien culprits, the Doctor enhances the optical implants of Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), a former Borg drone who can now perceive them. Shockingly, these aliens subject the Voyager crew to nightmarish medical experiments, utilizing needles in their skulls and various attachments. Janeway ultimately thwarts the sinister beings, showcasing Star Trek's ability to masterfully delve into the horror genre.