Every 'Star Trek' Captain, Ranked By True Trekkies

Portrayed By: Patrick Stewart

Appears In: Star Trek: The Next Generation and subsequent movies

Commanding Style: Under Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the Enterprise crew successfully defeated the Borg, defended humanity against the Q Continuum, and prevented the Romulans from installing their own government in the Klingon Empire. Picard might not have the magnetism of Captain James T. Kirk - although he has his fair share of romantic dalliances - but this doesn't make him any less a leader. 

Picard's authoritative, commanding style can be described as diplomatic and peaceful, and some of his greatest strengths were his ability to control his feelings and show empathy and strength when needed. Other qualities that made him one of the best captains in the Star Trek universe were his intellectual prowess, calm demeanor, and wisdom in conflict situations. In addition, his ethical integrity and respect for diversity aboard the Enterprise fostered a cohesive and efficient crew.

Best Quote:

There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders.

Portrayed By: William Shatner

Appears In: Star Trek: The Original Series and many subsequent movies

Commanding Style: Although many Star Trek captains have come after him, William Shatner's Captain James Tiberius Kirk in the original 1966-'69 TV series is one to remember. He was a charismatic, headstrong, and moral captain courageous enough to jump into action and save a planet under attack, but charming enough to woo every woman on that planet afterward. Not only did he save Earth several times, but he also helped negotiate peace with the Klingon Empire and fought off crazed Nazis. 

Many fans would describe Kirk as a quintessential leader who taught audiences leadership lessons applicable to real-life scenarios through his daring adventures. His command style demonstrated a keen understanding of what it takes to lead and maintain a team that continues to succeed no matter what they're faced with. Lessons learned from Kirk include having advisers with different world views, never stopping learning, letting go of your passion when it no longer serves you, and always leading from the front.

Best Quote:

You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown. But there's no such thing as the unknown - only things temporarily hidden, temporarily not understood.

Portrayed By: Kate Mulgrew

Appears In: Star Trek: Voyager

Commanding Style: All Star Trek captains had their share of trials and tribulations, but none were as thoroughly thrown into the deep end as Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager. Although other female captains came before her, she faced the most near-impossible odds, which helped shape her into the brilliant captain she became. 

Janeway's defining qualities included her maternal nature, unwavering determination, commanding style of leading through principle, and a conviction to put her crew first. She set her crew up for success, and delivered.

Best Quote:

There are three things to remember about being a starship captain. Keep your shirt tucked in, go down with the ship... and never abandon a member of your crew.

Portrayed By: Jonathan Frakes

Appears In: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Commanding Style: Captain Will Riker leads his crew through friendship and deep relationship connections. Some people find his commanding style to be irresponsible and frivolous, but this couldn't be further from the truth. He uses his strong people skills, compassion, empathy, and competency to further mission agendas. 

In addition, Riker has a strong sense of justice and responsibility toward his captaincy duties, which is why many fans consider Riker to be one of the best captains in the franchise.

Best Quote:

Without trust, there's no friendship, no closeness, none of the emotional bonds that make us who we are.

Portrayed By: Jeffrey Hunter and Anson Mount

Appears In: Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Discovery

Commanding Style: Although Captain Christopher Pike was quiet, glum, and dour because of his horrific experiences exploring the universe with Starfleet, he's still one of the most likable captains. A strong example of the servant-hearted leader, he didn't let the weight of his responsibilities cloud his judgment, and he believed in commanding his crew through love, compassion, service, and sacrifice - which is why they held him in high regard. 

Essentially, Pike was a visionary leader who served as an encouraging force behind his team, constantly helping others become the best versions of themselves and showing them how to do the most effective work through courage, optimism, and a sense of purpose.

Best Quote: 

You're a Starfleet captain. You believe in service, sacrifice, compassion, and love.

Portrayed By: Avery Brooks

Appears In: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Commanding Style: Captain Benjamin Sisko is one of the most “human” captains in the Star Trek franchise - a soft-spoken family man known for being a mix of funny, intimidating, compassionate, and unafraid to bend the rules. Some would call him a Machiavellian leader because of his rule-breaking command style, but this isn't accurate. In truth, he was a resourceful and adaptable captain who made unpleasant decisions for the greater good that other captains might not have. 

Sisko wasn't afraid to “color outside the lines” to get things done - a stark contrast from other Starfleet captains who prided themselves on being pillars of morality - but this doesn't make him any less a strong leader. In fact, his willingness to face uncomfortable truths and his accountability and decisiveness make him one of the best.

Best Quote:

I don't care if the odds are against us! If we're going to lose, then we're going to go down fighting... so that when our descendants someday rise up against the Dominion, they'll know what they're made of!