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Every Star Trek TV Theme Song Ranked: From TOS and TNG to Discovery and Beyond

Star Trek has some of the best music in television history. And here's how the greatest themes stack up with one another.

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“Space… the Final Frontier.” Those words have a certain sound to them, and not just because you hear the voice of William Shatner or Patrick Stewart saying them. They have a sound to them because they’re associated with music, specifically some of the most iconic themes in television history.

Even more so than the cold opens that accompany most episodes of Star Trek , the themes need to capture the franchise’s sense of wonder, optimism, and discovery. They need to evoke in the mind of the watcher an endless horizon just waiting for a Starfleet crew to find.

Every Star Trek TV theme achieves this goal, albeit some better than others. So here’s our ranking of every theme song from the most pedestrian to the most inspiring.

11. Star Trek: The Animated Series

It’s so much easier to admire Star Trek: The Animated Series than it is to enjoy it. As much as the show manages to evoke the spirit and feel part of the Original Series on a cheap TV animation budget, one has to look past a lot of clunkiness to get to the good stuff.

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The same is true of the new theme music by Filmation composer Ray Ellis, under the pseudonym Yvette Blais and Jeff Michael. At times, the TAS theme captures the sense of wonder found in the Original Series theme. But too often it’s thin and tinny, hampered by flat orchestration and poorly-recorded horns. The composition itself isn’t too bad, but it feels quintessentially 1970s, dated in a way the best themes do not. Instead of boldly going, The Animated Series theme keeps things stuck in the world of Filmation.

10. Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: Picard wanted to move the main character away from the respected captain we knew from The Next Generation . This was an older, more contemplative man, living in disgrace from even the organization through which he built his legend. The Picard theme by Jeff Russo reflects those intentions, a soft, almost discordant piece of music that eschews the stirring confidence of the other themes.

Russo works in elements of previous Star Trek music, namely the march of the TNG theme and the tune from “The Inner Light.” But no part connects with the other, feeling like a series of fragments more than a complete whole. Although one appreciates the daring in Russo’s composition for Picard , it’s much less enjoyable than most of the other themes. A good idea in theory, but not in execution, like much of Picard itself.

9. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

So much of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is about making something new with the familiar. Spun off from the very different Discovery , Strange New Worlds puts viewers back on the Enterprise , filled with familiar characters, including Uhura, Spock, and James T. Kirk himself. The theme by Jeff Russo tries to do the same, right down to the traditional spoken word intro, this time delivered by Anson Mount as Captain Pike.

Except, unlike the rest of SNW , the theme feels like a retread of glory days instead of a new interpretation of classic ideas. The song isn’t bad, combining the marching cadence of the TOS theme with the wistful hope of the modern themes. It’s a pleasing composition, but also unsurprising. It sounds more like an update of the classic Trek theme, which isn’t bad, but is a bit underwhelming.

8. Star Trek: Lower Decks

Almost every complaint lodged against the theme for Strange New Worlds also applies to Star Trek: Lower Decks . Although far more irreverent, Lower Decks goes back to a fan-favorite point in time, during the 1990s series, and its theme reflects that setting. Chris Westlake, who worked with showrunner Mike McMahan on Solar Opposites , emulates the tone of ’90s Trek shows, especially TNG .

The propulsive tune has the sense of adventure that one wants for a good Trek theme, threaded with notes of wonder and whimsey. Some might complain that the tune doesn’t indicate the show’s comedic elements, but that’s part of the Lower Decks charm. The show pokes loving fun at Star Trek , coming from a place of deep knowledge and respect for the franchise, which the theme song reflects.

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7. Star Trek: Discovery

The farther we get from the show’s first few seasons, the easier it is to see Star Trek: Discovery as the experimental, off-beat franchise entry that it is. That experimental aspect is reflected in the way the theme song from composer Jeff Russo integrates elements of the classic TOS theme, but then moves in its own direction.

Instead of just launching forward, the theme holds back. A bed of soft bass holds the theme together, giving space for playful strings. But the theme plays out in loosely connected pieces, never really coming together, even when it returns to notes of the TOS theme at the end. All of these elements signal an evolving series, one that has no one single identity—fitting for Discovery .

6. Star Trek: The Original Series

Alright, let’s just get this out of the way. The theme to Star Trek: The Original Series is iconic. There’s a reason that so many modern Trek themes quote the original. That said, there’s a reason that these themes only quote the start, the tinkling chimes that accompany the “Final Frontier” speech or the confident strings that follow.

No one quotes the rest of the theme, and there’s a reason for that. While the melody itself is pleasing and fits the exploration ideas of the show, nothing else in the song from Alexander Courage works. The vocals are cheesy and irritating, the bongos are too busy, drawing attention from the best parts of the song. Courage’s composition deserves credit for setting the standard, but no one is upset that the themes moved on from there.

5. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Many ( including folks at Den of Geek ) put Star Trek: Deep Space Nine at the top of franchise rankings. The show’s moral complexity, its vision of different people and groups trying to come together, and its embrace of concepts such as large-scale war and religion make it hard to beat as the greatest entry in Star Trek history.

However, the theme by Dennis McCarthy doesn’t really hint at these titanic stakes—even after it was revamped in later seasons. Instead, the slow, contemplative theme evokes loneliness and even stagnation. A solo trumpet drives the theme, playing over the warm strings that rise and fall away. It makes for a beautiful work, but not one that stays in the mind like others.

4. Star Trek: Prodigy

Star Trek: Prodigy is easily the most unique of the Star Trek shows. Directed at kids with an animation style that recalls the Star Wars series on Disney+, yet still a sequel to Star Trek: Voyager , Prodigy doesn’t necessarily sound like an idea that would succeed. And yet, with its team of plucky kids and fantastic stories about established characters like Janeway, Chakotay, and Wesley Crusher , Prodigy embodies the Trek ethos better than any other current show.

That unique approach is highlighted in the show’s theme, which comes from none other than Michael Giacchino. The tune owes a debt to Voyager , unsurprisingly, but there’s also a lot of his work from the Kelvin universe movies in there, too. A warm, confident melody pushes the song forward, giving way for occasional moments of reflective calm and explosive propulsion. The song reflects the excitement of the show, in which a bunch of rowdy kids follow in the footsteps of respected travelers.

3. Star Trek: Enterprise

Yes. Really. Of course, we all recoiled in disgust the first time that we heard the lyrics “faith of the heart” greeting us to Enterprise’s premiere “Broken Bow.” Why abandon the orchestral themes that have always been part of the series? And why abandon them for a terrible adult contemporary number, one written by Diane Warren for the awful Robin Williams vehicle Patch Adams ?

But something strange happens by the time you get to episode 8. You start singing along. The radio-friendly licks and obvious hooks sink in and feel, somehow, right. And when the more up-tempo version kicks in with season three, we’re all channeling our inner Russell Watson to belt out our feelings. I guess you could say it’s a long road to loving “Where My Heart Will Take Me,” but we all get there eventually.

2. Star Trek: The Next Generation

Yes, this is a cheat. The music used in Star Trek: The Next Generation first came from Jerry Goldsmith’s score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture . But, honestly, do you associate that stirring march with Kirk in his pajamas, staring at the viewscreen? Or do you picture Jean-Luc Picard and Data and Q? Of course, it’s the latter, even if we’re watching a way-too-long sequence of the saucer section of the Enterprise-D separating.

The theme is a better fit for TNG than TMP anyway because it’s all about moving forward. Goldsmith’s composition strides forward, not even pausing for a second to second guess itself. Even when it softens for a reflective middle section, the theme keeps marching ahead, boldly going, all the way to its final triumphant flourish, keeping Trek alive for the next generation and beyond.

1. Star Trek: Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager may be the least loved among the first five series, but it has the most perfect theme of the entire franchise. Jerry Goldsmith nails it, combining the forward march of TNG with the sense of wonder from TOS and the loneliness of DS9 . This is a show about a ship lost in a distant quadrant, holding to their exploration ideals while remaining confident that they’ll get home.

Those aspects combine in the central tension of the theme, with the brass punching out its main melody and soft strings rising up, adding hints of sadness. Throughout the song come occasional chimes, highlighting the hopeful moments in Voyager ‘s journey, while never forgetting the danger and sadness in their plight. It’s everything wonderful about Star Trek , all presented in one minute and 40 seconds.

Joe George | @jageorgeii

Joe George’s writing has appeared at Slate, Polygon, Tor.com, and elsewhere!

• Nov 2, 2023

Star Trek’s Theme Music: Secrets Explained

The theme music for the original Star Trek series is a fantastic masterpiece, reflecting the amazing imagination of its creator, Gene Roddenberry.

Composed by Alexander Courage in 1966, the theme is fifty seconds long and it incorporates a blend of classical orchestration and futuristic sounds.

Brilliantly composed by Courage in only three days, the end result was a beautiful piece that embodies hope and adventure.

Roddenberry played a vital role in shaping the theme and, interestingly, he wrote lyrics for it, although they were never used.

The music not only became synonymous with the series, but also seeped into popular culture, finding its way into countless parodies and media forms.

The composition ingeniously includes the unusual tones of the theremin, an electronic musical device played without human physical contact. A theremin produces sound based on the proximity of the player's hands to its antennas, creating eerie and haunting tones. This innovative inclusion added an element of the unknown, and also perfectly captured the show's futuristic and otherworldly themes.

The haunting celestial vocalizations in the theme were actually sung by a choir, and not made electronically. They create a mysterious quality synonymous with the uncharted territories that the Enterprise explored.

The original Star Trek series theme is a testament to the creative ingenuity of its composer and the visionary spirit of its creator. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of mystique and excitement, inviting us on a journey through the universe of imagination.

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The Star Trek Theme Song Has Lyrics

The Star Trek theme song is familiar to pretty much anyone who lived in the free world (and probably elsewhere, too) in the late 20th century. The tune is played during the show's opening credits; a slightly longer version is played, accompanied by stills from various episodes, during the closing credits. The opening song is preceded by William Shatner (as Captain Kirk) doing his now-legendary monologue recitation, which begins: "Space, the final frontier ..."

The show's familiar melody was written by respected film and TV composer Alexander Courage, who said the Star Trek theme's main inspiration was the Richard Whiting song "Beyond the Blue Horizon." In Courage's contract it was stipulated that, as the composer, he would receive royalties every time the show was aired and the theme song played. If, somehow, Star Trek made it into syndication—which, of course, it ultimately did—Courage stood to make a lot of money. And so did the person who wrote the lyrics.

WAIT... THERE WERE LYRICS?

Gene Roddenberry, the show's creator, wrote lyrics to the theme song.

"Beyond the rim of the star-light, my love is wand'ring in star-flight!"

Why would Roddenberry even bother?

The lyrics were never even meant to be heard on the show, but not because the network (NBC) nixed them. Roddenberry nixed them himself. Roddenberry wanted a piece of the composing profits, so he wrote the hokey lyrics solely to receive a "co-writer" credit.

"I know he'll find in star-clustered reaches Love, strange love a star woman teaches."

As one of the composers, Roddenberry received 50 percent of the royalties ... cutting Alexander Courage's share in half. Not surprisingly, Courage was furious about the deal. Though it was legal, he admitted, it was unethical because Roddenberry had contributed nothing to why the music was successful.

Roddenberry was unapologetic. According to Snopes, he once declared, "I have to get some money somewhere. I'm sure not gonna get it out of the profits of Star Trek ."

In 1969, after Star Trek officially got the ax, no one (Courage and Roddenberry included) could possibly have imagined the show's great popularity and staying power.

Courage, who only worked on two shows in Star Trek 's opening season because he was busy working on the 1967 Dr. Doolittle movie, vowed he would never return to Star Trek .

He never did.

If you're looking for an offbeat karaoke number, here are Roddenberry's lyrics, as provided by Snopes :

Beyond The rim of the star-light My love Is wand'ring in star-flight I know He'll find in star-clustered reaches Love, Strange love a star woman teaches. I know His journey ends never His star trek Will go on forever. But tell him While he wanders his starry sea Remember, remember me.

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In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.

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• Trivia In the hallways of the Enterprise there are tubes marked "GNDN." These initials stand for "goes nowhere does nothing."
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• Crazy credits On some episodes, the closing credits show a still that is actually from the Star Trek blooper reel. It is a close-up of stunt man Bill Blackburn who played an android in Return to Tomorrow (1968) , removing his latex make up. In the reel, He is shown taking it off, while an off-screen voice says "You wanted show business, you got it!"
• Alternate versions In 2006, CBS went back to the archives and created HD prints of every episode of the show. In addition to the new video transfer, they re-did all of the model shots and some matte paintings using CGI effects, and re-recorded the original theme song to clean it up. These "Enhanced" versions of the episodes aired on syndication and have been released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
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Theme from "Star Trek"

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First release by Leonard Nimoy (April 1967)

Theme from "Star Trek" written by Alexander Courage , Gene Roddenberry instrumental

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Loulie Jean Norman

Loulie Jean Norman ( 12 March 1913 – 2 August 2005 ; age 92) was the soprano who sang the wordless accompaniment to the theme music of Star Trek: The Original Series . Her voice can also be heard in eerie music that accompanies the Talosians ' illusions in " The Cage ", also composed by Alexander Courage . This music cue was recycled to accompany: reused footage of "The Cage" in " The Menagerie, Part II "; one of the 1930 scenes featuring McCoy in " The City on the Edge of Forever "; a seance in " Wolf in the Fold "; Nona 's treatment of Kirk from a Mugato bite in " A Private Little War "; and multiple scenes in " This Side of Paradise ", including one where Spock is first possessed by spores .

Norman's singing voice can be heard in several films. She was a background singer in the 1954 film Brigadoon and the 1955 film The Prodigal . She was also the singing voice for Diahann Carroll's Clara in the 1959 Porgy and Bess , which starred Brock Peters .

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Star Trek's Forgotten 'Theme Song' is Now Part of Official Canon

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #500! Star Trek’ s “lost” theme song has now officially joined the canon. It may come as a surprise to fans of the franchise, but the classic Star Trek ’s theme has lyrics–sort of, thanks to its creator, Gene Roddenberry. These lyrics have been largely forgotten, and for good reason. Yet, in the story “I Knew You Were Tribble When You Walked In,” appearing in Star Trek #500 , they make a darkly hilarious return.

“I Knew You Were Tribble When You Walked In,” appearing in Star Trek #500, was written by Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum with Leonard Kirk on art duties. Set at the same time as the classic Star Trek episode “The Trouble with Tribbles,” the story ends right after Scotty transports the creatures aboard the Klingon flagship. Throughout the story, the Tribbble narrator voices lusty thoughts about Kirk, and upon being beamed aboard the Klingon ship, falls in love with one of its crewmembers. As the story ends, the Tribble serenades the Klingon with a song.

The Origins of Star Trek's Lost Theme Song, Explained

Star trek only used a theme song with lyrics once.

Alexander Courage’s theme to Star Trek is a classic, and pieces of it can be heard in other Trek shows and movies. The theme has no lyrics, instead featuring vocal effects performed by a professional singer. The theme beautifully set the tone for the show: it was ambient, futuristic, and unforgettable. Yet according to legend, Gene Roddenberry, seeking new ways to make money, wrote lyrics to Courage’s theme, which are shared below. Although the lyrics were not even used once, Roddenberry still managed to get credit, and thus, royalties. It was an admittedly under-handed move on Roddenberry’s part, but the lyrics remain for all to enjoy:

Beyond The rim of the star-light My love Is wandring in star-flight I know Hell find in star-clustered reaches Love, Strange love a star woman teaches. I know His journey ends never His star trek Will go on forever. But tell him While he wanders his starry sea Remember, remember me.

For the most part, Star Trek shows and movies steer away from using lyrics in their theme songs, with one notable exception: Enterprise. The show used The Calling’s “Wherever You Will Go” in promotional materials the summer before its release. When Enterprise premiered in September 2001, it featured opera vocalist Russell Watson’s rendition of Dionne Warwick’s “Where My Heart Will Take Me.” The song became a flashpoint of controversy among Star Trek fans, who felt a pop song was out of place in the franchise. While fandom has grudgingly grown to love the song, it still has detractors.

Other composers who have worked on the Star Trek franchise include Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner and Jeff Russo.

There Was a Reason The Star Trek Lyrics Were Never Used

Star trek may have taken a different path, had its theme actually had words.

Thankfully, Roddenberry’s “lyrics” to Star Trek’s iconic theme were never used, and for good reason: they are awful. The lyrics rely on clichés and hackneyed imagery, and seem tacked on after the fact–which they were. Alexander Courage’s classic Star Trek theme, without lyrics, has stood the test of time. Roddenberry’s attempt to shoehorn words to it was disrespectful towards Courage, and highlighted some of Star Trek’s creator’s worst impulses. If Star Trek’s theme had lyrics of any sort, it would not be as fondly remembered today.

"I Finally Found You": Star Trek's Beverly & Wesley Crusher Reunion Is a Tragic Twist for Wil Wheaton's Character

Doctor Crusher has at long last been reunited with her son Wesley, but it is far from a joyous occasion, as she learns his heartbreaking life story.

​​​​​​​

Now, Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum and Leonard Kirk have taken Star Trek’s lost theme and gave it a hilarious twist, while at the same time adding it to the canon. The story’s creators know Roddenberry’s lyrics are silly, so they take the idea and push it to its ridiculous extreme. In the Star Trek universe, there is nothing funnier than a Tribble lusting after a Klingon, and making the franchise’s “lost” theme a love song between them is a stroke of genius. It makes gentle fun of what could have been a low moment in the Star Trek universe.

Star Trek #500 is on sale now from IDW Publishing.

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