How Much Money Did the First Star Trek Movie Make?

When it comes to the sci-fi genre, Star Trek is undoubtedly one of the most iconic franchises out there. With its captivating storyline, impressive special effects, and talented cast, it’s no surprise that the first Star Trek movie was a commercial success.

But just how much money did it make? Let’s dive into the numbers.

The First Star Trek Movie: A Brief Overview

The first Star Trek movie, titled “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” was released in 1979. The film was directed by Robert Wise and starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley reprising their roles as Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy respectively.

The plot of the movie centered around a mysterious alien entity that threatened Earth. Captain Kirk and his crew embark on a mission to intercept the entity before it reaches our planet.

Box Office Performance

“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was made on a budget of around $46 million – a significant amount for its time. However, the film managed to recoup its costs and then some at the box office.

According to Box Office Mojo, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” grossed $139 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run. This made it one of the highest-grossing films of 1979.

Domestic Box Office

In terms of domestic box office performance (meaning ticket sales within the United States), “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” grossed $82 million during its initial release.

International Box Office

Internationally, the film performed strongly as well. According to Box Office Mojo data, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” grossed over $57 million in foreign markets.

Critical Reception

While “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” performed well at the box office, it received mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes shows that the film has a 44% approval rating, with some critics praising its visuals and others criticizing its slow pacing.

Conclusion

Despite receiving mixed reviews, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” proved to be a commercial success. With its impressive box office performance both domestically and internationally, the film paved the way for future Star Trek movies and cemented the franchise’s place in pop culture history.