4 Reasons why Star Trek is better than Star Wars

Cultural Influence

The hallmark of any iconic movie or television show is when and how it infiltrates the popular zeitgeist with an instantly recognizable catchphrase. The cultural impact of a generationally defying catchphrase that encapsulates a feeling or movement, regardless of fandom or not can certainly be expressed in these two catchphrases: "Live long and prosper” and “May the Force be with you”.

Without identifying from which franchise either catch phrased originated, speaks to the cultural influence both have on society and will continue to do so as upcoming generations consume new and reimagined interpretations of Star Trek and Star Wars movies and TV series.

Star Trek has been influential in breaking barriers with diverse characters like Uhura (the first African American woman in a prominent role on television), as well as Sulu (a groundbreaking Asian American character). Additionally, the technological advances depicted in TOS have likely influenced the inventions of the mobile phone, tablet computers, and the urge to move forward in space exploration.

Culturally, Star Wars is a bona fide global phenomenon that influenced filmmaking with advances in special effects, sound engineering, and action sequences, not to mention John Williams's iconic score and of course Darth Vader’s eerie breathing in his mask.

The ominous threat of a tyrannical Empire taking over the galaxy was given levity with the hysterical droid-to-droid relation between C-3PO (a protocol droid) and his sidekick R2-D2 (a spacecraft mechanical droid). Although the term “droid” (short for android) was first used in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 1968, it was Star Wars that later elevated the term to pop culture status.

In terms of cultural influence on society, Star Trek has used storytelling, and tone to impact social commentary, diversity, and technological innovation, with a focus on how humanity can evolve by collaborating and embracing differences. In contrast, Star Wars cultural influence emphasizes heroism, the struggles of good versus evil, with a significance on one's destiny, redemption, and personal growth.

In the cultural influence category, I must give the edge to Star Wars due to how this franchise, under Lucas’ direction, has completely revolutionized the marketing and merchandising of toys, comics, video games, and multiple derivative products. Star Wars is the quintessential merchandising blueprint for subsequent blockbuster franchises such as the MCU, Harry Potter, and Transformers just to name a few.

Is Star Trek better than Star Wars?

Yes, Star Trek is better than Star Wars! Based on the evaluation and analysis of each franchise within a given set of categories below - Star Trek came out on top and here's how they stacked up.