Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

film

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

1986

When a huge alien probe enters the galaxy and begins to vaporize Earth's oceans, Kirk and his crew must travel back in time in order to bring back whales and save the planet.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Real-world branding of the 1980s is used for setting realism.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Discusses species extinction; characters face trial for previous actions.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injury depicted when Chekov is shot/injured; very little blood.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses very mild, dated slang and frustration-based exclamations.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, incidental attraction between Kirk and Dr. Taylor.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

An alien probe causes planetary storms and threatens Earth; characters face capture, escape danger, near-drowning, and a hazardous crash.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes depict characters in 1980s settings; minor social use.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Adventure peril includes capture, interrogation, an escape injury, rescuing whales from whalers, and a crash; violence is generally brief and non-graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront planetary catastrophe, capture, dangerous missions, and a crash while acting to protect Earth and the whales.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, alien communication, inventive technology, unconventional problem-solving, and the crew's improvised mission strongly stimulate imagination.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features an ethnically diverse bridge crew and inclusive cast.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

The film encourages interest in whales, conservation, marine biology, time travel concepts, technology, and problem-solving, though entertainment is its main intent.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Protecting endangered whales, helping an injured crew member, and showing compassion toward animals and people are central to the plot.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages promote environmental stewardship, protecting animals, cooperation, accountability, compassion, and using knowledge to solve crises.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The crew risks punishment to save Earth and the whales, works together, accepts accountability, and combines courage with ingenuity.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and what caused that change?
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