Every Version Of The Klingon In Star Trek, Ranked The Klingons have been a staple of the Star Trek universe since their first appearance in the original 1960s series. Over the decades, these iconic alien warriors have undergone numerous visual and conceptual transformations, reflecting the evolving nature of Star Trek's storytelling and production. From their distinctive ridged foreheads to their fierce code of honor, the Klingons have captivated audiences worldwide and become one of the franchise's most recognizable and enduring elements. In the early days of Star Trek, the Klingons were portrayed as the primary antagonists to the United Federation of Planets. Their appearance was relatively simple, with actors sporting dark makeup and a forehead ridge to distinguish them from humans. However, as the franchise expanded and delved deeper into Klingon culture and history, their physical design underwent a significant overhaul. The most dramatic change came in the 1990s, when the Klingons were given a more elaborate and consistent appearance across the various Star Trek series and films. This new look, with its pronounced brow ridges, prominent teeth, and distinctive cranial features, has become the standard Klingon design that fans recognize today. But not all Klingon iterations have been equally successful or well-received. Some have been criticized for straying too far from the established aesthetic, while others have been praised for their attention to detail and cultural authenticity. In this ranking, we'll explore the various Klingon designs throughout Star Trek history, evaluating their visual impact, cultural significance, and overall effectiveness in bringing these formidable warriors to life. 10. The Motion Picture Klingons The Klingons' first major cinematic appearance in 1979's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" marked a significant departure from their original television counterparts. Gone were the simple forehead ridges, replaced by a more elaborate and ornate design that featured prominent brow plates, jagged teeth, and a more pronounced cranial structure. While this new look was intended to showcase the Klingons' technological and cultural advancements, it was met with mixed reactions from fans, who felt the design was too far removed from the familiar television version. 9. The Search for Spock Klingons In the 1984 film "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," the Klingons underwent another visual transformation, this time with a slightly more streamlined appearance. The brow ridges were less pronounced, and the overall design was a bit more consistent with the original television Klingons. However, the execution was still somewhat uneven, with some actors appearing more convincing than others in the makeup. 8. The Undiscovered Country Klingons The 1991 film "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" brought yet another iteration of the Klingons, this time with a design that incorporated elements from both the original series and the more recent films. The ridges were more pronounced, and the overall look was more cohesive and visually striking. However, the design still felt a bit uneven, with some Klingons appearing more polished than others. 7. The Animated Series Klingons The short-lived "Star Trek: The Animated Series" from the 1970s featured Klingons that closely resembled their live-action counterparts from the original series. While the animation style gave them a slightly more stylized appearance, the core design remained faithful to the familiar television version, with the distinctive forehead ridges and simple makeup. 6. The Original Series Klingons The Klingons as they first appeared in the original "Star Trek" series from the 1960s represented a relatively straightforward and minimalist design. With their dark makeup and forehead ridges, these Klingons served as formidable antagonists to the Federation, embodying the Cold War-era tensions that were a driving force behind the show's storytelling. 5. Discovery Klingons The 2017 reboot series "Star Trek: Discovery" introduced a bold and controversial new interpretation of the Klingons, with a design that heavily emphasized their cultural and biological distinctiveness from humans. The Klingons in "Discovery" featured a more pronounced and intricate cranial structure, with elongated heads, prominent brow ridges, and a distinct lack of hair. While the design was divisive among fans, it succeeded in establishing the Klingons as a truly alien and deeply complex culture within the Star Trek universe. 4. Enterprise Klingons The prequel series "Star Trek: Enterprise," set in the early days of the Federation, featured Klingons that represented a transitional stage between the original series and the more modern designs. These Klingons retained the distinctive forehead ridges but with a slightly more refined and naturalistic appearance. The design effectively bridged the gap between the two eras, providing a plausible evolutionary path for the species. 3. The Next Generation Klingons The Klingons of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and the subsequent films solidified the iconic look that has become the standard for the species. With their pronounced brow ridges, sharp teeth, and intricate facial features, these Klingons embodied a powerful and deeply cultural aesthetic that resonated with fans. The design not only looked visually striking but also helped to flesh out the complex societal and philosophical aspects of Klingon society. 2. Deep Space Nine Klingons The Klingons featured in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" built upon the established design from "The Next Generation" but added an even greater level of detail and cultural authenticity. The series delved deeply into Klingon politics, customs, and personal dynamics, and the visual design reflected this increased emphasis on cultural richness. The Klingons in "Deep Space Nine" felt more fully realized and three-dimensional, with a strong sense of individual identity and cultural heritage. 1. Worf and the Klingons of Star Trek: The Next Generation Of all the Klingon designs throughout the franchise, the ones featured in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and the subsequent films stand out as the most iconic and well-executed. The design, led by the character of Worf, perfectly captured the Klingons' fierce warrior spirit, rich cultural traditions, and complex moral code. The attention to detail in the makeup, prosthetics, and costume design, combined with the strong performances by the actors, made these Klingons feel like a fully realized and deeply compelling alien species. This version of the Klingons has become the gold standard, influencing all subsequent interpretations and cementing their status as one of the most iconic alien races in science fiction. The evolution of the Klingons in Star Trek has been a fascinating journey, reflecting the franchise's own growth and development over the decades. From the relatively simple designs of the original series to the more elaborate and culturally-infused versions in later iterations, the Klingons have consistently captivated audiences and served as a central component of the Star Trek mythos. As the franchise continues to expand and explore new corners of the galaxy, it will be interesting to see how the Klingons are interpreted and reimagined in the future. Whether the design choices veer closer to the classic look or venture into uncharted territory, one thing is certain: the Klingons will remain a vital and enduring part of the Star Trek universe, inspiring countless fans and shaping the franchise's lasting legacy.