JJ Abrams is the only director to have led both Star Trek and Star Wars feature films, and he has done so with notable commercial and critical impact. Over more than two decades he has shaped television hits such as Fringe, Lost and Person of Interest and produced films including Cloverfield, Infinitely Polar Bear and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. As a director and screenwriter he has worked across studio blockbusters and intimate dramas, from 1990s projects like Gone Fishing and Armageddon to modern franchise entries. Praised by Steven Spielberg as a deserving successor in the sci‑fi blockbuster realm, Abrams has earned the trust of genre fans through careful stewardship of beloved properties. In this Ranked feature, each feature film he has directed is evaluated and ordered from least to most successful.
6. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Stepping into the Mission: Impossible franchise at a moment when Tom Cruise was at the peak of his box‑office power was a daunting task for any director, let alone one early in his feature career. Abrams delivered a taut, character‑driven entry that revitalized the series’ emotional core while delivering the set‑piece action audiences expect. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance as the antagonist is a standout—nuanced, threatening and memorable—and underscores Abrams’ aptitude for casting and shaping compelling villains.
Mission: Impossible III confirmed Abrams as a filmmaker studios could trust with high‑profile properties. While it sits at the lower end of this ranking, it remains a strong action film that helped pave the way for the director’s subsequent franchise work.
5. Super 8 (2011)
Super 8 is Abrams’ affectionate homage to the Spielberg‑era family sci‑fi picture: intimate, nostalgic and emotionally warm. The film captures the wonder of childhood filmmaking and the thrill of discovery, blending practical effects with modern visual touches to create a heartfelt experience that feels both familiar and personal.
At times Super 8 pulls in several directions—a mixture of small‑town drama, coming‑of‑age story and creature feature—that led to mixed critical reception. It isn’t flawless, but it showcases Abrams’ ability to balance spectacle with sincere character work and remains one of his more tender, audience‑friendly films.
4. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Entrusted with concluding the sequel trilogy, Abrams returned to Star Wars to finish a story left unsettled by production changes and competing creative visions. Tasked with reconciling choices from Episode VII and Episode VIII, the result leans heavily into crowd‑pleasing beats and fan service while delivering several spectacular set pieces and emotional payoffs.
Although The Rise of Skywalker contains high points—striking visuals, rousing moments and franchise‑scale ambition—it sometimes feels like a film trying to answer too many calls at once. Its strengths are real, but the overall structure can feel uneven as it prioritizes closure and reassurance over bold, unexpected storytelling.
3. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)
Into Darkness expanded the scale of J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot and intensified its emotional stakes. Building on the character focus of its predecessor, the film delivers bigger action, stronger visual effects and a layered antagonist, all while honoring the spirit of the original series. Its pacing and tonal shifts are not without flaws, but the film succeeds as a crowd‑pleasing, glossy update that balances character drama with blockbuster energy.
2. Star Trek (2009)
Rebooting Star Trek felt like an impossible assignment—how do you reintroduce an iconic, decades‑long franchise without betraying its devoted fan base? Abrams answered by making the series accessible to new audiences while preserving the core elements that long‑time fans love. With confident direction, sharp casting, intelligent fan service and a sense of fun, the 2009 Star Trek restored mainstream momentum to the franchise and set a high bar for modern studio reboots.
Its blend of character work, spectacle and reverence for the source material makes it one of Abrams’ most accomplished films and a near‑perfect example of franchise reinvention.
1. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Abrams initially hesitated to direct The Force Awakens out of respect for the original trilogy and fear of disappointing fans. Encouraged to take the role, he created a film that rejuvenated Star Wars for a new generation while recapturing much of the look and feel of the classic films. Combining practical effects with contemporary visual craft, Abrams delivered compelling characters, thrilling action and emotional resonance that made the film a global cultural event.
The Force Awakens balances nostalgia and fresh storytelling, reviving the franchise’s sense of adventure and wonder. Its success restored hope for Star Wars on screen and stands as Abrams’ crowning achievement to date.
Updated to include Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on 18 September 2020. Originally published 24 April 2017.
Across blockbusters and intimate genre films, JJ Abrams has proven himself a reliable director for studios and a filmmaker who can both honor legacy properties and craft crowd‑pleasing entertainment. Which of these films do you consider his best? Share your ranking and thoughts in the comments below.