Besides being one of the best Star Trek movies in the franchise, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan also made heady references to classic literature. Released in 1982, The Wrath of Khan was an obvious evolution of the Star Trek franchise and took the characters to new heights through its clever storytelling. Its plot showed the growth and maturity of the beloved Enterprise crew and took risks that most franchise sequels wouldn't. It transcended even the Star Trek label and became one of the best science fiction epics of all time because of its dense themes and brilliantly crafted script.
Instead of simply pulling from literature and leaving it be, the movie cleverly weaves the books themselves into the film and acknowledges the sources of many of its references through quotes and even by showing the books on screen. With other Star Trek movies often copying Wrath of Khan, the importance of the sequel can't be overstated, as the story implications have had a ripple effect on the entire timeline. By incorporating classic literature, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan elevated itself into a piece of art while mirroring Kirk's complicated hero's journey with the arcs of the characters featured in the cited works.
