Top 10 Borg Episodes From Across the Star Trek Universe

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Alright, let’s get assimilated! The Borg are one of the most iconic and formidable adversaries in the Star Trek universe, and they’ve been featured in some truly memorable episodes. Compiling a Top 10 list across all series is a challenge, but here’s my take on the best Borg episodes in Star Trek:

Top 10 Borg Episodes Across the Star Trek Universe

1. “The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 & 2” (TNG, Season 3, Episode 26 & Season 4, Episode 1): This is the quintessential Borg story, a thrilling and suspenseful two-parter that changed Star Trek forever. The cliffhanger at the end of Part 1, with Picard assimilated as Locutus, is one of the most shocking moments in television history. The episode is a masterclass in building tension, and it features some of the best action sequences of the series. It firmly established the Borg as a terrifying threat, and had lasting consequences for the TNG crew, especially Picard.
2. “Q Who” (TNG, Season 2, Episode 16): The episode that introduced the Borg to the Star Trek universe. Q throws the Enterprise-D into the path of a Borg cube, and the crew gets a terrifying glimpse of their future enemy. The episode is a chilling and effective introduction to the Borg, showcasing their power, their relentlessness, and their utter alienness. It’s a landmark episode that changed the course of TNG.
3. “Scorpion, Parts 1 & 2” (VOY, Season 3, Episode 26 & Season 4, Episode 1): This two-parter features an uneasy alliance between the Voyager crew and the Borg to fight a common enemy, Species 8472. The episode is full of action, suspense, and moral ambiguity, as Janeway makes a deal with the devil to save her crew. It also marks the introduction of Seven of Nine, a character who would become one of the most popular in Voyager‘s run.
4. “I, Borg” (TNG, Season 5, Episode 23): This episode features the Enterprise-D crew encountering a lone, disconnected Borg drone, whom they name “Hugh.” The episode is a powerful exploration of individuality, compassion, and the nature of humanity. It raises important ethical questions about how to deal with a seemingly implacable enemy, and it features a memorable performance by Jonathan Del Arco as Hugh. It’s a great example of how TNG could take a seemingly one-dimensional villain and add layers of complexity to them.
5. “Descent, Parts 1 & 2” (TNG, Season 6, Episode 26 & Season 7, Episode 1): This two-parter features the return of Hugh and the introduction of Lore, Data’s evil brother. Lore has taken control of a group of Borg drones who have embraced individuality, and he plans to use them to conquer the Federation. The episode is a bit uneven, but it features some exciting action sequences and further explores the themes of individuality and free will. It’s also significant for being the last appearance of Lore in the TNG era.
6. “Dark Frontier, Parts 1 & 2” (VOY, Season 5, Episodes 15 & 16): This two-parter features Seven of Nine being forcibly taken back by the Borg Queen, and the Voyager crew launching a daring mission to rescue her. It’s an action-packed and emotional story that delves deeper into the Borg Collective and Seven’s connection to it. It also features some great character moments for Janeway, who is determined to save Seven at any cost.
7. “Unimatrix Zero, Parts 1 & 2” (VOY, Season 6, Episode 26 & Season 7, Episode 1): This two-parter introduces a virtual world within the Borg Collective where drones can exist as individuals. It’s a fascinating concept that explores the nature of identity and the desire for freedom, even within the Collective. The episode also features some great moments for Seven of Nine, as she becomes involved in a rebellion against the Borg Queen.
8. “Regeneration” (ENT, Season 2, Episode 23): This controversial episode features the Borg making an appearance in the Enterprise era, long before their “official” first contact in TNG. While it bends canon a bit, the episode is a tense and exciting thriller that features the Enterprise crew battling a group of assimilated scientists who are attempting to send a message to the Borg Collective. It’s a great example of how Enterprise could take risks and try new things.
9. “Drone” (VOY, Season 5, Episode 2): This episode features the creation of a 29th-century Borg drone using Seven of Nine’s nanoprobes and the Doctor’s mobile emitter. One, as the drone is called, is more advanced than any Borg the crew has ever encountered. The episode explores the nature of individuality, and the potential for even the most advanced technology to be used for both good and evil. One has a short, but impactful story.
10. “Võx” (PIC, Season 3, Episode 9): The Borg play a major, and shocking, role in the final season of Picard, and this episode is where their full plan is revealed. It features devastating losses for the crew of the Titan, the return of familiar characters, and the horrifying realization of just how far the Borg have infiltrated Starfleet.

Honorable Mentions: “The Drumhead” (TNG), “Collective” (VOY), “Child’s Play” (VOY), and “Endgame” (VOY).

The Borg are a truly unique and terrifying creation, and they’ve been featured in some of the most memorable and thought-provoking episodes in Star Trek history. They represent the ultimate loss of individuality, the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, and the importance of fighting for freedom and self-determination. These episodes showcase the Borg at their best (or worst, depending on your perspective), and they’re a testament to the enduring power of this iconic Star Trek villain. They are also present in every live action Star Trek series, except the original, showcasing just how much they have captured the imagination of writers, and terrified audiences for decades.

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API