Star Trek: The Original Series is renowned for its memorable quotes, peculiar aliens, and questionable fashion choices. However, one of the most crucial elements of the show is its array of starships, essential for galactic exploration and facing various challenges head-on.

Due to technical and budget constraints, many starships in Star Trek: TOS were initially depicted as mere blurs of light. Fortunately, the show's 2007–2008 remastered versions enhanced visual diversity, giving credit to both the original creators and the artists behind the remasters for the weird and fascinating vessels encountered by Captain Kirk. From colossal flagships to doomsday weapons, The Original Series boasts a plethora of innovative designs.

8 The Unique Lazarus' Ship

First Appearance: "The Alternative Factor" (Season 1, Episode 27)

While some TOS episodes are classics, others, like "The Alternative Factor," fall short. This particular episode introduces Lazarus, two versions of the same man from different realities whose contact could lead to universal catastrophe.

Despite the episode's flaws, Lazarus' dimension-hopping ship stands out with its retro-futuristic style and bubble-dome cockpit. This technically advanced vessel can traverse dimensions, a unique capability not commonly seen in the series.

7 The Formidable Planet Killer

First Appearance: "The Doomsday Machine" (Season 2, Episode 6)

Before Star Wars' Death Star, Star Trek introduced its own planet-destroying threat with the Planet Killer. This superweapon wreaks havoc on star systems, posing a significant challenge to Kirk's Enterprise.

Armed with a devastating antiproton beam, the Planet Killer can easily disable top-tier starships, presenting a grave danger to the Federation. While its motives remain mysterious, various Star Trek expanded universe materials offer intriguing insights into this formidable vessel.

6 The Enigmatic Tholian Starship

First Appearance: "The Tholian Web" (Season 3, Episode 9)

Despite limited appearances, the Tholians remain a mysterious and formidable race in Star Trek. In the episode "The Tholian Web," the Enterprise faces off against the Tholian Starship, showcasing their advanced and intriguing technology.

Trapped in the Tholian web, the Enterprise narrowly escapes capture by these alien aggressors, leaving a lasting impression on viewers with the unique design of the Tholian vessels.

5 The Majestic Fesarius

First Appearance: "The Corbomite Maneuver" (Season 1, Episode 10)

The spherical Fesarius from "The Corbomite Maneuver" represents the First Federation's flagship, distinct in its simplistic yet captivating design. Despite its appearance reminiscent of future Borg aesthetics, the Fesarius prioritizes exploration over conquest.

Beyond its striking visuals, the Fesarius is home to the intriguing alien Balok and has left a lasting legacy in various Star Trek mediums.

4 Eymorg Starship: A Unique Encounter

First Appearance: "Spock's Brain" (Season 3, Episode 1)

Despite its divisive reception, "Spock's Brain" introduces the intriguing Eymorg Starship, showcasing a blend of retro and futuristic design elements. This vessel, responsible for the mysterious brain theft, adds a unique flair to the series.

The Eymorg ship's design evolution across different versions highlights its significance in TOS, adding depth to even the less favored episodes.

3 The Stealthy Romulan Bird-Of-Prey

First Appearance: "Balance of Terror" (Season 1, Episode 14)

While The Next Generation showcases the iconic D'deridex-class warbirds, the Original Series introduces the formidable Romulan Bird-Of-Prey. Equipped with cloaking technology, this starship poses a significant threat to the Federation.

With nuclear warheads and superior technology, the Romulan Bird-Of-Prey serves as a deadly adversary, embodying the Romulans' cunning strategies.

2 The Mysterious Klingon D7 Cruiser

First Appearance: "Day of the Dove (Season 3, Episode 7)

The Klingon D7 cruiser, an iconic starship in Star Trek, makes a belated appearance in The Original Series. Remastered versions rectify its absence, showcasing the vessel's significance in the series.

Associated with both the Klingon and Romulan Empires, the D7 cruiser wields impressive firepower and cloaking capabilities, presenting a formidable challenge to the Federation.

1 USS Enterprise: The Iconic Starship

First Appearance: "The Cage" (Unaired Pilot)

Throughout its iterations, the Starship Enterprise in The Original Series remains a pinnacle of innovation and recognition in popular culture. Artist Matt Jefferies' groundbreaking design principles ensured the Enterprise stood out as a symbol of futuristic exploration.

Jefferies' contribution to the Constitution-class starship's design has solidified the Enterprise's status as an iconic vessel, resonating across the Star Trek universe and beyond.