Is it just me, or is the first movie in every Sci-Fi series always the worst out of the series? I've thought this over for some time and I've come to this conclusion: YES!
And, so we go:
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Starting with possibly the worst of all, Phantom Menace is easily the worst Star Wars movie. If I wanted to pay to sit around and listen to someone talk for four hours, then I'd get married. Granted, Darth Maul is wicked cool, but Lucas seems to screw himself when he directs his own movies.
And on that Note...
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Now, I'm not saying that this movie sucks, I just think it's the worst out of the original three (again, Lucas directed). Most notably, the lightsaber battle was terrible (Spaceballs and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back did better). That, and it never sat right with me when Obi-Wan called Vader "Darth" as if it were his real name. However, this is strictly my opinion.
Now, to the rival...
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Quite frankly, this film isn't even necessary when watching the film series. If you skip the V-Ger bullshit and go straight to Wrath of Khan, you'll find that the sequel starts out in pretty much the same manner and carries itself like it was the first Star Trek film ever made.
Star Trek: Generations
This would probably still be considered a part of the Star Trek series as a whole, but it passes on to Next Generation, so it's different. I don't know why I didn't like this movie. It just didn't appeal to me as much as the three films that followed. The best things about this film: LaForge is still wearing his Visor, Kirk is in it, and the Enterprise-D is crashed to make way for the awesome Enterprise-E.
I may be selling my self short, but this is all I have so far. So, in the mean time, may the Force be with you and may you boldy go where no man has gone before.