J.J. Abrams has spent the last two decades shaping modern blockbuster storytelling. After making his name in television with Lost and Alias, he moved into film and quickly became one of Hollywood’s go-to directors for major franchises. From Star Trek to Star Wars, his films mix mystery, spectacle, and emotional stakes. Abrams is also developing several upcoming projects through Bad Robot, including new film and television productions currently in development.
1. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
J.J. Abrams made his feature directing debut with Mission: Impossible III. The film follows Ethan Hunt as he comes out of retirement to stop arms dealer Owen Davian, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The story mixes high stakes action with a stronger focus on Hunt’s personal life. Hoffman’s performance as the villain remains one of the most memorable in the franchise.
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Buy digital copy about $14.99
Also, Read – The 10 Best Action Scenes from the Mission Impossible Franchise
2. Star Trek (2009)
Abrams revived the Star Trek franchise with a reboot that introduced a younger version of the original crew. Chris Pine plays Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto takes on the role of Spock. The film uses an alternate timeline that allows new stories while still honoring the original series.
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Amazon Prime Video rent about $3.99
Apple TV rent about $3.99
Buy digital copy about $14.99
3. Super 8 (2011)
Super 8 is Abrams’ most personal film. Set in the late 1970s, the story follows a group of kids who witness a mysterious train crash while filming their own homemade movie. The crash releases something dangerous into their small town. The film blends science fiction mystery with a nostalgic adventure tone inspired by classic Spielberg movies.
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Amazon Prime Video rent about $3.99
Apple TV rent about $3.99
Buy digital copy about $14.99
4. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Abrams returned for the sequel to his reboot. This time the Enterprise crew faces a powerful enemy known as Khan, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The film expands the action and continues the character dynamics between Kirk and Spock while exploring loyalty and sacrifice.
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Monthly plans typically start around $5.99.
Rent or Buy
Amazon Prime Video rent about $3.99
Apple TV rent about $3.99
Buy digital copy about $14.99
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Abrams helped relaunch the Star Wars saga with the first film in the sequel trilogy. The story introduces new heroes such as Rey, Finn and Poe while bringing back classic characters like Han Solo and Leia. The movie became one of the biggest box office hits ever and introduced a new generation to the franchise.
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Rent or Buy
Amazon Prime Video rent about $3.99
Apple TV rent about $3.99
Buy digital copy about $14.99
6. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Abrams returned to conclude the sequel trilogy with The Rise of Skywalker. The story follows Rey as she confronts Emperor Palpatine while the Resistance attempts one final stand against the First Order. The film wraps up several character arcs that began in The Force Awakens.
Where To Watch
Stream
Disney+ subscription
Monthly plans start around $7.99.
Rent or Buy
Amazon Prime Video rent about $3.99
Apple TV rent about $3.99
Buy digital copy about $14.99
FAQs
How many movies has J.J. Abrams directed
J.J. Abrams has directed six feature films so far, starting with Mission: Impossible III in 2006.
What is J.J. Abrams’ biggest movie
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is Abrams’ most successful film and earned more than $2 billion worldwide.
Is Super 8 part of a franchise
No. Super 8 is an original science fiction film and not part of any existing franchise.
Did J.J. Abrams direct all the Star Wars sequel trilogy films
No. Abrams directed The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. The Last Jedi was directed by Rian Johnson.
