When it comes to watching Star Trek movies, many fans wonder about the best order to follow. You can watch the Star Trek movies either in the order they were released or by the chronological events within the Star Trek universe. Each way offers a unique experience, whether you want to see how the films developed over time or follow the storyline as it unfolds across the different timelines and series.
If you choose to watch by release order, you start with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” released in 1979. This method lets you appreciate the evolution of special effects and storytelling over the decades. If you prefer the chronological events, you’ll start with “Star Trek: Enterprise” that sets the foundation for the Star Trek universe, followed by the original series and its movies.
Fans who want a more immersive experience often prefer watching in the timeline order. This way, the development of characters and plots feels more cohesive. Regardless of your choice, the adventures of the Starfleet crew offer an exciting journey through space and time.
Star Trek Movies in Release Order
| S.no | Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Trek: The Motion Picture | December 8, 1979 |
| 2 | Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | June 4, 1982 |
| 3 | Star Trek III: The Search for Spock | June 1, 1984 |
| 4 | Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | November 26, 1986 |
| 5 | Star Trek V: The Final Frontier | June 9, 1989 |
| 6 | Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country | December 6, 1991 |
| 7 | Star Trek: Generations | November 18, 1994 |
| 8 | Star Trek: First Contact | November 22, 1996 |
| 9 | Star Trek: Insurrection | December 11, 1998 |
| 10 | Star Trek: Nemesis | December 13, 2002 |
| 11 | Star Trek | May 8, 2009 |
| 12 | Star Trek Into Darkness | May 16, 2013 |
| 13 | Star Trek Beyond | July 22, 2016 |
Star Trek Movies in Chronological Order
1. Star Trek: The Motion Picture
When a massive alien spacecraft, called V’Ger, threatens Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk is brought back to command the newly-refitted USS Enterprise. The crew must uncover the truth behind V’Ger’s intentions before it’s too late.
The movie set the tone for many “Star Trek” films to come, establishing classic themes and character dynamics. Don’t miss watching this significant entry in the Star Trek series.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a 1982 science fiction film. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, it is the second movie in the Star Trek film series.
You can see the plot pick up from the 1967 TV episode “Space Seed.” In this movie, Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew face off against old nemesis Khan Noonien Singh. Kirk and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise must stop Khan. Khan seeks revenge against Kirk. He wants to use the Genesis Device as a weapon.
Many fans consider this movie one of the best. The conflict between Kirk and Khan stands out in science fiction history. The character development and action scenes receive high praise.
IMDb Rating 7.7/10
3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Released in 1984, “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” is the third film in the Star Trek series. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, it continues the story from the previous movie, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”.
The film begins with the crew of the starship Enterprise dealing with the death of Spock. Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew discover that Spock’s spirit, or katra, is inside Dr. McCoy.
They decide to go back to the Genesis planet to find Spock’s body and restore his katra. This leads to new adventures and challenges, including conflicts with Klingon enemies.
This film is key to the story arc that began with “The Wrath of Khan” and continues in “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home”. It shows the lengths the crew goes to for their friend and shipmate, Spock.
IMDb Rating 6.6/10
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
“Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” was released in 1986. It’s the fourth movie in the Star Trek series. This film was directed by Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the series.
The movie features the crew of the USS Enterprise. They travel back in time to 20th-century Earth. Their mission is to save humpback whales, which are extinct in the future. The movie is known for its mix of sci-fi and humor. It explores environmental issues and shows a different side of Star Trek.
“Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” completes a story arc that began in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” It continues from “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock”. The crew returns to Earth to face trial for their actions in the previous films.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was released in 1989. This movie was directed by William Shatner, who also plays Captain Kirk. It is the fifth movie in the Star Trek film series. The movie takes place shortly after the events of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The crew of the USS Enterprise-A is on a mission to stop a renegade Vulcan named Sybok.
Captain Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the crew must deal with Sybok, who hijacks the Enterprise. His goal is an obsessive search for God at the center of the galaxy. The film features iconic characters like Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, and Dr. McCoy, played by DeForest Kelley. They join Kirk in this new adventure.
The plot includes the capture of ambassadors from the Federation, Klingon, and Romulan species. This happens on a planet called Nimbus III, which is known as the “Planet of Galactic Peace”. This movie is known for its unique storyline and character development. It explores deep themes like faith and friendship.
IMDb Rating 5.5/10
6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is a 1991 American science fiction film. It is directed by Nicholas Meyer. This movie is the sixth film based on the original Star Trek TV series.
In this film, Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy are accused of assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor during peace talks. They are imprisoned but must escape with the help of the Enterprise crew to stop a conspiracy.
This movie takes place after years of war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. An interstellar disaster forces the Klingon Empire to seek peace with the Federation. Despite these efforts, secret actions aim to disrupt the process and maintain hostilities.
IMDb Rating 7.2/10
7. Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek: Generations is the seventh film in the Star Trek series. The movie was released in 1994 and has a runtime of 118 minutes. This film serves as a bridge between the original series and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In Generations, you will see Captain Jean-Luc Picard team up with Captain James T. Kirk. Patrick Stewart plays Picard, while William Shatner returns as Kirk. The two captains work together to stop a powerful enemy, Dr. Tolian Soran.
The movie starts with the original crew of the USS Enterprise attending a ceremony. During the event, an energy ribbon threatens a nearby spaceship. Kirk tries to save the ship but is presumed dead after the encounter.
Seventy-eight years later, Picard’s crew discovers that the energy ribbon is called the Nexus. The villain, Soran, plans to return to the Nexus, as it is a place where one’s dreams become reality. Picard seeks help from Kirk, who is alive within the Nexus.
IMDb Rating 6.6/10
8. Star Trek: First Contact
The story begins with Captain Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E. They face a major threat from the Borg, a powerful and dangerous species that wants to assimilate all life forms. Picard has a personal history with the Borg, which adds tension to the mission.
The Borg travel back in time to Earth’s past. Their goal is to stop humanity’s first contact with an alien species. Without this event, the future of Earth changes drastically. The Enterprise crew follows them back in time to stop their plan.
In the past, the crew meets Zefram Cochrane. He is the inventor of Earth’s first warp drive. Cochrane is an important figure in human history because of his discovery. The crew helps Cochrane complete his first warp flight, ensuring that future events take place as they should.
IMDb Rating 7.6/10
9. Star Trek: Insurrection
Star Trek: Insurrection is the ninth movie in the Star Trek film series. It was released in 1998 and directed by Jonathan Frakes. Frakes also plays William Riker in the movie.
This film features the cast from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Key actors in the movie include Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, and LeVar Burton. The story begins when the crew of the Starship Enterprise learns of a Federation conspiracy. They discover that the Federation plans to move the inhabitants of a unique planet to exploit its life-giving properties.
Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, decides to take a stand against the Federation’s plans. He leads an open rebellion to protect the planet’s inhabitants. This movie delves deep into themes of loyalty, ethics, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It showcases action-packed scenes and strong character performances.
If you are looking to continue watching the Star Trek movies in order, this film is a significant part of the series, especially for fans of The Next Generation.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
10. Star Trek: Nemesis
Star Trek: Nemesis is the tenth movie in the Star Trek series. It was released in 2002 and directed by Stuart Baird. The film features the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, including Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner.
In this film, the crew of the USS Enterprise faces a new threat from a clone of Captain Picard, named Shinzon. Shinzon, played by Tom Hardy, is the leader of the Romulan Empire. He has plans to destroy Earth.
Shinzon has a massive ship and advanced technology. He tries to take control of the Romulan Empire and threatens the Federation. Captain Picard and his crew must stop him before he unleashes a deadly weapon.
The movie received mixed reviews. Some fans liked the action and character interactions, while others felt the story was weak. It didn’t perform well at the box office, which led to it being the last film featuring the Next Generation cast.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
11. Star Trek
Star Trek, also known as “The Motion Picture,” was released on December 7, 1979. This is the first Star Trek film and brought the original TV series cast to the big screen.
In this movie, an alien spacecraft of massive power is heading toward Earth. Admiral James T. Kirk takes command of the USS Enterprise to stop it. You see the Enterprise crew face a mysterious and powerful foe. The movie explores themes of identity and belonging. Stunning special effects for its time.
IMDb Rating 7.9/10
12. Star Trek Into Darkness
Star Trek Into Darkness is a popular film directed by J.J. Abrams. It was released in 2013 and is part of the Kelvin Timeline in the Star Trek universe.
The plot begins with the Enterprise crew discovering a powerful new enemy. This enemy, Khan, is a superhuman with a personal vendetta against Starfleet. The crew must stop him before he can destroy everything they hold dear.
The movie combines exciting action with deep emotional moments. You will see epic space battles, daring missions, and a focus on the bond between Kirk and Spock.
IMDb Rating 7.7/10
13. Star Trek Beyond
Star Trek Beyond hit theaters in 2016. Directed by Justin Lin, this film is the third in the Kelvin timeline series, which began with Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).
In this movie, the crew of the USS Enterprise explores deep into uncharted space. They face a new and ruthless enemy who tests their skills and the very ideals of the Federation. The crew must work together to survive and protect what the Federation stands for.
Critics praised Star Trek Beyond for its action sequences, character development, and tribute to the original series. The film is noted for capturing the spirit of exploration and adventure central to the Star Trek universe.
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Star Trek movies feature Chris Pine as Captain Kirk?
Chris Pine plays Captain Kirk in three Star Trek movies. These movies are part of the reboot series, starting with “Star Trek” (2009). The other two movies are “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013) and “Star Trek Beyond” (2016).
Which Star Trek movies are included in the 2000s series?
The 2000s series of Star Trek movies includes three films that reboot the original series. These are “Star Trek” (2009), “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013), and “Star Trek Beyond” (2016). This series features a new cast taking on the iconic roles from the original Star Trek series.
In what order should the original Star Trek movies be watched?
The original Star Trek movies follow a specific order starting with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979). The next movies are “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982), “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” (1984), “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986), “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (1989), and “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991).