How to Watch All Star Trek Series in Chronological Order

Star Trek, the iconic science fiction franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, has captivated audiences for over five decades with its vision of a utopian future, complex characters, and exploration of strange new worlds. From the original series to the latest TV shows and feature films, Star Trek has left an indelible mark on popular culture. If you're new to the franchise or planning a rewatch, you might be wondering about the best way to experience these movies and TV series. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Star Trek timeline, helping you navigate the vast Star Trek universe.

Understanding the Star Trek Universe

Before diving into the chronological order, it's essential to understand that the Star Trek franchise consists of multiple TV series and two main movie continuities:

1. The Original Series (TOS) and its movie sequels
2. The Next Generation (TNG) and its movie sequels
3. The Kelvin Timeline (alternate reality films)

Additionally, there are TV shows and movies that bridge different series or explore alternate timelines. This guide will focus primarily on the theatrical releases but will mention relevant TV series where they fit into the Star Trek timeline.

Chronological Order of the Star Trek Movies and TV Shows

Here's the recommended viewing order to experience the Star Trek saga chronologically:

Now, let's explore some of the key entries in this timeline, discussing their place in the Star Trek franchise and their significance to the overall narrative.

Star Trek: Enterprise (TV Series, 2001-2005)

Set in the 22nd century, Enterprise serves as a prequel to the entire franchise. It follows the crew of Earth's first warp 5 starship, Enterprise NX-01, led by Captain Jonathan Archer. The series explores humanity's first steps into deep space exploration and the formation of the United Federation of Planets. The fourth season delves into the Temporal Cold War, adding elements of time travel to the narrative.

Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 1-2, 2017-2019)

Discovery's first two seasons are set a decade before the events of The Original Series. The show follows the crew of the USS Discovery, with a focus on Michael Burnham, a Starfleet officer with a unique connection to Spock. These seasons explore the Klingon War and the mysterious Red Angel, expanding our understanding of this era in the Star Trek timeline.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV Series, 2022-present)

This series follows Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One in the years before Captain Kirk's five-year mission. Strange New Worlds returns to the episodic format of the original series, focusing on exploring new planets and encountering new alien species.

Star Trek: The Original Series (TV Series, 1966-1969)

The show that started it all, TOS follows Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), First Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and the crew of the USS Enterprise on their five-year mission to explore strange new worlds in the 23rd century. This groundbreaking series established the tone, characters, and universe that all subsequent Star Trek productions would build upon.

Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974)

This animated continuation of The Original Series features the voices of most of the original cast. It follows the further adventures of Kirk, Spock, and the Enterprise crew, allowing for more exotic aliens and environments than were possible in the live-action series. Despite its short run, it's considered canon and expands the Star Trek universe in unique ways.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

The first Star Trek feature film reunites the original series cast as Admiral Kirk takes command of the newly refitted Enterprise to intercept a mysterious and powerful alien probe heading towards Earth. While slower-paced than later entries, The Motion Picture expands the visual scope of the Star Trek universe and explores themes of human evolution and the nature of consciousness.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Widely considered the best of the Star Trek movies, The Wrath of Khan sees Admiral Kirk and the Enterprise crew facing off against the genetically engineered tyrant Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban). This film explores themes of aging, friendship, and sacrifice, culminating in Spock's heroic death.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this film continues directly from the events of The Wrath of Khan. Kirk and his crew risk their careers and lives to retrieve Spock's body from the Genesis planet, believing his soul (katra) can be reunited with his regenerated body. The film delves into Vulcan mysticism and the strength of friendship.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

In this more lighthearted entry, Kirk and his crew must travel back in time to 1986 San Francisco to retrieve a pair of humpback whales, the only beings capable of communicating with an alien probe threatening Earth. The Voyage Home showcases Star Trek's ability to blend serious environmental messages with fish-out-of-water humor.

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

Directed by William Shatner, this film follows the Enterprise crew as they are taken hostage by Spock's half-brother Sybok, who leads them on a journey to the center of the galaxy in search of God. While often considered one of the weaker entries in the film series, it explores themes of faith, friendship, and the nature of divinity.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)

The final film featuring the entire original cast finds the Enterprise crew escorting the Klingon Chancellor to Earth for peace talks. This film serves as a bridge between the TOS and TNG eras, showing the important steps towards the Federation-Klingon alliance seen in later series.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series, 1987-1994)

Set approximately 100 years after the original series, TNG follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D. This series expands the political landscape of the Star Trek universe and continues to use science fiction as a lens to explore contemporary issues. TNG's success led to multiple spin-off series and films.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series, 1993-1999)

Deep Space Nine breaks from the traditional Star Trek formula by setting the action on a space station near the planet Bajor. This series explores darker themes and long-form storytelling, delving deep into interstellar politics, religion, and war.

Star Trek: Voyager (TV Series, 1995-2001)

Voyager follows Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew as they try to find their way home after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light-years from Earth. This series explores themes of isolation, cultural exchange, and the challenges of maintaining Starfleet principles in extreme circumstances.

Star Trek: Generations (1994)

The first film to feature the Next Generation cast, Generations brings together Captain Kirk and Captain Picard in a story that spans generations. The film explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time as the two captains work together to stop a threat that could destroy entire star systems.

Star Trek VIII: First Contact (1996)

Often regarded as the best of the TNG films, First Contact sees Picard and his crew traveling back in time to ensure that humanity's first contact with an alien species (the Vulcans) occurs as it should. They must also prevent the Borg from assimilating Earth in the past. This film delves deep into Picard's character while providing an action-packed story that expands on the mythology of both the Borg and the formation of the Federation.

Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)

In this film, Picard and the Enterprise crew rebel against Starfleet orders to protect a peaceful alien race, the Ba'ku, from being forcibly relocated from their rejuvenating homeworld. The film explores themes of morality, duty, and the preservation of paradise.

Star Trek X: Nemesis (2002)

The final film featuring the Next Generation cast pits Picard against a younger clone of himself, Shinzon, who has taken control of the Romulan Empire. The film explores themes of nature versus nurture and concludes with Data's sacrifice to save the Enterprise.

Star Trek (2009) - Kelvin Timeline

Directed by J.J. Abrams, this reboot introduces the Kelvin Timeline, an alternate reality created when a Romulan ship from the future travels back in time and attacks the USS Kelvin. The film follows a young James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) as they join Starfleet and face off against the vengeful Romulan, Nero (Eric Bana). This film revitalizes the franchise for a new generation while paying homage to the original series.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Kelvin Timeline The second film in the rebooted series sees the Enterprise crew facing off against the mysterious John Harrison, later revealed to be Khan Noonien Singh. The film reimagines elements from The Wrath of Khan while exploring themes of militarization and the moral complexities of preemptive action.

Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Kelvin Timeline The third film in the Kelvin Timeline finds the Enterprise crew stranded on an alien planet after their ship is destroyed by a swarm of unknown aliens. The film celebrates the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, focusing on themes of unity and the spirit of exploration that define the franchise.

Star Trek: Discovery (Season 3 onwards, 2020-present)

The third season of Discovery takes a bold leap, sending the crew nearly 1000 years into the future. This allows the show to explore a very different Milky Way galaxy, pushing the boundaries of the Star Trek universe further than ever before.

Star Trek: Picard (TV Series, 2020-present)

Set 20 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, this series follows an elderly Jean-Luc Picard as he comes out of retirement for one last adventure. Picard explores the lasting impact of the destruction of Romulus (as seen in the 2009 film) and delves into themes of aging, regret, and redemption. The show also revisits iconic characters from The Next Generation era, offering fans a deeper exploration of their lives and relationships in the years since their last appearances. Through Picard's journey, the series reflects on the passage of time, the weight of past decisions, and the enduring quest for meaning and purpose.

Additional Star Trek Media

While this guide focuses on the main series and theatrical releases, there are several other Star Trek productions worth noting:

• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-present): An animated comedy series set in the TNG era.
• Star Trek: Prodigy (2021-present): An animated series aimed at younger viewers, featuring Kate Mulgrew reprising her role as Captain Janeway.
• Short Treks (2018-2020): A series of short films exploring characters and concepts from Discovery and Picard.

Themes and Style

Throughout its long history, Star Trek has maintained certain core themes:

• The optimistic vision of a united future for humanity
• Exploration of social and political issues through science fiction allegory
• The importance of diversity and inclusion
• The balance between logic and emotion, science and faith
• The ethical use of technology and power

The style of Star Trek has evolved over the years, from the colorful, optimistic tone of the original series to the more complex, nuanced storytelling of later seasons and series. However, all entries in the franchise share a commitment to thoughtful science fiction that challenges viewers to think about our own world and future.

The Legacy of Star Trek

Star Trek's influence on popular culture and real-world science and technology cannot be overstated. From inspiring cell phone technology to promoting diversity on television, the franchise has left an indelible mark on our world. Its optimistic vision of the future continues to resonate with viewers, offering hope and inspiration in challenging times.

In recent years, under the guidance of producers like Alex Kurtzman, the Star Trek universe has expanded dramatically. New series explore different corners of the galaxy and different periods in the timeline, from the early days of Starfleet to the far future. This expansion has brought Star Trek to a new generation of fans while still honoring the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's original vision.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to watch the Star Trek films and TV series in chronological order, order of release, or by focusing on your favorite era, you're in for an epic journey through one of the most beloved and influential science fiction franchises of all time. From The Original Series to Strange New Worlds, from The Motion Picture to Star Trek Beyond, the franchise offers a rich universe of complex characters, thought-provoking storylines, and a hopeful vision of humanity's future among the stars.

As you embark on your Star Trek marathon, remember the words of Captain Picard: "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before."

Each entry in the series, whether it's part of the prime timeline or the Kelvin Timeline, offers a unique perspective on the Star Trek universe. From the classic storytelling of TOS to the serialized narratives of Discovery, from the philosophical debates of TNG to the action-packed spectacle of the recent feature films, there's something for every science fiction fan to enjoy.

Remember that while this guide provides a chronological order, there's no wrong way to experience Star Trek. Some fans prefer to watch in release date order to see how the franchise evolved over time. Others might choose to focus on their favorite series or era. The beauty of Star Trek is its accessibility – you can jump in at almost any point and still find yourself captivated by its visionary storytelling.

As you watch, pay attention to how the themes and values of Star Trek have remained constant even as the production values and storytelling techniques have evolved. The franchise's commitment to diversity, intellectual curiosity, and optimism about the future continues to inspire viewers around the world.

Whether you're a longtime Trekker or a newcomer to the final frontier, these movies and TV shows offer a window into a future where humanity has overcome its differences to reach for the stars. So grab your communicator, set your phasers to stun, and prepare to boldly go on an unforgettable journey through the Star Trek universe. After all, in the words of Mr. Spock, "Live long and prosper."