Star Trek has delivered more than television episodes, it has built a durable cinematic universe spanning decades. This guide presents the official list of Star Trek films in order so you can understand how the saga evolved.
Whether you are new to the franchise or revisiting familiar starships, the sequence below shows how each major film connects to the broader timeline and creative vision.
| Release Year | Title | Franchise Era | Primary Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Star Trek: The Motion Picture | Original Series Era | 2270s, Starfleet deep space |
| 1982 | Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | Original Series Era | 2280s, Genesis experiment |
| 1984 | Star Trek III: The Search for Spock | Original Series Era | 2280s, Genesis aftermath |
| 1986 | Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | Original Series Era | 1980s Earth, time travel mission |
| 1991 | Star Trek V: The Final Frontier | Original Series Era | Deep space, divine mystery quest |
| 1994 | Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country | Original Series Era | 2290s, Klingon-Romulan peace |
| 1996 | Star Trek: First Contact | Next Generation Era | 24th century, Borg time travel |
| 1998 | Star Trek: Insurrection | Next Generation Era | 24th century, Ba'ku sanctuary |
| 2002 | Star Trek: Nemesis | Next Generation Era | 24th century, Reman threat |
| 2009 | Star Trek | Kelvin Timeline | 2250s, USS Enterprise origins |
| 2013 | Star Trek Into Darkness | Kelvin Timeline | 2250s, moral boundaries tested |
| 2016 | Star Trek Beyond | Kelvin Timeline | 2260s, stranded crew survival |
Original Series Era Films Chronology
The six Original Series era movies laid the foundation for cinematic Star Trek, moving from the optimistic exploration of space to darker themes of loss and diplomacy.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Released in 1979, this film reintroduced the Enterprise to cinema screens, emphasizing scale and mystery with V'Ger as a transcendent artificial intelligence.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Often cited as the best Star Trek film, it deepened character arcs, most notably Khan, and established the template for dramatic sci-fi storytelling in the franchise.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
This entry continued the narrative consequences of The Wrath of Khan, delivering emotional stakes as the crew fought to resurrect Spock and preserve their ship.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Mixing science fiction with environmental comedy, the fourth film used time travel to bring the crew to 1980s Earth, broadening the franchise’s tonal range.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Exploring themes of faith and leadership, this movie tested the crew’s resolve as they confronted a mysterious presence claiming to be God.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Serving as a Cold War allegory, the final Original Series film framed peace negotiations with the Klingons as a transformative, galaxy-changing endeavor.
Next Generation Era Feature Films
The Next Generation movies shifted the lens to a new generation of Starfleet officers, blending franchise nostalgia with fresh storytelling challenges and technical advances.
Star Trek: First Contact
Set in the 24th century, this film placed the Borg at the center of a high-stakes temporal mission to protect Earth’s first warp flight.
Star Trek: Insurrection
Examining themes of autonomy and ethics, the crew confronted a Federation policy that endangered an entire peaceful civilization on a hidden planet.
Star Trek: Nemesis
Wrapping up the TNG film series, Nemesis dealt with clone rivalry and political intrigue, leaving a mixed legacy but cementing the era’s conclusion.
Kelvin Timeline Reboot Features
Launched as a soft reboot, the Kelvin timeline offered a reimagined origin story for the classic characters, blending fan service with blockbuster action and emotional reboots.
Star Trek (2009)
The film recast the early missions of the Enterprise, focusing on the dynamic between Kirk and Spock while introducing sleek visual design and accessible character drama.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Exploring the ethics of authority and vengeance, this sequel tested trust within the crew and reframed classic villains for modern audiences.
Star Trek Beyond
By the third Kelvin film, the series embraced mythic storytelling, presenting the crew as legends confronting both external threats and internal doubt.
Navigation Guide to Star Trek Film Order
Use these takeaways to explore the list of Star Trek films in order based on your interests and familiarity with the universe.
- Start with the Original Series era if you prefer political drama and slower-burn worldbuilding.
- Choose the Next Generation era for character-focused narratives and philosophical dilemmas.
- Watch the Kelvin timeline for fast-paced action and reimagined character origins.
- Follow chronological order to see how each era builds themes of exploration, diplomacy, and sacrifice.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Star Trek film is best for understanding the Original Series continuity?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country are essential for understanding the original crew’s character arcs and the era’s political themes.
Are the Kelvin timeline movies considered canon with the older films?
They exist in a separate timeline and are not direct canon to the Original or Next Generation series, but they honor the spirit of Star Trek through familiar character interpretations.
Which movie introduced the Borg to the big screen?
Star Trek: First Contact brought the Borg to the forefront, showcasing one of the franchise’s most iconic villains in a high-concept temporal conflict.
Where should I start if I am new to Star Trek films?
Beginning with Star Trek (2009) offers a modern, accessible entry, while fans of classic television may prefer starting with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.