List of Star Trek Movies in Order

Star Trek film series at a glance

This ordered list of Star Trek movies presents the feature films tied to each main television era in production order, making it easier to follow the franchise chronologically. It includes the Original Series films, The Next Generation films, the Voyager-era title, and entries from the later reboot and prequel series. Each movie is presented with its year and linked series for quick orientation.

How to approach this list

Use this list as a practical guide to explore Star Trek films in the sequence they were released, which aligns with ongoing character and continuity development. If you are building continuity knowledge or planning a marathon, starting with the Original Series films offers foundational world-building, while the Kelvin reboot films provide an accessible alternate timeline entry point.

The Original Series films (1979–1991)

The six Original Series movies bridge the classic television era and the big screen, expanding the scope of the universe while introducing landmark characters and moral dilemmas. Beginning with Star Trek: The Motion Picture and culminating with Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, these films established many of the franchise’s enduring themes, including diplomacy, exploration, and ethical tension.

Notable milestones in the Original Series run

• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is widely regarded for its character depth and quotable dialogue.
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home introduces a lighter, comedic tone by setting the story in 1980s Earth.
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country closes the Original Series film arc with a focus on peace amid political change.

The Next Generation films (1994–2002)

The Next Generation films bring the era’s darker, more serialized storytelling to the forefront, often exploring themes of identity, technology, and ethics. These four titles are tightly linked to the TV series of the same name and showcase a shift toward more ambitious, sometimes grittier narratives.

Highlights from The Next Generation film series

• Star Trek: Generations connects the Original and Next Generation crews through a shared narrative event.
• Star Trek: First Contact anchors the Borg as a persistent threat while grounding the story in time travel stakes.
• Star Trek: Nemesis tests the crew’s unity and offers a complex mirror to Captain Picard.

The Kelvin timeline reboot (2009–2016)

Beginning with Star Trek in 2009, the reboot series reimagines the classic characters in an alternate timeline, delivering action-driven storytelling and modern visual effects. These films are accessible to new viewers and provide a fresh lens on familiar themes.

Key traits of the reboot films

• Star Trek Into Darkness emphasizes moral ambiguity and high-stakes decision-making.
• Star Trek Beyond focuses on exploration, sacrifice, and ensemble camaraderie.

Choosing where to start

For newcomers, the decision often lies between starting with the Original Series films for historical context or entering through the reboot for streamlined continuity and contemporary pacing. Intermediate viewers may find value in mixing eras by thematic threads, such as exploring diplomacy, artificial intelligence, or leadership across different timelines. This list is designed to support informed, flexible viewing strategies rather than a single prescriptive path.

Quick reference comparison

Continuity and production notes

The Star Trek filmography reflects evolving production priorities, cast changes, and shifting audience expectations over decades. While not every movie carries the same narrative weight, each contributes to the broader conversation about the franchise’s role in science fiction and popular culture. This list focuses on theatrical features and does not include direct-to-video releases, television episodes, or short-form content.

By following the sequence above and using the quick reference table, you can build a durable understanding of Star Trek’s cinematic landscape and choose the films that best match your interests and viewing goals.