Star Trek Film Release Timeline
This guide lists every Star Trek feature film and its original release date, covering the classic series era, The Original Series films, The Next Generation films, Deep Space Nine and Voyager movies, the prequel Enterprise film, and the Kelvin reboot series. Use this as a durable reference for when each movie came out in theaters.
Classic Era and The Original Series Movies
From "Star Trek: The Original Series" to the early cinematic adventures
The original Star Trek movies emerged from The Original Series after its cancellation, expanding the franchise to big screens. The first theatrical Star Trek film arrived in the late 1970s, introducing a new cinematic era. Subsequent releases followed throughout the early 1980s, delivering science fiction spectacle while concluding the original cast's stories. These films were significant cultural events that helped define modern franchise filmmaking. Below is a verified table capturing each title and its exact release date.
| Movie | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trek: The Motion Picture | December 7, 1979 (USA) | First theatrical Star Trek film; original cast |
| Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | June 4, 1982 (USA) | Directed by Nicholas Meyer; iconic sequel |
| Star Trek III: The Search for Spock | June 1, 1984 (USA) | Continues story arc from Wrath of Khan |
| Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | November 26, 1986 (USA) | Time-travel comedy with Earth setting |
These four films form the core of the Original Series cinematic output and remain touchstones for franchise storytelling.
The Next Generation Films
Bridging TNG adventures to the big screen
Following the conclusion of The Next Generation television run, Paramount released two feature films featuring the TNG crew. These movies appeared in the late 1990s and experimented with different tones, from lighthearted action to dramatic storytelling. They extended the life of the television cast on screen and offered continuations of beloved characters. The table below captures each film and its initial release date.
| Movie | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trek Generations | November 18, 1994 (USA) | Crossover with original cast; film bridge |
| Star Trek: First Contact | November 22, 1996 (USA) | Time-travel story featuring Borg and Zefram Cochrane |
| Star Trek: Insurrection | December 11, 1998 (USA) | Diplomatic conflict and moral dilemmas |
| Star Trek: Nemesis | December 13, 2002 (USA) | Final theatrical TNG film with original cast |
These four titles provide a direct continuation of The Next Generation saga and are important for long-term franchise viewers.
Deep Space Nine and Voyager Movies
Limited theatrical output for DS9 and Voyager series
Unlike The Original Series and The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager did not receive dedicated theatrical feature films. This distinction is notable when mapping the franchise’s big screen presence. Some episodes were edited into direct-to-video releases, but these did not follow the traditional wide theatrical model. Below is a quick reference for clarity.
| Series | Theatrical Movies | Direct-to-Video/Other |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Space Nine | 0 | "What You Leave Behind" TV movie/episodes only |
| Voyager | 0 | "Flashback" and other episodes only |
Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion when tracking official Star Trek feature films versus television conclusions.
The Prequel and Enterprise Film
"Star Trek: Enterprise" and the prequel era
Before the Kelvin reboot, Star Trek: Enterprise concluded the prequel timeline with a television series rather than a theatrical film. However, a direct-to-video movie titled "Star Trek: Nemesis" actually belongs to The Next Generation timeline, while Enterprise wrapped up the prequel story on screen. There were no wide theatrical releases tied to the Enterprise era, which marked a shift toward smaller screen storytelling for the franchise at that time.
The Kelvin Reboot and Modern Era
Reboots, sequels, and the new cinematic universe
Beginning in 2009, Paramount launched a reimagined Star Trek timeline set in an alternate universe. This series features younger versions of classic characters and has become a significant ongoing presence at the box office. Each installment builds on the last, delivering large-scale action and fan-preferred nods. The table below outlines the Kelvin reboot films and their release years.
| Movie | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trek | May 8, 2009 (USA) | Reboot; introduces younger Kirk, Spock, and crew |
| Star Trek Into Darkness | May 17, 2013 (USA) | Sequel with darker tone and global stakes |
| Star Trek Beyond | July 22, 2016 (USA) | Third installment; focuses on exploration and unity |
This reboot series demonstrates continued audience appetite for Star Trek in cinemas and ensures the franchise remains culturally relevant into the future.
Key Release Patterns and Franchise Strategy
How Star Trek films have evolved across eras
Star Trek film releases cluster around television era conclusions or reboots, often aligning with cultural moments and technological advances in effects. Classic and Next Generation films appeared in distinct waves, while the reboot introduced a reliable multi-year cycle for new adventures. Understanding these patterns is useful for anticipating future announcements and contextualizing each era's contribution to the overall saga.
- Classic Original Series films released between 1979 and 1986
- TNG films delivered from 1994 to 2002
- No dedicated DS9 or Voyager theatrical movies
- Kel reboot started in 2009 and continues with planned sequels
These phases reflect shifts in studio priorities, audience expectations, and storytelling ambition, offering a clear throughline from the earliest adventures to the present day.
Conclusion
Star Trek has maintained a strong film presence across multiple television eras and cinematic universes. From the original seven films of The Original Series to the ongoing Kelvin reboot trilogy, the franchise has offered consistent reasons for fans to visit theaters. This timeline provides a verified overview of when each Star Trek movie came out, supporting long-term research, discussion, and anticipation for future releases.