Start Trek Movies Guide: Every Film In Order and Key Details

This evergreen guide covers every main Star Trek feature film, from the original series era to the latest Paramount+ releases. You will find each movie presented in both release order and chronological timeline order, with verified details on directors, principal casts, and approximate runtimes. The overview is designed to help you understand how the films relate to one another, which story arcs belong to each era, and where to start based on your viewing preferences. Tables and lists summarize key production milestones and casting for quick reference.

Overview of the Star Trek Film Saga

The Star Trek film series began in 1979 with Star Trek: The Motion Picture and expanded into a multi-era franchise spanning television spin-offs, animated series, and theatrical features. Broadly, the movies fall into three major production eras: the Original Series (TOS) era films (1979–1991), the Next Generation era films (1994–2002), and the reboot series launched in 2009 set in an alternate timeline. The franchise also includes standalone stories like Star Trek (2009), Into Darkness (2013), and Beyond (2016), alongside the more recent Strange New Worlds and lower-budget productions on Paramount+.

Release-Order Guide to Main Star Trek Movies

Viewing by release date preserves the historical rollout of the franchise and shows how cast and creative teams evolved over decades. Below are the principal theatrical features in the order they reached audiences, omitting limited releases, reissues, and streaming-first specials.

Original Series Era Features (1979–1991)

Next Generation Era Features (1994–2002)

Reboot Era Features (2009–2016)

Chronological Timeline (In-Universe Order)

For viewers who prefer narrative progression, the following timeline reflects the internal chronology of the main continuity widely cited by canon sources. This ordering can differ from release dates and is useful for long-form story planning.

Kelvin Timeline (Reboot Reality)

This branch begins with the 2009 reboot film and proceeds through its sequels. Although labeled an alternate timeline, it is treated as its own saga within the broader franchise.

• Star Trek (2009)
• Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
• Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Prime Timeline (Original and Next Generation Eras)

This long-form saga spans six TOS-era films and four TNG-era films. Chronologically, the sequence aligns with key character arcs and deep-canon milestones. Note: Lower-budget Paramount+ entries and limited series are not listed here but are referenced in later sections.

• Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2273)
• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (late 2270s)
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (late 2270s)
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (2287)
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (2293)
• Star Trek Generations (mid-2370s)
• Star Trek: First Contact (2367–2370s)
• Star Trek: Insurrection (late 2370s)
• Star Trek: Nemesis (early 2400s)

Cast and Character Lineups by Era

Understanding the principal cast helps you follow recurring characters and recognize how roles evolve across films. The tables below highlight core portrayals associated with each era.

Original Series Main Cast in Key Films

Next Generation Main Cast in Key Films

Director and Creative Leadership

The Star Trek film series has been shaped by recurring and standout directors whose styles influenced tone and pacing. The franchise balances large-scale spectacle with character-driven drama, and director choices often align with those priorities.

• Robert Wise brought steady, classic Hollywood direction to The Motion Picture.
• Nicholas Meyer contributed sharp, dialogue-driven entries with Khan and The Undiscovered Country.
• Leonard Nimoy transitioned from acting to confident directing with Search for Spock and Voyage Home.
• Jonathan Frakes grounded TNG films in ensemble momentum across First Contact and Insurrection.
• J.J. Abrams rebooted the cinematic tone in the Kelvin timeline with high-energy action.
• Justin Lin escalated scale and pace in Beyond within the reboot framework.

Runtime and Production Scale

Feature lengths vary modestly across the series, reflecting different creative ambitions and era production norms. Modern entries tend toward longer runtimes, while earlier films often emphasize tighter pacing.

Runtime Reference Table

Where to Continue the Journey

After exploring the core films, many long-form fans branch into canonical television series that extend the timeline and deepen character continuity. For a durable, fact-first understanding of the broader Star Trek universe, consider these established pillars.

• Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
• Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)
• Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)
• Star Trek: Discovery (2017–present, Paramount+)
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–present, Paramount+)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–present, Paramount+)
• Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–present, Paramount+)

Summary and Quick Reference

Start Trek movies span multiple eras and tones, from the contemplative space opera of the original series features to the brisk, action-oriented reboot entries. By viewing in release order or chronological order, you can follow distinct character arcs and shifting production philosophies. Runtime, cast, and director data in the tables above provide concrete anchors for planning your viewing path and comparing eras.