Star Trek Movies: Complete List In Chronological Order

Hey there, Trekkies and sci-fi fans! Ever found yourself lost in the vast expanse of the Star Trek movie universe? With so many films spanning decades, keeping track of the correct viewing order can feel like navigating an uncharted nebula. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will take you warp-speed through all the Star Trek movies in chronological order, ensuring you don't miss a single photon torpedo or poignant Vulcan salute. So, buckle up, set your phasers to fun, and let’s boldly go where no movie-watching plan has gone before!

The Original Series Era

The Star Trek saga began with the Original Series (TOS), which captivated audiences with its optimistic vision of the future, complex characters, and thought-provoking storylines. The first six movies continue the adventures of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and the rest of the Enterprise crew. These films, while varied in quality, are essential for understanding the heart and soul of Star Trek. Let's dive into each one:

1. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture marked the return of the beloved crew to the big screen after a decade-long hiatus. Directed by Robert Wise, this film has a slower, more deliberate pace than its TV counterpart. The plot revolves around a massive, powerful alien cloud known as V'ger heading towards Earth. Admiral James T. Kirk assumes command of the Enterprise, which has been extensively refitted, to intercept and investigate the anomaly.

The movie is visually stunning for its time, featuring groundbreaking special effects by Douglas Trumbull. However, its philosophical themes and focus on exploration over action have divided fans. Some appreciate its cerebral approach, while others find it ponderous. Nevertheless, The Motion Picture successfully reignited the Star Trek franchise and paved the way for future installments. The film delves into questions of artificial intelligence, the meaning of life, and humanity's place in the universe, reflecting the intellectual curiosity that defines Star Trek. Despite criticisms of its pacing, it remains a significant entry in the series for its ambition and visual spectacle, setting the stage for the more action-oriented sequels to come.

2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Widely regarded as one of the best Star Trek movies ever made, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a thrilling and emotional ride. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the film pits Admiral Kirk against his old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman seeking revenge. Khan, exiled on the barren planet Ceti Alpha V after the events of the Original Series episode “Space Seed,” escapes and commandeers the Reliant, a Starfleet vessel.

The Wrath of Khan is a masterclass in storytelling, featuring intense space battles, memorable character moments, and a poignant exploration of themes like aging, sacrifice, and the consequences of past actions. Ricardo Montalban's performance as Khan is iconic, and his battle of wits with William Shatner's Kirk is captivating. The film's climax is particularly powerful, with Spock sacrificing himself to save the Enterprise. This movie revitalized the franchise and set a new standard for Star Trek films, proving that compelling narratives and strong character development could resonate with audiences. The film's success is attributed to its well-crafted plot, memorable dialogue, and the strong performances of the cast.

3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

Following the emotional climax of The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock focuses on the crew's desperate mission to recover Spock's body from the Genesis Planet. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the boundaries of life and death. After Spock's heroic sacrifice, his katra (his living spirit) is transferred to Dr. McCoy.

The Search for Spock is a direct continuation of the previous film, and it benefits from the established emotional investment in the characters. The movie sees the Enterprise crew defying Starfleet orders and risking everything to bring Spock back to life. Christopher Lloyd delivers a memorable performance as the Klingon commander Kruge, adding a formidable antagonist to the mix. The film builds to a satisfying conclusion, with Spock resurrected but in an infantile state, setting the stage for the next chapter. While it may not reach the heights of The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock is a vital part of the trilogy and offers a compelling exploration of the bonds between the Enterprise crew.

4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

A lighthearted and eco-conscious adventure, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home sees the Enterprise crew traveling back in time to 1986 San Francisco to save Earth from a mysterious alien probe. The probe is emitting a signal that is disrupting the planet's atmosphere, and the only way to stop it is to find humpback whales, which are extinct in the 23rd century. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this film is a crowd-pleasing blend of science fiction and comedy.

The Voyage Home is known for its humor and its fish-out-of-water scenarios, as the crew struggles to adapt to the customs and technology of the 1980s. The film also carries a strong environmental message, advocating for the protection of endangered species. The interactions between the crew and the 20th-century humans are often hilarious, and the film's optimistic tone is a refreshing change of pace from the more serious entries in the series. The Voyage Home was a commercial success and remains one of the most beloved Star Trek films, demonstrating the franchise's ability to blend entertainment with social commentary. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its heartwarming story and its message of environmental responsibility.

5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is often considered the weakest of the Original Series films. Directed by William Shatner, the film follows the Enterprise crew as they investigate a mysterious figure named Sybok, a Vulcan who believes he can find God beyond the Great Barrier at the center of the galaxy. Sybok, who is Spock’s half-brother, uses his unique abilities to sway people to his cause, including members of the Enterprise crew.

The Final Frontier suffers from a convoluted plot, uneven pacing, and questionable special effects. While the film attempts to explore themes of faith and spirituality, it ultimately falls short due to its weak execution. The movie's ambition is admirable, but its shortcomings are hard to ignore. Despite its flaws, The Final Frontier does offer some interesting character moments and explores the dynamics between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. However, it remains a controversial entry in the Star Trek canon and is often overlooked by fans. The film's failure is often attributed to its rushed production schedule and budget constraints, which hindered Shatner's vision for the film.

6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is a fitting send-off for the Original Series crew. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, who also directed The Wrath of Khan, this film tackles themes of prejudice and the end of the Cold War. Following a catastrophic accident on the Klingon homeworld, the Klingon Empire faces ecological collapse and seeks peace with the Federation. Captain Kirk, who harbors deep-seated resentment towards the Klingons due to past events, is tasked with escorting Chancellor Gorkon to peace negotiations.

The Undiscovered Country is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller, featuring political intrigue, courtroom drama, and exciting space battles. The film's plot is inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, reflecting the hope for a new era of peace and understanding. The performances are strong across the board, and the film offers a satisfying conclusion to the Original Series crew's adventures. The Undiscovered Country is a return to form for the Star Trek franchise and is highly regarded by fans as one of the best films in the series. Its themes of forgiveness and reconciliation resonate deeply, making it a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to the Original Series saga.

The Next Generation Era

The torch was passed to Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), which introduced a new generation of heroes and expanded the Star Trek universe in exciting ways. These films continue the legacy of exploration and diplomacy while tackling new challenges and adversaries. Here’s the breakdown:

7. Star Trek: Generations (1994)

Star Trek: Generations marked the first big-screen appearance for the Next Generation crew and featured a crossover with Captain Kirk from the Original Series. Directed by David Carson, the film sees Captain Picard and the Enterprise-D crew facing off against Dr. Tolian Soran, a scientist determined to return to the Nexus, an energy ribbon that grants eternal bliss.

Generations attempts to bridge the gap between the Original Series and The Next Generation, but it receives mixed reviews. The film's plot is somewhat convoluted, and Kirk's death is a controversial moment for many fans. However, Generations does offer some exciting action sequences and explores themes of mortality and legacy. The interactions between Kirk and Picard are a highlight, showcasing the different leadership styles of the two iconic captains. While it may not be a perfect film, Generations is a significant entry in the Star Trek canon and serves as a transition between two eras of the franchise. The film's box office success demonstrated the continued popularity of Star Trek and paved the way for future Next Generation films.

8. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

Considered by many to be the best of The Next Generation films, Star Trek: First Contact is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that pits the Enterprise-E crew against the Borg. Directed by Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker), the film sees the Borg attempting to assimilate Earth by traveling back in time to prevent humanity's first contact with the Vulcans.

First Contact is a dark and intense film, featuring some of the most terrifying scenes in Star Trek history. Patrick Stewart delivers a powerful performance as Captain Picard, haunted by his past experiences with the Borg. The film explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the importance of unity in the face of a common enemy. The special effects are impressive, and the Borg are portrayed as a truly formidable threat. First Contact is a critical and commercial success, solidifying the Next Generation crew's place in Star Trek history. The film's pacing, suspense, and strong character development make it a standout entry in the franchise.

9. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)

Star Trek: Insurrection is a more lighthearted and character-driven film than its predecessor. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the film sees the Enterprise-E crew uncovering a conspiracy involving a planet with rejuvenating properties. The Son'a, a race of people who are suffering from a degenerative disease, are planning to forcibly remove the Ba'ku, the peaceful inhabitants of the planet, in order to exploit its resources.

Insurrection is a departure from the darker tone of First Contact, and it focuses on themes of morality, ethics, and the Prime Directive. While the film may not be as thrilling as some of the other Star Trek movies, it offers some interesting character moments and explores the complexities of Starfleet's principles. The film's plot is relatively straightforward, and it lacks the epic scope of some of the other entries in the series. However, Insurrection is a solid and enjoyable Star Trek film that offers a different perspective on the franchise. Its focus on ethical dilemmas and character interactions makes it a worthwhile addition to the Star Trek canon.

10. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

Star Trek: Nemesis is the final film featuring the Next Generation crew. Directed by Stuart Baird, the film sees the Enterprise-E crew encountering Shinzon, a clone of Captain Picard, who is plotting to destroy the Federation. Shinzon, raised in the harsh conditions of the Romulan mines, harbors a deep-seated hatred for Picard and the Federation.

Nemesis is a dark and action-packed film, featuring intense space battles and a personal conflict between Picard and Shinzon. However, the film receives mixed reviews, with some criticizing its convoluted plot and its departure from the optimistic tone of The Next Generation. The film's climax is a tragic one, with Data sacrificing himself to save the Enterprise. Nemesis is a bittersweet end to the Next Generation era, offering a sense of closure for the characters but leaving some fans disappointed. Despite its flaws, Nemesis is a significant entry in the Star Trek canon and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Next Generation.

The Kelvin Timeline

Rebooting the franchise, the Kelvin Timeline presents an alternate reality with younger versions of the Original Series characters. These films offer a fresh take on familiar stories and introduce new threats, all while maintaining the spirit of Star Trek.

11. Star Trek (2009)

Star Trek (2009), directed by J.J. Abrams, is a reboot of the franchise that introduces a new generation of actors playing the iconic roles of Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the Enterprise crew. The film tells the origin story of these characters, showing how they come together to form the crew of the Enterprise. A Romulan miner from the future, Nero, seeks revenge on Spock for failing to save his home planet from destruction, creating a new timeline in the process.

Star Trek (2009) is a fast-paced and action-packed film that successfully reintroduces the Star Trek universe to a new audience. The film's visual effects are stunning, and the performances of the new cast are generally praised. The film's plot is a mix of familiar elements from the Original Series and new twists, creating a fresh and exciting experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Star Trek (2009) is a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the franchise and paving the way for future films in the Kelvin Timeline. Its blend of action, humor, and character development makes it a standout entry in the Star Trek canon.

12. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Star Trek Into Darkness, also directed by J.J. Abrams, continues the adventures of the Kelvin Timeline crew. The film sees the Enterprise crew facing off against John Harrison, a rogue Starfleet agent with superhuman abilities. Harrison, later revealed to be Khan Noonien Singh, is seeking revenge on Starfleet for the injustices he and his crew have suffered.

Into Darkness is a darker and more action-oriented film than its predecessor, featuring intense battles and a complex plot. The film draws heavily from The Wrath of Khan, reimagining some of the iconic moments from that film in a new context. The film's visual effects are impressive, and the performances of the cast are strong, particularly Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan. Into Darkness is a commercial success, but it receives mixed reviews from fans, with some criticizing its reliance on nostalgia and its darker tone. Despite the controversy, Into Darkness is a significant entry in the Kelvin Timeline and expands the Star Trek universe in new and exciting ways.

13. Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin, sees the Enterprise crew stranded on a remote planet after their ship is destroyed by a swarm of alien ships. The crew must band together to survive and stop Krall, a former Starfleet captain turned vengeful alien warrior, from unleashing a devastating weapon on the Federation.

Beyond is a more traditional Star Trek adventure than its predecessors, focusing on exploration, teamwork, and the values of Starfleet. The film's visual effects are impressive, and the action sequences are well-choreographed. The film offers some interesting character moments, exploring the dynamics between the crew members in new ways. Beyond is a critical and commercial success, and it is praised for its return to the optimistic spirit of Star Trek. It is a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the franchise and a solid entry in the Kelvin Timeline. The film's themes of unity and resilience resonate deeply, making it a memorable and enjoyable Star Trek experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A complete Star Trek movies list in order, spanning from The Motion Picture to Beyond. Whether you're a seasoned Trekkie or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the vast Star Trek universe and experience all the adventure, drama, and philosophical musings that it has to offer. Now, go forth and prosper!