“Live long and prosper!” Are you ready to embark on a legendary journey through the vast universe of Star Trek? With multiple series and movies spanning decades, how to watch Star Trek in order can be a daunting question for both newcomers and seasoned fans. In this guide, we’ll provide a clear path through the chronological order many fans prefer, though we’ll also acknowledge that there’s no single “correct” way to enjoy Star Trek. Whether you’re interested in release order or alternative viewing methods, we’ve got you covered.
How to Watch Star Trek in Order – Chronologically or By Release Date?
Before you start your marathon, decide if you’d like to watch Star Trek chronologically (in the story’s timeline) or by the original broadcast/release dates.
- Chronological Order: You’ll follow the storyline as it unfolds in the Star Trek universe, starting with the earliest events.
- Release Order: You’ll experience Star Trek as fans did when each series and movie originally came out.
While this guide focuses on the chronological order, feel free to explore the release order for a nostalgic twist.
TLDR Viewing Order of Star Trek (Chronological)
If you’re short on time and just need the list, here’s a simplified chronological rundown:
- Star Trek: Enterprise
- Star Trek: The Cage (pilot episode)
- Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 1-2)
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
- Star Trek: The Original Series
- Star Trek: The Animated Series
- The first six Star Trek films (The Motion Picture to The Undiscovered Country)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Star Trek films 7-10 (Generations to Nemesis)
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
- Star Trek: Voyager
- Star Trek: Lower Decks
- Star Trek: Prodigy
- Star Trek: Picard (Seasons 1-3)
- Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 3-4)
How to Watch Star Trek Series and Movies in Chronological Order
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each series and where it fits within the Star Trek timeline.
1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2161)
- Overview: Explores humanity’s first steps into deep-space exploration with Captain Jonathan Archer at the helm.
- Key Plot Points: Formation of the early Starfleet ideals, encounters with new species, and setting the stage for future Star Trek events.
2. Star Trek: The Cage (2254)
- Description: The original, unaired pilot featuring Captain Christopher Pike.
- Why It Matters: Lays the groundwork for the USS Enterprise’s earliest missions and introduces Spock.
3. Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 1-2) (2255)
- Introduction: Follows Michael Burnham, a human raised on Vulcan, who finds herself entangled in a Federation-Klingon war.
- Key Arcs: Explores the concepts of redemption, leadership, and the evolution of Starfleet technology.
4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259)
- Adventures of Captain Pike and Crew: A direct spin-off from Discovery, focusing on episodic exploration and the spirit of the original series.
5. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
- Iconic Episodes: “The City on the Edge of Forever,” “Balance of Terror,” and more, starring Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy.
- Significance: Launched the entire franchise and set many precedents for future storytelling.
6. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)
- Continuation of TOS: Voices of the original cast, exploring more fantastical stories.
7. The First Six Star Trek Films (2273-2293)
- Movies:
- The Motion Picture (1979)
- The Wrath of Khan (1982)
- The Search for Spock (1984)
- The Voyage Home (1986)
- The Final Frontier (1989)
- The Undiscovered Country (1991)
- Major Events: Confrontations with Khan, the death and rebirth of Spock, peace treaties with the Klingons, and more.
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation (2364-2370)
- Key Storylines: Introduces Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the Enterprise-D, and new species like the Borg.
- Character Introductions: Worf, Data, Riker, Troi, and others become central to Star Trek lore.
9. Star Trek Films 7-10 (Generations to Nemesis) (2293-2379)
- List: Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis.
- Critical Moments: Handing off the torch from Kirk to Picard, the Borg invasion, and conflicts with the Romulans.
10. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2369-2375)
- Focus: A space station near the Bajoran wormhole, with a strong emphasis on political and religious themes.
- Dominion War: A major arc that reshapes the Alpha Quadrant’s balance of power.
11. Star Trek: Voyager (2371-2378)
- Overview: Captain Kathryn Janeway leads her crew home after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant.
- Key Themes: Survival, moral dilemmas, and encounters with new species like the Hirogen.
12. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380)
- Animated Comedy: Follows the support crew of the USS Cerritos, focusing on the everyday life in Starfleet.
13. Star Trek: Prodigy (2383)
- Plot: A group of young aliens stumbles upon an abandoned Starfleet vessel, learning about the values of the Federation.
14. Star Trek: Picard (2399)
- Follow-Up: Explores Picard’s life after retirement from Starfleet, tackling Romulan politics, synthetics, and personal legacies.
15. Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 3-4) (32nd Century)
- Radical Time Jump: The crew travels nearly a thousand years into the future, dealing with a collapsed Federation and new threats.
Release Order of Star Trek Series and Movies
If you prefer a nostalgic approach, here’s the release order:
- Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 – 1969)
- Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973 – 1974)
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)
- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993 – 1999)
- Star Trek: Generations (1994)
- Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001)
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
- Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
- Star Trek: Enterprise (2001 – 2005)
- Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
- Star Trek (2009)
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
- Star Trek Beyond (2016)
- Star Trek: Discovery (2017 – Present)
- Star Trek: Picard (2020 – 2023)
- Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020 – Present)
- Star Trek: Prodigy (2021 – TBA)
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022 – Present)
Alternative Viewing Orders of Star Trek Series and Movies
- Thematic Order: Group episodes and films by overarching themes (time travel, the Borg, Klingons).
- Character-Focused: Follow specific characters (like Worf or Spock) across multiple series and movies.
- Mixed Marathon: Alternate between series for variety, especially if you’re familiar with the basics.
While these methods can provide fresh perspectives, they might disrupt the traditional narrative flow. However, they’re perfect for rewatching once you’ve got the basics down.
Where Can You Watch Star Trek in Order?
For fans wondering where to watch Star Trek, Paramount+ is often the best choice, as it hosts most Star Trek content, including original series and new releases. Depending on your region, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu may also carry some titles.
How to Enhance Your Star Trek Experience
- Watch Parties: Organize virtual or in-person get-togethers to discuss episodes and share reactions.
- Collect Merchandise: From uniforms to model starships, there’s a galaxy of items to display your fandom.
- Join Fan Communities: Participate in online forums, social media groups, and local Star Trek clubs to meet like-minded Trekkies.
- Play Star Trek Fleet Command: Immerse yourself further by commanding your own starship, engaging in epic space battles, and teaming up with iconic Star Trek characters.
Do you have a particular order that you prefer to watch Star Trek? What order did you watch them? Be sure to let us know on our official channels!
Live Long and Prosper,
-The Star Trek Fleet Command Team
