Since the groundbreaking premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the entertainment industry has been forever transformed. This iconic franchise has captured the imagination of millions worldwide, evolving into a vast universe encompassing multiple series, feature films, comics, and extensive merchandise. However, navigating through the extensive Star Trek catalog can be daunting, whether you want to watch in chronological or release order. To assist you on your journey, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to help you engage with every thrilling aspect of Star Trek.
Tracking down all the Star Trek shows and movies was once a challenge, but thanks to Paramount+, it's now easier than ever. This streaming service has become the central hub for nearly all past, present, and future Star Trek content.
So, embark with us into the final frontier and discover how you can catch up with the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and many others who have made Star Trek so beloved over the past 56 years.
Rest assured, our chronological timeline is designed to be spoiler-free, preserving the surprise and excitement of your Star Trek journey. For those who prefer to follow the series as they were released, that list is also provided.
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How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological OrderHow to Watch Star Trek by Release OrderHow to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)
Star Trek: Enterprise is the earliest entry in our list, set a century before the adventures of Kirk and Spock. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series stars Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, who commands Earth's first starship capable of reaching warp five, the Enterprise NX-01. While the series had its challenges, it offers a unique perspective on a crew without the advanced technology of later Star Trek shows, and it features the first contact with many beloved alien species.
Star Trek: EnterpriseUPN### Where to Watch
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BuyMore### 2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)
Star Trek: Discovery's first two seasons are set before Star Trek: The Original Series, with subsequent seasons jumping forward in time. The series begins a decade before the original and follows Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. She is then court-martialed and reassigned to the U.S.S. Discovery.
Star Trek: DiscoveryParamount+### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is set before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series and introduces us to Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, a character who appeared in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Pike was originally featured in the unaired pilot "The Cage" of Star Trek: The Original Series and is Kirk's predecessor. The series delves into Pike's story and other familiar faces from the original series, set aboard the iconic U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.
Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
Star Trek: The Original Series, created by Gene Roddenberry, is where it all began. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons from 1966 to 1969 due to low ratings, the series gained immense popularity in syndication, laying the groundwork for the expansive Star Trek universe we enjoy today. Featuring William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, the show's mission was to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Star TrekNBC### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### Bonus: Star Trek’s Kelvin Timeline (2009’s Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond)
Where to Watch Star Trek: Hulu, Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Into Darkness: Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Beyond: Paramount+
2009's Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams, launched a new era for the franchise. This reboot, while featuring familiar characters from the original series played by new actors, exists in an alternate timeline known as the Kelvin Timeline. These films can be enjoyed at any point, but they include numerous callbacks to the original series, highlighted by Leonard Nimoy's return as Spock.
5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)
Following the popularity of the original series in syndication, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew in an animated format. Star Trek: The Animated Series, which ran for two seasons from 1973 to 1974, brought back many of the original characters and their voice actors, further exploring the Milky Way galaxy.
Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973]NBC### Where to Watch
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BuyMore### 6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)
Star Trek: The Motion Picture marked the return of the original series crew to the big screen. Initially facing resistance from Paramount Pictures, the success of other sci-fi films eventually greenlit the project. In the film, Admiral James T. Kirk retakes command of the refitted U.S.S. Enterprise to confront the mysterious V'Ger.
Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesPG
Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyRent/BuyMore### 7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2285)
After the lukewarm reception of the first film, Paramount removed Gene Roddenberry from the sequel's production, bringing in new talent. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, often hailed as the best Star Trek film, pits Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew against the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh, portrayed by Ricardo Montalban. The story, set 15 years after Khan's exile by Kirk, is a thrilling battle of wits and strength.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanParamount PicturesPG
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