Embark on a Star Trek Odyssey: A Comprehensive Viewing Guide

Since the debut of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the franchise has captivated audiences worldwide, expanding into a vast universe encompassing numerous series, films, comics, and merchandise. This guide simplifies navigating this expansive world, offering chronological and release-order viewing options. Paramount+ houses nearly all Star Trek content, making access easier than ever.

Prepare for warp speed as we explore the best way to experience the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, and many more iconic characters. This spoiler-free guide provides a chronological timeline, ensuring your journey remains exciting and full of surprises. A release-order list is also included.

Jump to:

• Chronological Viewing Order
• Release Order Viewing Order

How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order

1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155): This prequel series, airing from 2001 to 2005, introduces Captain Jonathan Archer and the Enterprise NX-01, Earth's first warp 5 capable starship. Witness early encounters with familiar alien species and the challenges of a less technologically advanced era.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258): Set a decade before the original series, these seasons follow Commander Michael Burnham's involvement in a Klingon-Federation war. Note: Seasons 3-5 jump significantly forward in time.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD): A spin-off featuring Captain Christopher Pike and the Enterprise NCC-1701, this series bridges the gap to the original series, introducing familiar faces and new characters.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269): The legendary beginning, featuring Captain Kirk, Spock, and the crew of the Enterprise on their five-year mission "to explore strange new worlds."

Where to Watch: Paramount+

Bonus: The Kelvin Timeline (2009's Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond) – This alternate timeline reboot, directed by J.J. Abrams, offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters. Viewable at any point in your journey.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270): Continuing the adventures of the original Enterprise crew in animated form.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s): The first Star Trek film, featuring Admiral Kirk's return to command the refitted Enterprise.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2285): A critically acclaimed film pitting Kirk against the genetically enhanced Khan Noonien Singh.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

8. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (2285): The aftermath of Spock's death and the crew's mission to recover his katra.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

9. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (2286 and 1986): Time travel and a unique adventure set partly in 1980s San Francisco.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

10. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (2287): A less celebrated entry, focusing on a search for God.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

11. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (2293): The final film featuring the original series cast, focusing on Klingon-Federation relations.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

12. Star Trek: Section 31 (2326): A recent addition, this film may be skipped due to mixed reception.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

13. Star Trek: The Next Generation (2364-2370): A highly acclaimed series starring Captain Picard and the crew of the new Enterprise.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

14. Star Trek Generations (2293 and 2371): A crossover film featuring both Picard and Kirk.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

15. Star Trek: First Contact (2373): A battle against the Borg, featuring Picard's past trauma.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

16. Star Trek: Insurrection (2375): A story involving a planet with rejuvenating properties.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

17. Star Trek: Nemesis (2379): The final Next Generation film, introducing Shinzon, a Picard clone.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

18. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2369-2375): Set on a space station near a wormhole, this series features a diverse cast and complex storylines.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

19. Star Trek: Voyager (2371-2378): The story of Captain Janeway and her crew stranded in the Delta Quadrant.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

20. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380-2382): An animated comedy series focusing on the lower-deck crew.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

21. Star Trek: Prodigy (2383-2385): A 3D animated series aimed at younger audiences.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

22. Star Trek: Picard (2399-2402): A sequel series bringing back Picard and many Next Generation characters.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

23. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 3, 4, and 5 (3188-3191): The final seasons of Discovery jump far into the future.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

How to Watch Star Trek by Order of Release

This list presents the Star Trek saga as it unfolded, from its inception to the most recent releases.

1. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
2. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974)
3. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
5. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
6. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
7. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
8. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
9. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
10. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
11. Star Trek: Generations (1994)
12. Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
13. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
14. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
15. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)
16. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
17. Star Trek (2009)
18. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
19. Star Trek Beyond (2016)
20. Star Trek: Discovery (2017-2024)
21. Star Trek: Picard (2020-2023)
22. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-2024)
23. Star Trek: Prodigy (2021-TBA)
24. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-Present)
25. Star Trek: Section 31 (2025)

Upcoming Star Trek Projects

Several new Star Trek projects are in development, including new series and films.

• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 3 (TV series – 2025)
• Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (TV series – 2025-2026)
• Untitled live-action comedy (TV series – TBA)
• Toby Haynes's Star Trek (Movie – TBA)
• Star Trek 4 (Movie – TBA)

This comprehensive guide ensures you're well-equipped for your Star Trek viewing adventure. Live long and prosper!