Star Trek is one of the most iconic science fiction franchises in pop culture. With its strong emphasis on exploration, diplomacy, and futuristic technology, it has captured the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide.
However, with over a dozen movies in the franchise, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to decide which movie to watch first. In this article, we’ll explore the best order to watch Star Trek movies.
Chronological Order
One way to watch Star Trek movies is in chronological order. This means starting with the earliest movie in terms of the franchise timeline and progressing towards the latest one.
The first movie in this order would be “Star Trek: Enterprise”, followed by “Star Trek: The Original Series”, and so on. While this approach might give you a sense of continuity and coherence, it can be challenging for someone coming into the franchise fresh as some films may reference events or characters from previous ones.
Release Order
Another way to watch Star Trek movies is in release order. This means starting with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”, which was released in 1979, followed by “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982), and so on until you reach the latest installment. Watching movies in release order provides a more natural progression of storytelling as each movie builds upon what came before.
The Best Approach
While both chronological and release orders have their merits, there’s a third approach that might work best for those who are new to Star Trek: starting with some standout films that are accessible even without much knowledge about the franchise’s lore. Here are three films that are considered some of the best in the series:
1) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Considered by many fans as one of the best Star Trek movies ever made, “The Wrath of Khan” is an excellent starting point for anyone new to the franchise. It features a compelling story, well-crafted characters, and some fantastic action sequences. This film sets the tone for many of the Star Trek movies that followed.
2) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
“The Voyage Home” has a more lighthearted tone than most other Star Trek movies and can be enjoyed even by those who aren’t familiar with the franchise. This movie sees the crew of the USS Enterprise travel back in time to save humpback whales from extinction.
3) Star Trek (2009)
This is a reboot of the original Star Trek series and is set in an alternate timeline that diverges from the original series’ continuity. As such, it provides a fresh start for newcomers to the franchise. The film has plenty of action, humor, and heart, making it an excellent introduction to Star Trek.
- Conclusion
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong order to watch Star Trek movies. Whether you choose chronological or release order or start with some standout films, what matters is that you enjoy the movies and appreciate what makes them special: their exploration of science fiction concepts, their emphasis on diplomacy and teamwork, and their optimistic view of humanity’s future. So grab some popcorn and start exploring!
