There are a lot of Star Trek documentaries out there, which makes choosing which one to watch a little daunting. From family histories to behind-the-scenes drama to action figures, this Trekkie has you covered. Here’s a short list of Star Trek-related recommendations with reasons to watch that even a Vulcan couldn’t dispute.
Trek Nation (2011)
Synopsis: The son of the creator of Star Trek explores his father’s famous creation and how it has affected people.
Why it’s good: Rod Roddenberry interviews cast and crew members from the various iterations of Star Trek. This documentary focuses on the philosophy of the Star Trek universe and explores how that has affected the fans. We learn more about Gene Roddenberry’s mind through the eyes of his son, who himself started this project to discover more about his father.
Where to watch it: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video
The Captains (2011)
Synopsis: A feature-length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors who have portrayed Starship captains within the illustrious science-fiction franchise.
Why it’s good: We all know being a Star Trek captain is a stressful job, but it’s equally stressful for the actors who played them. We get to see how their roles affected the lives of the actors we love.
Where to watch it: Hulu
To Be Takei (2014)
Synopsis: Together with his husband, Brad, actor-activist George Takei parlays his remarkable acting career and wicked sense of humor into a new role as the beloved pop-culture icon and internet phenomenon.
Why it’s good: Not only do you get a glimpse into Takei’s experience as Sulu from the original Star Trek series, you get to learn more about him as a person. He talks about many things, including his life in a Japanese internment camp. If you’ve ever wondered about the man behind Sulu, then this is the documentary for you.
Where to watch it: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video
Chaos on the Bridge (2014)
Synopsis: The story of the struggle to create the Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Why it’s good: Ever curious about how our beloved sequel came to be? This documentary shares all the behind-the-scenes drama minus those cheesy reenactments. Plus, William Shatner wrote and directed this piece, too. No one spills the tea quite like family. #StarTrekFamilyDrama
Where to watch it: Netflix
For the Love of Spock (2016)
Synopsis: An examination of the enduring appeal of Leonard Nimoy and his portrayal of Spock in Star Trek (1966).
Why it’s good: If the fact that this is all about Leonard Nimoy hasn’t sold you, then it having been directed by his son Adam should. We get to see the ups and downs of Nimoy’s life and celebrate the character fans continue to love. Adam Nimoy gives us unique insight into his father’s life through the eyes of the people who knew him best.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Toys That Made Us: Star Trek (2018)
Synopsis: An exploration of the history behind toy merchandising.
Why it’s good: Most of us grew up with action figures and dolls from our favorite shows. This documentary series does an amazing job showing the toy industry and how having the right action figures can help make or break a franchise. This particular episode explores all the Star Trek memorabilia from our childhood (and adulthood probably).
Where to watch it: Netflix
Let us know what you think about our recommendations, and feel free to send us any of your faves that you think we might have missed!
Happy watching, and until next time: live long and prosper.
