Explore the Star Trek universe with a full timeline of events, series, and films. Understand how everything fits together across different timelines and eras.
The Complete Star Trek Timeline: Get a clear view of how to watch every Star Trek movie and TV show in the right order. Follow the complete timeline across the classic and Kelvin eras. Understand the story connections and enjoy the full Star Trek experience. Perfect for new fans and longtime Trekkies alike.
Star Trek started in the '60s and never looked back. From Kirk and Spock's classic missions to Picard's thoughtful leadership, the original timeline built a legacy. Then came the reboot - louder, sleeker, and with time travel twists that changed everything. But don't worry! This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We'll explore the classic timeline first, then jump into the alternate Kelvin timeline. Whether you're a fan of deep space diplomacy or space battles at warp speed, you'll find your way through the stars. It's time to explore every Star Trek movie, one timeline at a time.
In this article
Classic Star Trek Movie Timeline (1979 - 2002)
Starships. Aliens. Endless space. Sounds huge? It is. But it all connects. The Star Trek films from 1979 to 2002 aren't just sci-fi. They're about hope, struggle, and what it means to explore. This journey takes you through the key missions. No confusion. No skipping around. Just the big moments, clear and simple. No matter if it's the Enterprise or the Next Generation, this guide covers everything you need to know.
1. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
The first Star Trek movie took its time to explore space's vast mystery. The crew of the Enterprise encounters V'ger - a massive, unknown force that threatens Earth. The film moves slowly, but with purpose. It lets the story breathe. Instead of fast action, it focuses on wonder and curiosity. Visually, it was stunning for its time. This movie opened the door to a cinematic Star Trek universe. It invited fans to dream big. To imagine what might be waiting beyond the stars.
2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
The Wrath of Khan gets personal right away. Khan, a vengeful enemy from Kirk's past, returns to settle the score. The movie delivers exciting space battles, but its real strength lies in the emotional depth. Themes like loss and revenge give it a lasting impact. Many fans call this the best Star Trek film ever. It changed the game for the whole series. The story dives deep into sacrifice, aging, and redemption. It gave Star Trek a new heart and soul that really hits home.
3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
After Spock's death, the crew sets out on a brave mission to bring him back. It's not just about saving a friend. It's about holding on to hope and doing what's right, no matter the cost. The Search for Spock brings emotion, courage, and the return of a beloved character. The story shows how deep the crew's bond really is. They risk everything for one of their own. It's a powerful reminder that true friendship can overcome anything, even death.
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
This movie takes a fun and unexpected turn. The crew travels back to 20th-century Earth. Their mission? Save the whales to save the future. It's filled with humor, heart, and a clear message about protecting the planet. The Voyage Home shows a lighter side of Star Trek. It proves that saving the world doesn't always need battles. Sometimes, it just takes courage, teamwork, and a little laughter.
5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Not all space adventures are easy. Here, the crew searches for "God" at the galaxy's edge. Directed by William Shatner, the movie asks deep questions about faith and the unknown. Though it's a bit messy, the film explores human desires and beliefs. It challenges viewers to think about the mysteries we chase, even when answers seem out of reach. The journey is as important as the goal.
6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
This film brings a thrilling mix of politics and danger. The crew works to make peace with the Klingons, but betrayal is around every corner. It feels like a serious and emotional farewell to the original Star Trek crew. The story blends tension with hope. It shows that even long-time enemies can learn to trust. It's a powerful ending that respects the past while opening the door to the future.
7. Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Generations brings two Star Trek worlds together: old and new. Captain Kirk and Captain Picard team up to stop a villain who threatens time itself. It's a powerful moment of transition, as one era makes way for the next. The film looks at legacy and what it means to be a hero. It blends action with emotion, showing how the past shapes the future. Kirk's final mission is both bold and deeply moving.
8. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
First Contact is one of the most exciting Next Generation films. The Borg return, and they're more dangerous than ever. Their mission? Wipe out humanity. To stop them, Picard and his crew travel back in time. It leads to one of their toughest battles. But this isn't just about action. It's a fight for identity and control. The movie asks what makes us human. And it never lets you look away.
9. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
So, the crew finds out something bad. The Federation wants to steal a planet. A peaceful one. Picard says, "No way." He's ready to break the rules. Insurrection isn't a loud movie, but it hits hard. It's about standing up for what's right. Even when your own side is wrong. It's calm. It's thoughtful. And it's full of heart.
10. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
This movie is full of action and heart. It shows what leadership really means. Sacrifice is everywhere. It's a sad but strong ending for the Next Generation crew. Picard faces a chilling enemy; his own clone. Shinzon is full of anger and wants to destroy everything. The battle is intense and very personal. The crew must stand strong to protect the future.
The Kelvin Timeline: A Bold New Era (2009 - 2025)
Star Trek isn't just about flying through space. It's also about telling great stories in new ways. The Kelvin Timeline reboot brought faster action and awesome visuals. But it still kept that classic Star Trek feel. From 2009 to 2025, we saw fresh versions of our favorite characters. There were exciting scenes, cool effects, and some really touching moments too. Let's take a quick look at the four main movies that made this new Star Trek universe so exciting.
1. Star Trek (2009)
From the very first scene, this reboot grabs you by the collar. Young Kirk and Spock face a Romulan named Nero. He is angry, dangerous, and rewriting history. The stakes are huge, and the action never lets up. The visuals? Mind-blowing. But the real magic is in Kirk and Spock's chemistry. Old favorites with fresh energy. This movie didn't just reboot Star Trek; it relaunched it with style.
2. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)
The crew faces a deadly new enemy - John Harrison, who is actually Khan. Kirk must make tough choices to keep his team safe. The film blends intense action with deep questions about loyalty and justice. It's darker and more emotional than before. The stakes are high, and the story challenges the crew in new ways. Into Darkness deepens the reboot's exciting and dangerous universe.
3. Star Trek: Beyond (2016)
Stranded on a hostile planet, the crew must work together to survive. They face a new enemy, Krall, who threatens everything they stand for. This movie focuses on teamwork, friendship, and sacrifice. Beyond is lighter and more heartwarming. It reminds us that no matter the challenge, the crew's bond is their greatest strength. The action is thrilling, but the heart of Star Trek beats strongly.
4. Star Trek 4 (2025)
Coming soon, this new film promises more thrilling adventures. The crew will face time travel, new threats, and emotional moments. Plot details are still secret, but fans expect a fresh, exciting story. With familiar faces and bold new ideas, Star Trek 4 will continue the Kelvin Timeline's legacy. It aims to entertain and inspire, keeping the spirit of exploration alive for a new generation.
How to Make the Star Trek Timeline with EdrawMind?
Making a timeline in EdrawMind is just as fun as watching the galactic adventures of the Star Trek crew. If you are a beginner, you can use built-in templates to create detailed and professional diagrams. That said, here's how you can make your very own Star Trek timeline with EdrawMind:
Step 1: Sign In & Create a New File
- Download and launch EdrawMind.
- Once in, sign in by creating a free Wondershare account. You can also log in with a social account.
- Click Create at the top-left corner of the homescreen.
- Select Local MindMap from the menu. A new file will open with a basic mindmap layout.
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Step 2: Change the Layout
- Select the Main Idea and click Layout from the floating menu.
- Pick the Timeline (down) from the list.
- Similarly, select one or all Main Topics.
- Choose the Balanced layout under MindMap (Logic Map).
Step 3: Insert New Topics
- Click the Main Idea to see the floating menu.
- Go to More and select Topic. A new entry will be added at the bottom.
- Similarly, pick a Floating Topic from the menu and click anywhere on the canvas to place it.
Step 4: Customize the Timeline
Now comes the fun customization part.
- Select each topic or the entire timeline at once.
- Use the floating menu and the right toolbar to customize the branches, shapes, borders, and colors.
- Click a topic and start typing to enter new content.
- Follow the previous method to customize font settings.
Step 5: Incorporate Images
- Download an image and open it in EdrawMind.
- Use the floating menu and the right toolbar to customize image settings.
- Drag the anchor points to resize an image.
How to Reshape the Images?
- Select one or multiple images and open them in EdrawMax.
- Click Crop to shape on the floating menu.
- Position the image in the frame to crop the remaining area.
- Lastly, copy and paste the image(s) into EdrawMind.
Step 6: Save or Export
All set?
- Click the File button with the hamburger menu icon.
- Select Save to download the file in EdrawMind's default format.
- Choose Export to download the file in your required format, like PNG, JPG, PPT, PDF, etc.
Closure
Now that you know how to watch every Star Trek movie and show in order, the story will make much more sense. From the classic Kirk and Spock adventures to the new Kelvin Timeline, each piece fits together. This helps you enjoy the characters and plots even more. To keep track of everything easily, try EdrawMind. It lets you create your own timeline and plan your watching. Give it a go and start your Star Trek journey right!
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