Note: This list follows a mostly chronological approach. However, while some movies and episodes do feature time travel, those events generally don’t cause permanent shifts to the franchise’s overall timeline, so we haven’t repositioned them.

For instance, Star Trek: First Contact still appears within the TNG movie era, not set at the beginning of the timeline, despite showing this event for the first time. The reasoning is, watching that movie first would confuse a new viewer completely out of the main through story of TNG. It makes the most sense to remain where it is in the release order. Essentially, following the chronology of the characters has a priority over a strict adherence to time.

Consequently, this order reflects our best recommended viewing sequence.

Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005) is a television series with 4 seasons. It is set between 2151 and 2161, roughly a century before the events of The Original Series.

A prequel to all other Star Trek shows, it follows Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise NX-01, humanity’s first Warp 5 starship. Their missions lay the groundwork for the future Federation, as they encounter new species and face moral quandaries in unexplored regions of space. A significant aspect of the show is the Temporal Cold War, in which factions from different timelines attempt to manipulate history, forcing Archer and his crew to protect Earth’s future despite limited resources and experience.

Key characters include T’Pol (Jolene Blalock), a Vulcan science officer initially dubious of humanity’s readiness for exploration; Charles “Trip” Tucker III (Connor Trinneer), the capable and good-natured chief engineer; Malcolm Reed (Dominic Keating), the disciplined tactical and security officer; Travis Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery), a gifted helmsman raised on cargo ships; Hoshi Sato (Linda Park), a brilliant linguist responsible for first-contact communications; and Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley), a Denobulan physician whose enthusiasm for alien cultures matches his medical expertise. Over four seasons, the series depicts the challenges and triumphs of this pioneering crew as they navigate hostile territory, face the threat of the Xindi, and set the stage for humanity’s eventual role in interstellar diplomacy.

Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 1 & 2) (2017–2019) is a television series comprising 2 seasons. It is primarily set from 2256 to 2258, about a decade before the events of The Original Series.

The show follows Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a brilliant but conflicted Starfleet officer who was raised on Vulcan and is later revealed to be the adoptive sister of Spock. At the outset, Burnham’s actions spark a war between the Federation and the Klingons, forcing the experimental USS Discovery into the heart of the conflict. The ship’s unique “spore drive” technology gives it an unprecedented ability to jump across vast distances instantaneously, but its use proves ethically and physically challenging.

Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs) leads the crew during Season 1, although his true motives and origins are called into question when the Discovery ventures into the Mirror Universe. Season 2 brings Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) aboard to investigate mysterious signals tied to a being known as the Red Angel, while the young Spock (Ethan Peck) grapples with personal trauma connected to these cosmic events. Other key characters include Commander Saru (Doug Jones), a cautious yet compassionate Kelpien officer, and Ensign Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman), whose ambition and optimism balance the show’s darker themes.

Over these two seasons, Discovery explores the complexities of war, identity, and family, culminating in dramatic choices that redefine the ship’s mission and set the stage for later story arcs.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–present) is a streaming television series currently with 3 seasons. It is set around 2259, in the decade leading up to the events of The Original Series.

The show follows Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), who has foreknowledge of a tragic future but continues to lead the USS Enterprise on missions of discovery. Alongside him are Science Officer Spock (Ethan Peck), grappling with his own Vulcan-human heritage, and Number One, Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), whose dedication to Starfleet is complicated by personal secrets.

The crew explores diverse new planets, upholding Starfleet’s ideals of exploration and cooperation. Additional key characters include Cadet Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), whose linguistic talents reflect her future iconic role; Dr. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun), whose medical expertise is crucial in remote frontiers; Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), whose lighthearted manner balances her professionalism; and Lieutenant La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong), a security officer with a formidable lineage.

Strange New Worlds blends episodic storytelling reminiscent of classic Star Trek with modern characterization and production values, focusing on moral dilemmas, camaraderie, and the wonder of uncharted space.

Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969) is a television series with 3 seasons. It is set from approximately 2265 to 2269, following the five-year mission of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk.

Alongside Kirk are First Officer Spock, a half-Vulcan whose logical approach and keen intellect often balance Kirk’s bold instincts, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, whose empathy and wit provide a third perspective. Other key characters include Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, whose ingenuity keeps the ship running at peak efficiency, Communications Officer Nyota Uhura, whose linguistic skills and diplomacy are vital on first-contact missions, Helmsman Hikaru Sulu, and Ensign Pavel Chekov, both of whom contribute to navigation and security.

The show blends adventure, exploration, and ethical dilemmas, as the crew upholds Starfleet’s mandate to seek out new life and new civilizations. Its episodic format tackles social issues, philosophical questions, and moral challenges, establishing a foundation for the entire Star Trek franchise.

Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1974) is an animated television series with 2 seasons. It is set around 2269 to 2270, shortly after the five-year mission depicted in The Original Series.

The show reunites the USS Enterprise crew under Captain James T. Kirk, with many of the same actors providing their voices. Returning characters include Spock, whose Vulcan heritage guides his logical insights; Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, responsible for the medical welfare of the crew; Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, who handles the technical challenges of starship operations; and Lieutenant Uhura, Helmsman Sulu, and Ensign Chekov, each playing key roles on the bridge.

The animation format enabled more imaginative alien species and environments than could be portrayed in the live-action series, yet it continued to focus on thoughtful exploration and moral quandaries. While shorter in length, Star Trek: The Animated Series expanded on character backstories, introduced new elements to the Star Trek canon, and served as a direct continuation of the original five-year mission.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) is a theatrical film set around 2271–2273, several years after the events of The Original Series.

In the story, an immense and mysterious alien cloud known as V’Ger threatens Earth, prompting Admiral James T. Kirk to assume command of a newly refitted USS Enterprise. The crew includes the iconic figures from the original show, such as the half-Vulcan science officer Spock, whose quest for logic draws him to the puzzle of V’Ger; Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, whose candid manner reflects his concern for the crew’s well-being; and Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, tasked with making the starship’s upgraded systems operational on short notice. Joining them are Captain Will Decker, who finds his command usurped by Kirk’s return, and Lieutenant Ilia, a Deltan whose telepathic abilities prove central to understanding the alien threat.

The film delves into themes of identity, humanity’s drive for knowledge, and the power of empathy. By blending grand visuals with introspective exploration, Star Trek’s first motion picture establishes a more contemplative tone than the original series, setting a precedent for the franchise’s continued expansion into feature films.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is a theatrical film set around 2285, roughly fifteen years after the USS Enterprise’s original five-year mission.

The story follows Admiral James T. Kirk, who returns to the bridge of the Enterprise for a routine training exercise just as his old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, resurfaces. Khan, a genetically enhanced tyrant exiled by Kirk years earlier, has escaped his barren prison world and seized control of the Genesis Device, a powerful terraforming technology with catastrophic destructive potential. Kirk must contend not only with Khan’s thirst for vengeance but also with his own feelings of aging and obsolescence in Starfleet.

Key characters include Mr. Spock, whose calm logic and friendship provide Kirk with moral support; Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, whose humanity contrasts Spock’s demeanor and helps ground Kirk; and Lieutenant Saavik, a young Vulcan officer learning the risks of command. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, mortality, and the burden of past actions, culminating in a legendary confrontation that defines Kirk and Spock’s enduring bond.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) is a theatrical film set around 2285, immediately following the events of The Wrath of Khan.

Admiral James T. Kirk and his loyal crew, including Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Sulu, Chekov, Uhura, and Scotty, risk everything by stealing the USS Enterprise to retrieve Spock’s body from the newly formed Genesis Planet. Believing that Spock’s “katra” (his living spirit) now resides in McCoy, Kirk defies Starfleet’s orders, driven by loyalty and a personal sense of responsibility. Meanwhile, a Klingon commander named Kruge becomes determined to possess the Genesis technology for its destructive potential.

The crew confronts the Klingons, suffering personal losses, and ultimately sacrifices the Enterprise to safeguard Spock’s remains. The film culminates on Vulcan, where Spock’s mind is restored to his rejuvenated body through an ancient ceremony, highlighting themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the profound bond uniting the Star Trek characters.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) is a theatrical film set around 2286, following directly after the events of The Search for Spock.

Now outlaws in a stolen Klingon Bird-of-Prey, Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew face a new crisis when an alien probe threatens Earth, communicating in whale song that can no longer be answered because humpback whales are extinct. To save the planet, the crew travels back in time to 1986 San Francisco, where they must locate whales for transport to the future.

Kirk struggles with cultural misunderstandings while forging a unique friendship with Dr. Gillian Taylor, a marine biologist crucial to their plan. Spock, still recovering from his resurrection, works to reconcile his logic with the human emotions he experiences. Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy bristles at primitive 20th-century medicine, Montgomery “Scotty” adapts to outdated technology, and Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov navigate Cold War tensions in their search for materials to repair the Bird-of-Prey.

The film balances humor and environmental awareness, culminating in a return to the 23rd century where the whales respond to the probe, sparing Earth from devastation and reaffirming the crew’s commitment to preserving life in all its forms.

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) is a theatrical film set around 2287, shortly after the events of The Voyage Home. The newly commissioned USS Enterprise-A is still plagued by mechanical issues when a crisis on the planet Nimbus III forces Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew into action. The hostage situation turns out to be orchestrated by Sybok, a charismatic Vulcan who rejects strict logic in favor of emotional openness and is, in fact, Spock’s half-brother.

Driven by a quest for a mythical realm called Sha Ka Ree, Sybok commandeers the Enterprise-A, leading Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the crew on a journey to the center of the galaxy. There, they encounter an enigmatic being that purports to be God, yet reveals itself as a dangerous alien seeking to escape its prison world.

Themes of faith, personal belief, and the boundaries of friendship run through the story, as Kirk questions the nature of divine power and loyalty holds the crew together in the face of deception. The film uses humor and introspection to explore its characters’ vulnerabilities while examining the allure and perils of spiritual discovery.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) is a theatrical film set around 2293, marking the final voyage of the original USS Enterprise crew. With the Klingon Empire’s core energy production facility destroyed, the empire faces an imminent ecological crisis that forces them to seek peace with the Federation.

As Captain James T. Kirk and his crew escort Chancellor Gorkon to negotiation talks, a shocking assassination implicates Kirk and Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy, who are swiftly imprisoned on a frozen penal colony. Spock leads the remaining crew on a quest to uncover the true conspirators, exposing a cabal within both Klingon and Starfleet ranks intent on sabotaging the peace process.

Themes of prejudice, change, and redemption run throughout, as Kirk grapples with his long-standing distrust of Klingons while working to save Gorkon’s vision for unity. In the end, the crew’s success paves the way for a historic peace treaty, closing the chapter on an era defined by Kirk’s command and heralding a more hopeful future for the galaxy.

Set during Star Trek’s Lost Era (primarily in the year 2324), Section 31 (2025) follow Philippa Georgiou following her appearances on Star Trek: Discovery.

In the Mirror Universe, a ruthless Terran Empire crowns teenage Philippa Georgiou as its next Emperor after a brutal competition. She claims victory alongside a boy named San, only to poison her own family to sever all ties and enslave San for failing to kill his. Years later in the Prime Universe, Georgiou, now living under the alias “Madame du Franc,” is recruited by the covert Starfleet division Section 31. Joining a diverse team of operatives, she helps intercept an arms deal on the neutral station Baraam, where a mysterious attacker steals a weapon called the Godsend and murders one of their own.

Georgiou recognizes the Godsend as a doomsday device she once ordered in the Mirror Universe. Investigations reveal the weapon was stolen by Mirror agents planning an invasion of the Prime Universe. The team is betrayed from within, and Georgiou deduces that the saboteur is Fuzz, who also reveals the masked attacker is San, long thought dead. San intends to use the Godsend to destroy the Prime Universe and build an empire ruled by “righteous mercy.”

After a final confrontation, San dies, and Georgiou and agent Alok appear to sacrifice themselves by sending the weapon back into the Mirror Universe. They survive, and the remaining team regroups for their next mission as Section 31’s shadow war continues.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) is a television series with 7 seasons. It is set between the years 2364 and 2370, roughly a century after the events of The Original Series.

The show follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they journey through uncharted regions of the galaxy, upholding Starfleet’s core values of exploration, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence. Picard’s leadership emphasizes ethics and thoughtful decision-making, guiding the crew through a variety of philosophical and moral dilemmas. Often confronting challenges posed by powerful entities like Q or facing existential threats such as the Borg Collective, the series explores the nature of humanity, technology, and interstellar diplomacy.

Key characters include First Officer William Riker, whose blend of confidence and approachability makes him a natural leader; Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, whose technical expertise and innovative thinking keep the ship running smoothly; Lieutenant Commander Data, an android seeking to understand human emotions; Ship’s Counselor Deanna Troi, whose empathic abilities aid in both diplomacy and mental well-being; Dr. Beverly Crusher, the ship’s chief medical officer with a dedication to ethical medicine; Worf, a Klingon raised by humans, wrestling with questions of honor and identity; and Lieutenant (later Ensign) Wesley Crusher, whose youthful perspective highlights the wonders and challenges of life in deep space. Over seven seasons, Star Trek: The Next Generation builds upon the themes of its predecessor while expanding the scope of Star Trek’s universe, becoming a cornerstone of science fiction storytelling.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999) is a television series with 7 seasons. It is set from about 2369 to 2375, overlapping with the later seasons of The Next Generation. The story centers on Commander (later Captain) Benjamin Sisko, who is assigned to Starfleet’s newly acquired space station located near the planet Bajor and adjacent to a mysterious wormhole leading to the Gamma Quadrant. The station, originally built by the Cardassians, becomes a hub of political and cultural tension as Bajor recovers from a long occupation. Sisko must balance diplomatic challenges, spiritual expectations from Bajor’s religious leaders, and threats emerging from the other side of the wormhole.

Key characters include Major Kira Nerys, a former Bajoran resistance fighter adapting to her role in a more peaceful setting; Odo, a shapeshifting constable with a complex past; Quark, a Ferengi barkeep whose profit-driven schemes often complicate station life; Chief Miles O’Brien, an experienced Starfleet engineer transferred from the Enterprise-D; Jadzia Dax, a joined Trill whose centuries-old symbiont grants her a wealth of knowledge; and Dr. Julian Bashir, whose youthful idealism matures through the station’s adversities.

The series introduces the Dominion, a formidable power from the Gamma Quadrant, leading to a prolonged conflict that tests alliances and individual loyalties. In contrast to other Star Trek shows, Deep Space Nine’s stationary setting and serialized storytelling highlight evolving political landscapes, personal growth, and the moral dilemmas inherent to a frontier outpost on the brink of war.

Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001) is a television series with 7 seasons. It is set between 2371 and 2378.

The show follows Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the USS Voyager, who are thrust into the uncharted Delta Quadrant by a powerful entity known as the Caretaker. Stranded roughly 70,000 light-years from home, they must forge a new community of Starfleet officers and Maquis rebels working together to navigate unfamiliar regions of space. Their journey home is expected to take decades, during which they encounter hostile species such as the Kazon, the Hirogen, and, most notably, the Borg Collective.

Key characters include Chakotay, the ship’s former Maquis leader and first officer; Tuvok, a Vulcan tactical officer with an unwavering commitment to logic; B’Elanna Torres, a half-Klingon engineer struggling to reconcile her heritage with her Starfleet duties; Tom Paris, a pilot seeking redemption from his troubled past; Harry Kim, an idealistic operations officer who begins his first deep-space assignment; The Doctor, an emergency medical hologram who must learn to be more than just a program; Neelix, a resourceful Talaxian acting as the crew’s morale officer and chef; and Kes, an Ocampan with emerging psionic abilities. Later seasons introduce Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone who rediscovers her individuality under Janeway’s guidance.

The series explores themes of survival, community, and morality under constant adversity, as Voyager’s crew strives to uphold Starfleet ideals while seeking a way back to the Alpha Quadrant.

Star Trek: Generations (1994) is a theatrical film set partly in 2293 and primarily in 2371, serving as a bridge between the era of Captain James T. Kirk and the world of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

The story opens with the christening of the USS Enterprise-B, where an unexpected emergency pulls Kirk into an anomalous energy ribbon known as the Nexus. Seventy-eight years later, the crew of the USS Enterprise-D confronts Dr. Tolian Soran, an El-Aurian scientist determined to reenter the Nexus at any cost, threatening entire star systems in his pursuit.

Captain Picard faces a personal loss that leaves him questioning his role and the passage of time. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Data grapples with an installed emotion chip, struggling to reconcile logic with overwhelming new feelings. Familiar faces such as Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Worf, Counselor Deanna Troi, Dr. Beverly Crusher, and Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge stand alongside Picard as the stakes rise. In the final act, Picard encounters Kirk within the Nexus, and the two legendary captains join forces to stop Soran.

The film explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the responsibility that comes with leadership, culminating in the destruction of the Enterprise-D and a poignant passing of the torch from one Star Trek generation to the next.

Star Trek: First Contact (1996) is a theatrical film set primarily in 2373, with time travel taking the characters back to 2063.

The crew of the newly commissioned USS Enterprise-E, led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, confronts the Borg Collective as it attempts to alter history by preventing humanity’s first warp-capable flight. When the Borg travel back in time to sabotage Zefram Cochrane’s pivotal warp test, Picard and his team follow, striving to ensure Earth’s “first contact” with the Vulcans proceeds as it originally did. Picard, still haunted by his past assimilation, wrestles with vengeance against the relentless Borg Queen, while Lieutenant Commander Data experiences the dangerous allure of emotion. Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, and Counselor Deanna Troi work alongside Dr. Beverly Crusher and Lieutenant Worf to preserve the timeline.

The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and hope in the face of existential threat, culminating in a defining moment for humanity’s future in the Federation.

Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) is a theatrical film set in 2375. The crew of the USS Enterprise-E, led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, uncovers a covert plan between the Son’a and certain Starfleet officials to forcefully relocate the peaceful Ba’ku people from their idyllic planet. The planet’s rings emit a type of metaphasic radiation that grants regenerative benefits, slowing aging and restoring vitality. Seeing this as an opportunity for personal and political gain, the Son’a are willing to destroy the Ba’ku’s way of life.

Picard, guided by Starfleet principles, defies orders to protect the Ba’ku and preserve their tranquil society. His senior officers—Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Commander Worf, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Dr. Beverly Crusher—stand with him against both internal and external forces threatening to betray the Federation’s core values.

The film explores moral questions about progress, the responsibilities of advanced powers, and the line between serving the greater good and violating the rights of individuals.

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) is a theatrical film set in 2379. The USS Enterprise-E, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is unexpectedly summoned to Romulus by the new praetor, Shinzon, a mysterious figure harboring a startling connection to Picard himself. The crew also discovers B-4, an earlier android prototype of Data, whose existence raises profound questions about identity and memory.

Shinzon, originally engineered as a clone of Picard, seizes power with the help of the Remans, an enslaved race long overshadowed by the Romulans. His ultimate plan involves using a powerful warship, the Scimitar, to threaten the Federation. Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Commander Worf, Dr. Beverly Crusher, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Geordi La Forge unite to uncover Shinzon’s intentions while grappling with the moral implications of B-4’s presence.

In a climactic battle, Data makes a heroic choice to save the Enterprise, underscoring themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the close bonds shared by the Next Generation crew.

The Hobus-Supernova Crisis (2387) is not a standalone film or series but a pivotal event in Star Trek’s backstory, primarily referenced in the 2009 Star Trek film and related tie-in material.

Although not depicted in a dedicated television or movie installment, the crisis serves as the catalyst for major changes in Star Trek’s Prime Timeline and the creation of the Kelvin Timeline.

Near the end of the 24th century, the Hobus star system experiences an unprecedented stellar collapse, resulting in a supernova that threatens to destroy surrounding regions of space, including the Romulan homeworld. Ambassador Spock, a long-serving figure of diplomacy between the Federation and other powers, devises a plan to save Romulus by using “red matter” to collapse the exploding star into a black hole. Despite Spock’s efforts, the supernova obliterates Romulus, killing millions, including the family of Nero, a Romulan miner who blames Spock and the Federation for failing to prevent the cataclysm.

In a desperate confrontation, both Nero’s vessel, the Narada, and Spock’s experimental ship are drawn into the black hole. They emerge in the year 2233, decades in the past, thereby altering history and branching off into what becomes known as the Kelvin Timeline. Nero, driven by rage and grief, sets out to destroy the Federation, while Spock, burdened with guilt, strives to uphold the ideals of peace and cooperation in this new reality.

The Hobus-Supernova Crisis reshapes interstellar politics, decimates the Romulan Star Empire, and serves as the narrative bridge between the late 24th-century events of Star Trek: Nemesis and the alternate timeline introduced in the 2009 Star Trek film. Its repercussions continue to echo throughout the franchise, underscoring themes of tragedy, responsibility, and hope for reconciliation after cataclysmic loss.

At this point, the the timeline branches. The Prime Timeline continues, while the Kelvin Timeline begins back in 2233. For now, we will continue on with the Prime Timeline.

Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–2024) is an animated streaming television series with 4 seasons. It is set from around 2380 onward, shortly after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis.

The show spotlights the support crew on the USS Cerritos, one of Starfleet’s lesser-known ships, and blends comedic storytelling with the classic exploration themes of Star Trek. Ensign Beckett Mariner is a free-spirited rule-breaker whose past experiences give her deep insight into Starfleet, while Ensign Brad Boimler strives relentlessly to climb the ranks despite his anxious tendencies. Ensign D’Vana Tendi, an Orion medical recruit, brings boundless enthusiasm to every task, and Ensign Sam Rutherford, a cybernetically enhanced engineer, eagerly tinkers with new technology. Overseeing them is Captain Carol Freeman, whose desire to elevate the Cerritos often conflicts with its routine support missions, Commander Jack Ransom, an unapologetically confident first officer, and Dr. T’Ana, a gruff but well-meaning Caitian physician.

The series playfully references established Star Trek lore and expanded the universe through the eyes of those who live and work below the senior officers’ decks.

Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–2024) is an animated streaming television series with 2 seasons (a 3rd season is currently up in the air). It is set around 2383, a few years after the events of Star Trek: Voyager.

The show follows a group of young aliens who escape a prison colony in the Delta Quadrant by commandeering the USS Protostar, an experimental Starfleet vessel left abandoned under mysterious circumstances. Lacking any knowledge of Starfleet values or protocols, these inexperienced adventurers must learn to operate the advanced starship and navigate ethical dilemmas while seeking safety and a new beginning.

Key characters include Dal, an impulsive but charismatic leader determined to find his origins; Gwyn, the daughter of the Diviner, raised to serve her father’s aims but torn by newfound loyalties; Jankom Pog, a Tellarite engineer with a knack for mechanical problem-solving and debate; Rok-Tahk, a shy but strong Brikar who discovers hidden courage; Zero, a Medusan whose species’ true form can drive most life-forms mad; and Murf, a seemingly indestructible blob-like creature. They receive guidance from a holographic version of Captain Kathryn Janeway, whose Starfleet wisdom offers structure and purpose. Amid conflicts with the Diviner and other threats in the Delta Quadrant, the young crew grapples with the meaning of responsibility, teamwork, and the ideals of the Federation.

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023) is a streaming television series with 3 seasons. It is set starting around 2399, approximately two decades after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis.

The show follows retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, who has withdrawn to his family vineyard in France, haunted by past losses and disillusioned by Starfleet’s decisions concerning synthetic life forms and Romulan refugees. When a mysterious young woman named Dahj seeks his help, Picard embarks on a new quest that draws him back into interstellar affairs. Over the course of three seasons, he confronts lingering questions about identity, redemption, and the changing galaxy he once guided as captain of the USS Enterprise.

Key returning characters include former Borg drone Seven of Nine, now working on her own terms; William Riker and Deanna Troi, longtime friends still bound by Starfleet ideals; Data, whose memory persists in unexpected ways; and other familiar faces from Picard’s past. New allies and antagonists include Raffi Musiker, a once-disgraced Starfleet officer reconnecting with Picard; Elnor, a young Romulan combatant bound by absolute candor; Dr. Agnes Jurati, a brilliant cyberneticist whose curiosity can lead her into moral quandaries; and Cristóbal Rios, a former Starfleet pilot haunted by personal trauma. Across time travel exploits, political intrigue, and the resurgence of old enemies, the series examines how Picard reconciles his personal regrets with his enduring commitment to Starfleet’s highest principles.

Star Trek: Discovery (Seasons 3–5) (2020–2024) is a streaming television series with 5 seasons, split into two different times. Season 3 is set from about 3188 onward, nearly a thousand years after the events of Season 2.

After jumping forward in time to save all sentient life, Commander (later Captain) Michael Burnham and the USS Discovery crew find the Federation in ruins, torn apart by a cataclysm known as “The Burn.” Determined to restore hope and unity, they seek the cause of the disaster and work to rebuild alliances across a fractured galaxy. Alongside allies like Cleveland “Book” Booker, who aids Burnham while grieving losses tied to The Burn, the crew faces new threats and scientific mysteries that push them to redefine Starfleet’s mission in this far-flung future. In subsequent seasons, they encounter species never before contacted, wrestle with galactic anomalies of staggering power, and strive to preserve the ideals of exploration and cooperation in an era of upheaval.

Key returning characters include Saru, a Kelpien officer whose leadership evolves as the crew’s circumstances become more dire; Sylvia Tilly, an ambitious and openhearted young officer growing into her own command potential; Paul Stamets, the brilliant engineer whose spore drive technology remains central to Discovery’s travel; Dr. Hugh Culber, whose medical and personal insights help guide the crew; and Emperor Philippa Georgiou (from the Mirror Universe), whose ruthless background contrasts with Starfleet ethics. New faces include Adira, a human bonded with a Trill symbiont, and Gray, whose journey explores the boundaries of identity and corporeal existence. The series continued charting uncharted territory, investigating anomalies, and defending the fragile bonds that hold distant worlds together.

Set in the 32nd century, after the galaxy-shattering events that nearly destroyed the Federation, Starfleet Academy (2026-) follows the first new class of cadets in over a century as they rebuild what was lost. Training aboard the USS Athena, a starship permanently docked at the Academy in San Francisco but ready for deployment, these young officers come of age while helping restore Starfleet’s ideals in a fragile, uncertain future.

Star Trek (2009) is a theatrical film set in an alternate timeline that branches off in 2233, with main events unfolding around 2258.

This film recounts the early days of James T. Kirk and Spock in an altered reality known as the Kelvin Timeline. After a vengeful Romulan named Nero arrives from the year 2387 in the Prime Timeline, he attacks the USS Kelvin, killing Kirk’s father at the moment of Kirk’s birth. Years later, an impulsive yet gifted Kirk (Chris Pine) and the half-Vulcan, half-human Spock (Zachary Quinto) board the newly launched USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike. Joined by a fresh-faced crew—including Nyota Uhura, Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, Hikaru Sulu, and Pavel Chekov—they must confront Nero’s plan to annihilate planets across the Federation.

Key themes involve the forging of lifelong friendships among the Enterprise’s classic characters and the contrast between Kirk’s brash leadership style and Spock’s logical mind. As they race to stop Nero’s vengeance, Kirk must prove himself worthy of command, while Spock grapples with personal loss and the dual nature of his heritage. The film reimagines Star Trek for a new generation, blending dynamic action with the franchise’s hallmark exploration of hope and unity.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) is a theatrical film set in the alternate Kelvin Timeline around 2259.

The story begins with Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) leading the USS Enterprise in violation of the Prime Directive, putting his command in jeopardy. When a terrorist attack on a Starfleet archive in London is traced to a mysterious operative called John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), Kirk embarks on a personal mission of vengeance. His pursuit of Harrison uncovers shocking truths about Starfleet’s clandestine operations and reveals Harrison’s true identity as Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman from Earth’s past.

The Enterprise crew, including First Officer Spock (Zachary Quinto), Communications Officer Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Chief Medical Officer Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban), Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (Simon Pegg), Helmsman Hikaru Sulu (John Cho), and Navigator Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin), work together to protect the Federation from internal corruption and a threat beyond their understanding. As Kirk wrestles with moral decisions and the weight of command, Spock confronts the challenges of balancing logic with his deepening attachments.

The film delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the ethical limits of militarization, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that cements the camaraderie of the Enterprise crew.

Star Trek Beyond (2016) is a theatrical film set in the Kelvin Timeline, around 2263. It follows Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and the crew of the USS Enterprise during their third year of a five-year mission.

While on a diplomatic stop at Starbase Yorktown, they are dispatched to help a stranded vessel in a nearby nebula. The Enterprise is ambushed and destroyed by a swarm of alien ships, forcing its crew to evacuate onto an uncharted planet. Separated from one another, Kirk, Spock (Zachary Quinto), Bones (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Sulu (John Cho), and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) must regroup and uncover the motives of Krall (Idris Elba), a mysterious and vengeful enemy.

Teaming up with Jaylah (Sofia Boutella), a resourceful alien scavenger marooned on the planet, the survivors plan a daring rescue to save the captured crew and thwart Krall’s plan to launch a devastating attack on the Federation. The film explores themes of unity, identity, and the enduring spirit of exploration at Star Trek’s core. As the Enterprise crew confronts personal uncertainties—Kirk’s doubts about his future in Starfleet and Spock’s struggle with balancing duty and heritage—they reaffirm the bonds that make them stronger together.

While no further Kelvin Timeline movies have been confirmed, Paramount has also not officially ended the series. The future of the Kelvin Timeline is uncertain.

Prefer to go by release order? We’ve got you.

Below is a chronological list by release date of the major, officially produced Star Trek properties, including all television/streaming series and theatrical films. (Fan productions and other non-canonical works are excluded.)

Release Date Watch Order

1960s

• Star Trek: The Original Series (television series, 1966–1969)

1970s

• Star Trek: The Animated Series (television series, 1973–1974)
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture (film, 1979)

1980s

• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (film, 1982)
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (film, 1984)
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (film, 1986)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (television series, 1987–1994)
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (film, 1989)

1990s

• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (film, 1991)
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (television series, 1993–1999)
• Star Trek: Generations (film, 1994)
• Star Trek: Voyager (television series, 1995–2001)
• Star Trek: First Contact (film, 1996)
• Star Trek: Insurrection (film, 1998)

2000s

• Star Trek: Enterprise (television series, 2001–2005)
• Star Trek: Nemesis (film, 2002)
• Star Trek (film, 2009)

2010s

• Star Trek Into Darkness (film, 2013)
• Star Trek Beyond (film, 2016)
• Star Trek: Discovery (television/streaming series, 2017–present)
• Star Trek: Short Treks (streaming shorts, 2018–2020)

2020s

• Star Trek: Picard (streaming series, 2020–2023)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (animated streaming series, 2020–2024)
• Star Trek: Prodigy (animated streaming series, 2021–2024)
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (streaming series, 2022–present)
• Star Trek: Section 31 (film, 2025)
• Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (streaming series, 2026-present)

All images used in this article are courtesy of © Paramount.