Exploring Star Trek series and movies in chronological order helps fans see how the franchise evolved across decades. This guide presents the main releases in production timeline order while highlighting key shifts in setting, tone, and cast.
Use the timeline and recommendations below to plan your binge watch journey through Starfleet history, from early television experiments to modern feature films.
Chronological Overview of Main Releases
| Title | Type | Release Year | Setting Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Trek: The Original Series | Series | 1966–1969 | 2260s |
| Star Trek: The Animated Series | Series | 1973–1974 | 2270s |
| Star Trek: The Motion Picture | Movie | 1979 | 2270s |
| The Wrath of Khan | Movie | 1982 | 2280s |
| Star Trek: The Next Generation | Series | 1987–1994 | 2360s |
| Deep Space Nine | Series | 1993–1999 | 2360s–2370s |
| Voyager | Series | 1995–2001 | 2370s |
| Star Trek: Enterprise | Series | 2001–2005 | 2150s |
| Star Trek (2009) | Movie | 2009 | 2250s alternate timeline |
| Into Darkness | Movie | 2013 | 2250s alternate timeline |
| Beyond | Movie | 2016 | 2260s alternate timeline |
| Discovery | Series | 2017–present | 2250s |
| Short Treks | Series | 2018–2020 | 2250s |
| Lower Decks | Series | 2020–present | 2380s |
| Strange New Worlds | Series | 2022–present | 2260s |
The Classic Television Era
The Original Series and Its Influence
Star Trek: The Original Series launched in 1966 and established the core values of exploration and diplomacy. Its diverse cast and progressive storylines set a standard that later entries continually referenced.
The Animated Series and Early Continuity
Though animated, Star Trek: The Animated Series expanded the universe with bold narratives and kept key character arcs alive between movies. Its canonicity has grown over time, filling gaps in the early timeline.
The Modern Television Landscape
Reboot Era Series and Alternate Timelines
Discovery and Strange New Worlds bring fresh visual styles while respecting classic lore. Lower Decks offers a comedic look at support roles, appealing to newer audiences without breaking continuity.
Streaming and Narrative Expansion
Streaming platforms enabled shorter series and focused anthologies like Short Treks, allowing experimentation within the timeline while advancing long running subplots across the franchise.
Feature Film Progression
The movies transition from cerebral space opera in The Motion Picture to character driven conflicts in The Wrath of Khan, then to franchise defining events in later sequels.
Reboot films present a revised timeline that coexists with classic continuity, offering fresh interpretations of iconic characters while honoring the original spirit.
Your Path Through Starfleet
- Start with the classic era to appreciate the foundational themes of exploration and cooperation.
- Follow the timeline through the animated series and original movies to see how continuity evolved.
- Experience the reboot films for a dynamic alternate timeline that reimagines beloved characters.
- Dive into modern series like Discovery and Strange New Worlds to see how the universe expands today.
- Use Short Treks and Lower Decks to deepen your knowledge while enjoying lighter, character focused stories.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where should I start if I am new to Star Trek?
Begin with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for an approachable modern entry point, then explore Discovery and Lower Decks to broaden your understanding of the timeline.
Are the reboot movies considered canon?
Yes, the 2009, Into Darkness, and Beyond films are part of an alternate timeline, recognized as official within the broader Star Trek canon.
Which series best explains the history of the Federation?
Star Trek: Enterprise provides the most detailed look at early human space exploration and the formation of the United Federation of Planets.
Do I need to watch every series in order to understand the story?
While each series adds context, you can enjoy the overarching narrative by following the timeline through key shows and movies without strict sequential viewing.