Star Trek has always been about boldly going where no one has gone before, but what if the timeline itself could go in new directions?
From the classic voyages of Captain Kirk and his crew to the high-octane reboots of the Kelvin Timeline, Star Trek has continued to evolve across decades.
In this article, we’ll explore both timelines—one steeped in tradition and the other reimagined for a new generation. Whether you’re following the original Enterprise or the new crew, get ready to dive into the rich, expansive world of Star Trek across two iconic universes.
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Startrek Timeline
Classic Star Trek Movie Timeline (from 1979-2022)
From the first flicker of the starship Enterprise to the final voyage with the Next Generation, the Star Trek films between 1979 and 2002 offer a vivid journey through space, time, and the human spirit. Whether navigating intergalactic diplomacy or facing down the ultimate enemy, these films chart the evolving nature of exploration—and the cost of reaching beyond the stars.
1. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
A grand, slow-burn exploration into the unknown, The Motion Picture wasn’t just about space— it was about mystery. The Enterprise crew’s first cinematic outing had them face off against a vast, unknowable force, V’ger. The pacing might have been meditative, but the visuals and scope set the tone for what was to come. This wasn’t just a movie—it was an invitation into the vastness of the cosmos.
2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Now, this was personal. Khan wasn’t just a villain; he was a reflection of Captain Kirk’s own choices, a rematch of intellect and ego. With The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek found its pulse. Thrilling, poignant, and teeming with loss, this was the film that solidified the franchise as more than just a sci-fi spectacle—it became a saga of human struggle, sacrifice, and redemption.
3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
The Enterprise crew’s search wasn’t just about finding their friend—it was about reclaiming a piece of themselves. Spock’s death in the previous film left an emotional vacuum, and The Search for Spock took audiences on a perilous quest to the Genesis planet. It wasn’t just a rescue mission—it was a journey to reconcile with loss, to remember that the ties that bind go beyond logic.
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
The most unexpectedly fun of the series, The Voyage Home, was a comedic time-travel romp where the Enterprise crew journeyed to 20th-century Earth. Their mission? Save the planet from a mysterious probe. This film, with its gentle satire and lightheartedness, tackled environmentalism while reminding us that even the most serious of crews could find humor amidst chaos.
5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Not every journey in space is smooth. The Final Frontier explored the darker side of human nature—our need for answers, even if those answers are dangerous. Directed by William Shatner himself, the film had the Enterprise crew search for the elusive "God" at the edge of the galaxy. It’s messy, it’s philosophical, but it’s also about grappling with the unknown and challenging our beliefs.
6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
The Enterprise crew’s final mission brought an end to their storied journey. This film was a tense thriller wrapped in political intrigue, with the Federation attempting to broker peace with the Klingon Empire. As the crew navigated betrayal and assassination, The Undiscovered Country felt like a fitting closure to the original Star Trek saga—melding adventure, wisdom, and a dignified farewell.
7. Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Generations marked the meeting of two worlds: the crew of the original Enterprise and The Next Generation. It was about passing the torch—literally and metaphorically. Captain Kirk’s final moments of glory were intertwined with Picard’s struggle to stop a madman from destroying time itself. It was a bittersweet reflection on legacy and how heroes are shaped by both their past and future.
8. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
Out of the Next Generation films, First Contact stands as one of the most potent. With the Borg threatening humanity’s very existence, Picard and his crew must travel back in time to ensure the birth of the Federation. Bold, action-packed, and filled with philosophical undertones about survival and identity, this movie made the line between human and machine feel very thin.
9. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
A Next Generation film that’s quieter and more introspective, Insurrection saw the Enterprise crew at odds with the Federation itself, as a secretive operation put an innocent alien race at risk. The film’s themes of morality, corporate greed, and the abuse of power felt more urgent in the post-Cold War world, asking what happens when the powerful forget their responsibility.
10. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
Nemesis brought the Next Generation era to a close with a darker, more intense storyline. Captain Picard faced a mirror image of himself in the form of Shinzon, a Romulan clone bent on vengeance. The film explored themes of identity, leadership, and sacrifice, wrapping up The Next Generation with a bittersweet and action-packed farewell.
The Kelvin Timeline: A Bold New Era (2009–2025)
The Star Trek franchise has always been about exploring new frontiers—both in space and in storytelling. The Kelvin Timeline is a rebooted narrative that takes the classic Star Trek universe and reshapes it with modern, fast-paced action, while still holding onto the core essence of the series.
From 2009 to 2025, this alternate timeline gave us a new take on the beloved characters, with some explosive adventures, emotional moments, and thrilling visual effects. Here’s a breakdown of the four films that defined this new era.
1. Star Trek (2009)
In this high-speed reboot, young Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) team up to stop the vengeful Romulan Nero, who’s tearing through the timeline. With a fresh, action-packed twist on the classic Enterprise crew, this film takes us on a thrilling ride through space and time, setting the stage for a bold new Star Trek universe. The chemistry between Kirk and Spock makes the journey even more fun!
2. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)
Kirk and crew face their greatest challenge yet—an unstoppable force led by the mysterious John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). As secrets unravel, they discover Harrison is none other than the legendary Khan. This explosive sequel mixes action with moral dilemmas, as Kirk must make tough choices to protect his crew, all while navigating a thrilling galaxy of treachery and revenge.
3. Star Trek: Beyond (2016)
Stranded on a hostile planet, the Enterprise crew must unite to fight a new villain, Krall (Idris Elba). This chapter takes a lighter, more character-driven approach, with the crew learning the power of teamwork and sacrifice. Action-packed and full of heart, Beyond proves that the journey isn’t just about the destination, but about the bonds that hold the crew together.
4. Star Trek 4 (2025)
Coming in 2025, Star Trek 4 promises more adventure with the beloved Enterprise crew. While plot details are under wraps, expect time travel, new threats, and more emotional moments as the crew faces challenges that could change the course of their universe. With a fresh direction and familiar faces, this film will boldly continue the Kelvin Timeline’s exciting saga.
How to Make the Star Trek Timeline on EdrawMax?
Want to make your own Star Trek timeline? It’s simple with EdrawMax. EdrawMax is a powerful diagramming software featuring thousands of pre-made templates. Moreover, it provides hundreds of customization options and relative symbols for your diagrams. The interface is easy; just drag and drop icons and symbols to the canvas.
Let’s start making a star trek timeline using EdrawMax. Start by downloading the software on your PC. Next, follow the simple steps below:
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Step 1Create a New File
- Launch the EdrawMax application.
- Sign in using your social accounts or create a new Wondershare account for free.
- On the home screen, click New and select Blank Drawing from the extended menu.
Step 2Make a New Timeline
- Head to the Symbol Library on the left.
- Enter the keyword “timeline” in the search bar.
- Pick the timeline that suits your requirements and click it. Now, you can see it on your canvas.
Step 3Edit the Pre-Made Timeline
- The default timeline layout can be edited. Select it to access the floating menu for customization.
- You can change the number of nodes in the timeline, edit its orientation, or customize the milestones.
- You can increase or decrease the horizontal interval according to your needs.
- Click Picture Size or Picture Border to customize the image container settings on the timeline.
Step 4Customize the Text
- Don’t like the default text settings? Select any text section to customize it via the floating menu.
- Alternatively, double-click a text section to edit its contents.
- Double-click anywhere on the canvas to add new text sections.
Step 5Add Images
- Download images from the web or copy and paste them onto the canvas.
- Drag the picture into the image container to place it inside.
Step 6Change the Design
- Click the Design tab from the top menu bar to access design settings.
- Change the Background Color or Background Picture.
- Alternatively, you can customize the page size, orientation, borders, and watermarks.
Step 7Finalize & Save
- Add more milestones to your timeline and customize them following the previous steps.
- Hit the File button at the top-left corner.
- Click Save to download the file quickly on your device.
- Click Export to get the timeline in your required file format.
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