Star Trek Timeline Eras Ranked: From Worst To Best

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The original Star Trek series launched a vast story spanning over a thousand years, divided into six different periods. This includes the alternate timeline created by J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek films.

Originally, Star Trek: The Original Series (then just called Star Trek) was set in the 23rd century, a detail officially established by the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Later, Star Trek: The Next Generation greatly broadened the Star Trek universe and shifted the setting to the 24th century.

Star Trek: Enterprise was the first Star Trek series to explore the past, paving the way for future shows set throughout the original timeline. The Star Trek franchise on Paramount+ has since expanded, venturing both far into the future and revisiting its history, even introducing the idea of a sprawling Star Trek multiverse.

All fourteen Star Trek films are set in the 23rd and 24th centuries, even those within the alternate ‘Kelvin Timeline.’ To really get a handle on the expanding Star Trek universe, fans need to be familiar with the six main time periods, and here’s how they stack up, from least to most enjoyable.

6. 23rd Century, Kelvin Timeline

Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond

J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek movie started a new timeline for the series. When a villain named Nero (played by Eric Bana) traveled back in time to 2233, his actions caused a ripple effect. He destroyed the USS Kelvin and killed Lieutenant George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth), which created a separate, alternate reality known as the Kelvin timeline.

A key difference in the Star Trek movies that began in 2009 (often called the Kelvin timeline) is that things happen more quickly than in the original series. For example, James T. Kirk, played by Chris Pine, becomes captain of the USS Enterprise at just 25 years old – a much faster rise than in the original timeline.

The alternate “Kelvin timeline” version of Star Trek has only been explored in three films: Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond. With the cancellation of Star Trek 4, this version of the 23rd century Star Trek, created by J.J. Abrams, will no longer be continued.

5. 25th Century

Star Trek: Picard Seasons 2 & 3, Star Trek: Prodigy

The 25th century in Star Trek is still new, but major things have already happened. Most notably, the Borg were finally defeated, and Seven of Nine—played by Jeri Ryan—became the captain of the USS Enterprise-G in the final season of Star Trek: Picard.

The second season of Star Trek: Picard began in the 25th century with the powerful being Q (played by John de Lancie) altering reality and creating a controlling future version of Earth. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his team aboard the La Sirena and USS Stargazer worked to fix things and restore the original Star Trek timeline.

Star Trek: Prodigy revealed a future timeline set in the 25th century, where the Vau N’Akat from the planet Solum attempted to wipe out Starfleet in the previous century. Many Star Trek fans hope the series will continue to explore this era, building on the foundations laid in the 24th century.

4. 22nd Century

Star Trek: Enterprise

The series Star Trek: Enterprise established Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the starship NX-01 as the original Enterprise, venturing into space a hundred years before Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). With a grittier feel and a setting closer to our own time, Enterprise‘s 22nd-century adventures became an important part of the official Star Trek storyline.

Despite lasting only four seasons, Star Trek: Enterprise featured Captain Archer’s groundbreaking first encounters with alien civilizations. These voyages were crucial in establishing the United Federation of Planets and set the stage for the future conflict with the Romulans. The series depicted the 22nd century as a pivotal time, allowing Earth to rise as a significant power in the galaxy.

Our main glimpse into the 22nd century comes from the show Star Trek: Enterprise, and there’s still a lot of story to tell in that time period. Scott Bakula has even suggested a new series, Star Trek: United, which could explore the 22nd century further and show how the Federation rose to become a major force in the galaxy.

3. 32nd Century

Star Trek: Discovery Seasons 3-5, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

The show Star Trek: Discovery started in the 23rd century, but it really took a risk by leaping forward 930 years to the late 32nd century. Captain Michael Burnham (played by Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew of the USS Discovery ended up exploring a time further into the future than any other Star Trek series had before.

The 32nd century is a chaotic time, still recovering from a massive disaster called The Burn, which made interstellar travel impossible and broke apart the United Federation of Planets. Captain Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery discovered what caused The Burn, paving the way for the Federation to start rebuilding and regaining its strength.

Continuing the story from Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy jumps ahead to the 33rd century. The series follows a hopeful group of young cadets as they explore what it truly means to serve in Starfleet, and this new era of Star Trek feels incredibly promising.

2. 23rd Century

Star Trek: Discovery Seasons 1 & 2, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: The Original Series (& Movies), Star Trek: The Animated Series, Star Trek: Khan

As a huge Star Trek fan, I’ve always loved that the original series took place in the 23rd century, and it really feels like the heart of everything the show is about. It was a wild time – think space cowboys! – full of exploring new worlds, facing incredible dangers, and seeing humanity make amazing progress. Plus, let’s be honest, there was always a bit of exciting drama thrown in there too!

While shows like Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds have added to it, the 23rd century in Star Trek is still most famous for the adventures of Captain Kirk and the Starship Enterprise. This includes the original Star Trek series, the animated series, and the first six Star Trek movies.

By the end of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we’ll have a deep understanding of the 23rd century and characters like Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. However, this era remains one of the most beloved in Star Trek, and it’s the foundation for everything the franchise has become.

1. 24th Century

Star Trek: Section 31, Star Trek: The Next Generation (& Movies), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Prodigy, Star Trek: Picard Season 1

Star Trek: The Next Generation launched the 24th century setting, which many fans consider the peak of the entire Star Trek franchise. Along with its spin-offs, Deep Space Nine and Voyager, TNG greatly broadened the Star Trek universe, creating a wealth of memorable characters, alien species, planets, and ideas.

The 24th century in Star Trek offers endless storytelling possibilities. Shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Prodigy, and the first season of Star Trek: Picard all contribute to exploring this time, particularly the difficult final twenty years when the Federation encountered some of its biggest threats.

For many fans, Star Trek defined the future, with Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise-D becoming more popular than the original Captain Kirk. Captains Benjamin Sisko and Kathryn Janeway also helped bring Star Trek to a new generation of viewers.

The 24th century installments of Star Trek built upon the foundation of The Original Series, expanding the universe with greater depth, vibrancy, and popularity, ultimately ensuring the franchise’s lasting success.

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2025-11-29 21:11