The Planet of the Apes Movies in Order: A Movie Series Journey Guide

You want an Apes marathon? I get it. There’s something primal about watching our simian cousins take over the world.

I got you with all the different Planet of the Apes Movies in Order new, plus my recommendation as a devoted fan of the series.

From the iconic 1968 classic to the rebooted saga, the Planet of the Apes franchise has swung through time, leaving its mark on sci-fi history. So, buckle up, fellow fans, as we swing through the chronological vines of ape evolution.

Here are the much-loved Planet of the Apes movies in order.

Which Way to Watch The Planet of the Apes Movies in Order?

How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?

The Planet of the Apes universe consists of nine movies, beginning with the original 1968 film and its four sequels. The 2001 reboot, followed by three prequels that depict the world’s descent into an ape-dominated society, bring the total to nine.

A tenth film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is set to be released in May 2024.

Check out this brief explanation of the The Planet of the Apes Timeline:

But if you want details, complete the PLANET OF THE APES Timeline – Here you go!

Planet of the Apes (1968) – Who Truly Rules the Earth?

In the year 3978, a spaceship crashes on a distant planet, where intelligent apes dominate and humans are enslaved. Colonel George Taylor (Charlton Heston) finds himself in this strange world, navigating through its oppressive society.

As he explores, he uncovers shocking truths about its history and connection to Earth. The film delivers an unforgettable twist: the planet is Earth, adding a thought–provoking layer to the story and leaving audiences reflecting on its deeper meanings. And so begin the Planet of the Apes movies in order.

Interesting insights:

• Makeup director John Chambers drew from techniques he developed during World War II to give disfigured veterans a normal appearance.
• Chambers spent hours observing apes at the Los Angeles Zoo to create realistic ape makeup for the film. He got an Honorary Oscar in 1969.
• Composer Jerry Goldsmith wore a gorilla mask while writing and composing the film’s musical score.
• Roddy McDowall, who played Dr. Cornelius, was known for driving home after filming in full ape makeup.
• The film is loosely based on Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel, Monkey Planet (La Planète des Singes).

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Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970) – Unseen Threats Emerge

The story continues from the original Planet of the Apes. In this post-apocalyptic world, intelligent apes rule over humans. The film follows time-displaced astronaut Taylor and his companion Nova as they travel through the desert of the Forbidden Zone.

After Taylor mysteriously disappears, Nova encounters Brent, a new astronaut who crash-landed in the Forbidden Zone. Together, they explore the ape-ruled society and learn about General Ursus’s plans to conquer the Forbidden Zone.

The film culminates with Brent and Nova discovering the ruins of New York City, revealing they are in Earth’s post-apocalyptic future.

Interesting insights:

• The film introduces a new protagonist named Brent, but interestingly, Caesar names his youngest son Cornelius—a nod to the original character who befriended Taylor in the 1968 film.
• The mute human girl who accompanies Caesar through the film is later dubbed Nova

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Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971) – A Race Against Time

Escape from the Planet of the Apes, continuing the saga. In this film, intelligent chimpanzees Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Milo escape Earth’s destruction by repairing astronaut Taylor’s spaceship, landing them in 1973 on the Pacific coast of the United States.

At the Los Angeles Zoo, Dr. Stephanie Branton and Dr. Lewis Dixon observe them, but a zoo gorilla kills Dr. Milo. A Presidential Commission investigates, revealing the apes came from the future and a human-made weapon will destroy Earth.

The apes gain celebrity status, attracting Dr. Otto Hasslein’s attention, who uncovers how apes overtook humanity, linking it to a weapon created by humans.

Interesting insights:

• Escape from the Planet of the Apes explores prejudice, fear, and the consequences of knowledge. It delves into the complex relationship between humans and apes.
• Despite its modest budget of $2 million, it achieved commercial success, grossing over $12 million at the box office

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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) – Revolt for Freedom

The science fiction film Conquest of the Planet of the Apes portrays a dystopian future where apes dominate humanity. After a pandemic wiped out dogs and cats in 1983, the government formed police states, leading to the adoption of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans as pets.

This develops into a society reliant on ape slave labor. The story follows Caesar, the son of chimpanzee scientists Cornelius and Zira, who had warned of this future. Raised in hiding, Caesar emerges in 1991, witnessing the harsh treatment of apes and rallying them in a rebellion against humanity, leading to an ape revolution.

Interesting insights

• The character Governor Breck, portrayed by actor Don Murray, is a nod to the classic science fiction author Ray Bradbury.
• The movie primarily used locations in Los Angeles, capturing the urban landscape of the futuristic setting.
• Throughout the film, there are subtle hints about the future events depicted in Battle for the Planet of the Apes.

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Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) – Clash for Survival

The story of the final sequel in the original film series

In the final sequel to the original Planet of the Apes, Caesar makes another attempt to maintain peace between humans and apes after humans’ defeat. However, uprisings occur, highlighting how power corrupts all who hold it, human or ape.

Despite being promoted as The Final Chapter, Battle for the Planet of the Apes was not well received by critics or audiences, yet it completed the sci-fi story that began five years earlier.

Interesting insights:

• Despite limited resources during production, the film managed to gross over $8 million at the box office.
• John Huston, the legendary director and actor, provided the voice for the Lawgiver in the film.
• The film originally had an alternate ending that was darker in tone.

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Planet of the Apes (2001) – Reborn or Ruled?

Tim Burton’s reboot of Planet of the Apes generated a lot of anticipation. Still, it ultimately fell flat, earning criticism for its weak storytelling despite praise for its technical elements like makeup. The film featured a clever twist ending that paid homage to the original without directly copying it.

But this wasn’t enough to salvage its reputation; as a result, it halted further films in the franchise for a decade, remaining the only Planet of the Apes film set outside the official timeline. Fans may consider skipping it when watching the series in chronological order.

Interesting insights:

• The chimpanzee who gives birth to Caesar is named after the same name given to Charlton Heston’s character, Taylor, in the first film.
• The film includes lines from the original, such as “It’s a madhouse! A madhouse!” and “Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!”
• The spaceship Icarus is mentioned, setting the stage for a possible sequel, which never came out.

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If you are looking for Every Ape in Planet of the Apes Explained, then check this out:

Now keep reading and check out The Rise of the Planet of the Apes movies in order to start the new reboot trilogy, followed by Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – Revolution Ignites Evolution

In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, chemist Will Rodman, develops a drug called ALZ-112 at Gen-Sys to cure Alzheimer’s disease. The drug is tested on a chimp named Bright Eyes, enhancing her intelligence. Bright Eyes gives birth to Caesar, who inherits human–like intelligence and emotions.

Will adopts Caesar as a pet, but Caesar’s exceptional abilities lead to trouble, resulting in his placement in a lockup. While there, Caesar sparks a revolt against human oppression, leading the apes in an uprising driven by his intelligence and empathy for his fellow animals.

Interesting insights:

• First movie after the reboot of the original but it was set before the original film series
• Andy Serkis’s portrayal sets a new standard for realistic and emotionally expressive CGI characters.
• The film explores the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and the consequences of tampering with nature.

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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Unity or Extinction?

Dawn of Planet of the Apes prequels introduce director Matt Reeves, known for The Batman, to helm the next two films. The first, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes movies, brings back Andy Serkis as Caesar, years after the Simian Flu has devastated Earth’s human population.

Meanwhile, the intelligent apes have established a colony near San Francisco. This gripping tale chronicles the initial peace talks between apes and humans, which quickly deteriorate due to treachery from both sides.

Interesting insights

• The film received critical acclaim and grossed over $700 million worldwide.
• Michael Giacchino composed the film’s musical score, adding depth and emotion to key moments and scenes.
• Critics praised Dawn of the Planet of the Apes for its storytelling, performances, and visual effects.
• The impressive visual effects in the film garnered it an Academy Award nomination in the Best Visual Effects category.

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War For the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Survival at Stake

In War for the Planet of the Apes, the conflict between apes and humans reaches a boiling point, plunging both sides into an all-out war. Andy Serkis reprises his role as Caesar, seeking revenge for his losses. This is the latest in Planet of the Apes Movies in Order, but not for long.

Woody and Steve make notable appearances, rounding out this final chapter of the Caesar Trilogy. Originally meant to lead directly into the events of the Planet of the Apes films, this reboot prequel has paved the way for a sequel due in 2024, thanks to its commercial success.

Interesting insights

• The movie War for the Planet of the Apes received a phenomenal Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%.
• The movie grossed over $490 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
• War for the Planet of the Apes received nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing at the Academy Awards.

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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Funny Take on Planet of the Apes

By the Famous Comedian Dave Chappelle:

War for the Planet of the Apes funny moment

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Wrapping Up

Hold onto your vine-swinging hats, fellow fans! We’ve journeyed through the tangled jungles of ape lore, from the original saga’s ancient scrolls to the reboot’s high-tech CGI branches. But now, as the sun sets over the ape-infested horizon, it’s time for our final primal scream.

So, there you have it! The Planet of the Apes movies in order. This planet’s history is fascinating and offers many things to those who enjoy Planet of the Apes movies.