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?
Here are all the Planet of the Apes movie in release order:
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
- Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War For the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
And if you want to watch them in chronological order:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War For the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
- Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Note: The rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy has its own timeline, separate from the original series. Watching the rebooted trilogy in order is still enjoyable and what I recommend.
The original Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order:
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
- Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The Planet of the Apes movie rebooted series in chronological order:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War For the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Note: To date, the Planet of the Apes (2001) is the only movies that stand alone outside the official timeline.
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?
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Writer: Michael Wilson, Rod Serling
Cast: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans.
IMDb: 8.0/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 52 Minutes
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).
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970) – Unseen Threats Emerge
Director: Ted Post
Writer: Pierre Boulle, Paul Dehn
Cast: Roddy McDowall, James Franciscus, Kim Hunter, and Charlton Heston
IMDb: 6/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
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
Are you facing geo-restrictions on your favorite platforms? ExpressVPN, the best VPN for streaming in Canada, has you covered! Connect effortlessly and stream all your favorite content smoothly, regardless of your location.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971) – A Race Against Time
Director: Don Taylor
Writer: Pierre Boulle, Paul Dehn
Cast: Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Bradford Dillman, Natalie Trundy.
IMDb: 6.3/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 38 Minutes
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
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) – Revolt for Freedom
Director: J. Lee Thompson
Writer: Pierre Boulle, Paul Dehn
Cast: Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, Ricardo Montalban, Natalie Trundy.
IMDb: 6.1/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes
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.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer:
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) – Clash for Survival
Director: J. Lee Thompson
Writer: John William Corrington, Joyce Hooper Corrington
Cast: Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trundy, Severn Darden.
IMDb: 5.4/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
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.
If you’re in a region where platforms are geo-blocked, don’t fret! ExpressVPN offers a seamless solution. Simply connect, and enjoy uninterrupted access to all your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Planet of the Apes (2001) – Reborn or Ruled?
Director: Tim Burton
Writer: Lawrence Konner, William Broyles Jr and Mark Rosenthal
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan.
IMDb: 5.7/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes
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.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
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
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Writer: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Cast: Andy Serkis, James Franco, Karin Konoval, Terry Notary, Richard Ridings
IMDb: 7.6/10
Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
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.
If you’re encountering geo-blocks on streaming services, ExpressVPN is the ideal solution. Connect and enjoy a flawless viewing experience, regardless of where you are in the world.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Unity or Extinction?
Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Mark Bomback, Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa, Scott Z. Burns
Cast: Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Keri Russell.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Runtime: 2 Hour 10 Minutes
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.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
War For the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Survival at Stake
Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Mark Bomback, Matt Reeves
Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller, and Karin Konoval.
IMDb: 7.4/10
Runtime: 2 Hour 20 Minutes
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.
You may be in a region where these platforms are geo-blocked. Don’t worry; I have the perfect solution for you, ExpressVPN. I recommend just getting it and connecting for a seamless experience no matter where you are in the world.
Check out the fan’s review discussion on Reddit – Here
Trailer
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Director: Wes Ball
Writer: Josh FriedmanRick JaffaAmanda Silver
Cast: Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Dichen Lachman
IMDb: 10th May 2024 Premier
Runtime: 2 Hour 25 Minutes
Funny Take on Planet of the Apes
By the Famous Comedian Dave Chappelle:
War for the Planet of the Apes funny moment
Other Similar Guides to Check Out
- Twilight Movies in Chronological order: Follow the complex romance between Bella and vampire Edward.
- Star Trek Movies in order: Explore the thrilling adventures of Starfleet’s missions across galaxies.
- Hobbit movies in Order: Journey with Bilbo and friends to reclaim Erebor’s lost treasure.
- Star Wars movies in order: Experience the epic saga of light versus dark forces.
- Harry Potter movies in order: Discover Harry’s magical journey to defeat Voldemort’s dark powers.
- Thor movies in order: From Asgard to Infinity, Unraveling Thor’s Epic Journey
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.