If you want to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in order, there are several possible viewing approaches. The franchise spans more than five decades and includes the original classic series, a standalone reboot, and a modern trilogy that continues into a new generation of films.
The Planet of the Apes franchise began in 1968 with the iconic science-fiction film starring Charlton Heston. The story explores a future where intelligent apes dominate Earth while humans have become primitive.
Over time the franchise expanded with sequels, a reboot in 2001, and a critically acclaimed modern trilogy starting in 2011 that follows the rise of Caesar and the collapse of human civilization.
This guide explains the complete list of Planet of the Apes movies in order, including chronological timeline order and release order so you can watch the entire franchise correctly.
Planet of the Apes Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Planet of the Apes Movies in Chronological Order
- Planet of the Apes Movies in Release Order
- Planet of the Apes Movies Checklist (Printable)
- FAQ
Planet of the Apes Movies in Chronological Order
The chronological timeline combines the modern reboot trilogy with the original films that depict the distant future dominated by apes.
- 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)
- 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)
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
This order begins with the modern reboot trilogy that shows how intelligent apes first emerge and eventually dominate the planet. Later films explore the distant future where ape civilization has fully replaced human society.
Planet of the Apes Movies in Release Order
Release order is usually the best way to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in order, especially for first-time viewers.
- 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)
- 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)
The original films from the late 1960s and early 1970s established the core themes of the franchise, while the modern trilogy reimagined the story with advanced visual effects and deeper character development centered on the ape leader Caesar.
Planet of the Apes Movies Checklist (Printable)
This checklist helps you track every Planet of the Apes movie while watching the series.
- 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)
- 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)
If you want to track your progress while watching the franchise, download the printable checklist below.
Download Planet of the Apes Movies Checklist (PDF)
FAQ
How many Planet of the Apes movies are there?
There are currently ten Planet of the Apes movies, including the original five films, a reboot from 2001, and the modern trilogy plus the newest continuation.
Is the new trilogy connected to the original movies?
The modern trilogy starting with Rise of the Planet of the Apes acts as a reboot and prequel that shows how the ape civilization begins.
Which Planet of the Apes movie is the best?
Many fans consider Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) the best film because of its storytelling, visual effects, and deeper exploration of ape society.
For more detailed information about the history of the franchise, you can visit the Planet of the Apes film series page .
Final Thoughts
The Planet of the Apes franchise is one of the longest-running science-fiction series in film history. Watching the Planet of the Apes movies in order allows viewers to see how the story evolved from the classic 1968 film to the modern cinematic universe centered around Caesar and the rise of ape civilization.