Planet of the Apes Movies: Release Order
The Planet of the Apes franchise spans over five decades and encompasses three distinct eras of filmmaking. The series began with the iconic 1968 original and four sequels that established the core mythology through 1973, featuring groundbreaking makeup effects and social commentary. Tim Burton's 2001 remake is standalone reimagining, while the modern era launched in 2011 has revitalized the franchise with cutting-edge motion capture technology.
This release order watch list allows you to experience the complete evolution of the franchise, from the classic practical effects era through contemporary blockbuster filmmaking. New viewers are recommended to watch in this order to appreciate each film's place in cinema history and avoid narrative spoilers.
There are 3 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
Planet of the Apes
An astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where intelligent apes rule over primitive humans, forcing him to fight for survival in this twisted civilization.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
The sole survivor of an interplanetary rescue mission lands on the planet of the apes and discovers a disturbing civilization hiding beneath the surface.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
Three intelligent chimpanzees arrive on Earth in a spacecraft, stunning the world with their ability to speak. As humans become fascinated by their intelligence and use them for research, the apes plot their escape from captivity.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
In a dystopian future where apes are enslaved by humans, Caesar, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who has been in hiding, emerges to lead a revolutionary uprising against his oppressors.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
In this fifth and final Planet of the Apes film, Caesar leads a peaceful community of intelligent apes and humans after civilization's collapse. However, both internal ape conflicts and external threats from underground human mutants threaten to destroy their fragile harmony.
Planet of the Apes
After crash-landing on a mysterious planet, astronaut Leo Davidson discovers a world where intelligent apes rule over humans. He must navigate this dangerous civilization while searching for a way to return home.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
A highly intelligent chimpanzee named Caesar leads a revolt against humans after being mistreated at a primate facility, sparking the beginning of simian dominance.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
In post-apocalyptic San Francisco, Caesar leads a community of intelligent apes while struggling to maintain peace with the surviving human population in the aftermath of a devastating plague.
War for the Planet of the Apes
Caesar and his apes face a deadly conflict with a ruthless human Colonel, leading to an epic battle that will determine the fate of both species and the future of the planet.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Set generations after Caesar's era, apes have become the dominant species while humans live in hiding. When a tyrannical ape leader rises to power, a young ape embarks on a journey that forces him to question everything and make choices that will shape the future of both species.
Other Film Series
Highlander
An immortal Scottish warrior battles through the centuries in this cult fantasy franchise about sword-wielding Immortals who can only die by beheading.
Predator
Elite alien hunters stalk Earth throughout history, seeking the most dangerous prey in brutal combat.
Skyline
A sci-fi trilogy following humanity's battle against alien invaders, with each film building directly on the previous story.
Superman
The cinematic adventures of the Man of Steel spanning multiple decades, actors, and universes from the classic Christopher Reeve era to the modern DCEU.
The Hunger Games
A dystopian saga following Katniss Everdeen as she fights for survival and freedom in Panem.
The Terminator
A sci-fi franchise about humanity's war against artificial intelligence and time-traveling cyborgs sent to alter the past.