Whether you grew up watching Charlton Heston navigate a world ruled by intelligent apes or discovered the franchise through Andy Serkis’ motion-capture performance as Caesar, there’s a lot of Planet of the Apes to catch up on. The science-fiction franchise has spanned nearly six decades, with 10 live-action movies released, multiple timelines and some pretty major twists along the way.
The films include the original five-movie saga, Tim Burton’s standalone 2001 remake and the more recent reboot series that began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. The latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, introduced a new generation of characters while expanding the world established by Caesar.
If you’re planning a marathon, it helps to know where each movie fits. Here’s how to watch every Planet of the Apes movie in order, plus how the different stories connect.
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How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?
There are 10 Planet of the Apes movies released so far. The franchise began with the original 1968 film starring Charlton Heston, followed by four sequels released between 1970 and 1973. Tim Burton directed a standalone remake in 2001, and a new series began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.
The modern series includes four movies: Rise, Dawn, War and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The latter arrived in 2024 and introduced a new chapter set generations after Caesar’s reign.
Every Planet of the Apes Movie in Release Order
Here are all 10 Planet of the Apes movies in the order they were released, starting with the original 1968 classic.
1968–1973: The Original Five-Film Saga
1. Planet of the Apes (1968)
The movie that started it all stars Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, who crash-lands on a mysterious planet where intelligent apes rule and humans are treated as primitive creatures. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the sci-fi classic features one of cinema’s most recognizable endings and explores humanity, power and prejudice. It’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the franchise.
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
The first sequel picks up after the events of the original, with another astronaut, Brent (James Franciscus), arriving on the planet in search of Taylor. His journey leads him underground, where he discovers a group of mutated humans with telepathic abilities who worship a devastating weapon. The follow-up expands the franchise’s strange mythology and takes its post-apocalyptic premise in an even darker direction.
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
This time, the story flips the original premise. After escaping the destruction of their planet, intelligent chimpanzees Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter) travel back in time to 20th-century Earth. Initially welcomed as celebrities, the pair soon face suspicion and hostility when humans learn what the future may hold. It’s a clever change of perspective that gives the series a new direction.
4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Roddy McDowall returns as Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, in this dystopian installment. After apes are enslaved and forced to serve humans, Caesar leads a rebellion against their oppressors. The film explores the events that set the stage for an ape uprising while offering some of the original series’ most pointed social commentary.
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5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The original saga concludes with Caesar attempting to establish a peaceful society where humans and apes can coexist. But tensions between the two groups—and divisions among the apes themselves—threaten his vision. McDowall returns for the final chapter, which explores whether the future can be changed or whether history is destined to repeat itself.
2001: The Standalone Remake
6. Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton puts his own spin on the original story in this remake starring Mark Wahlberg as astronaut Leo Davidson, who crash-lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes. There, he joins a group of humans fighting against their ape oppressors, including the powerful General Thade (Tim Roth). While the film takes some liberties with the source material, it’s a separate story from both the original saga and the modern reboot series.
2011–2024: The Modern Reboot Series
7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
The modern reboot begins with scientist Will Rodman (James Franco), whose experiments lead to the development of an intelligent chimpanzee named Caesar (Andy Serkis). Raised by humans, Caesar eventually discovers that his kind is being mistreated and begins fighting for their freedom. The film launched a new era for the franchise, with Serkis delivering a standout motion-capture performance as the ape who will change the world.
8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
A decade after the events of Rise, Caesar leads a growing community of intelligent apes while the remaining human population struggles to survive a devastating pandemic. When the two groups cross paths, an uneasy alliance gives way to conflict.
Directed by Matt Reeves, Dawn builds on its predecessor with impressive visual effects and a compelling story about trust, leadership and the cost of war.
9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The third film in Caesar’s story finds the ape leader facing off against a ruthless human military colonel (Woody Harrelson) after a devastating attack on his community. As Caesar sets out on a mission of revenge, he must confront the kind of leader he wants to become. Serkis gives another powerful performance in this emotional installment, which brings his character’s central journey to a satisfying conclusion.
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10. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Set approximately 300 years after Caesar’s reign, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes introduces a new generation of characters, including young chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague). When a powerful ape leader threatens his clan, Noa embarks on a journey that forces him to reconsider everything he knows about the past.
Freya Allan co-stars as Mae, a human whose presence complicates the future of both species. The film opens a new chapter in the reboot series while exploring Caesar’s lasting influence.
What Is the Correct Chronological Order of the Planet of the Apes Movies?
If you want to follow the story of Caesar and the rise of intelligent apes, start with the modern reboot series:
- 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 five films follow an entirely separate continuity and timeline, so they should be watched in their own release order. Tim Burton’s 2001 remake is also standalone and doesn’t fit into either timeline.
For first-time viewers, watching the films in release order is the simplest approach. But if you’re primarily interested in Caesar’s story, starting with Rise makes the most sense.
Will There Be Another Planet of the Apes Movie?
Yes! Another Planet of the Apes movie is in development at 20th Century Studios. In May 2026, it was announced that Matt Shakman, who directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps, would helm the new installment, with Josh Friedman returning as screenwriter after writing Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
However, the next film reportedly won’t be a direct continuation of Kingdom. Plot details, casting and a release date have not been announced in the initial reports.
Do You Need To Watch the Planet of the Apes Movies in Order?
Not necessarily. The original five films tell their own connected story, while the modern reboot series follows Caesar and the generations of apes who come after him. Tim Burton’s 2001 remake can also be watched independently.
If you’re new to the franchise, release order is a good way to experience its evolution. But you can also jump straight into Rise of the Planet of the Apes if you’re more interested in the modern films.
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This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.