How To Watch Planet Of The Apes Movies In Correct Order

Planet of the Apes is a science-based fiction media franchise that includes films, books, comics, television series, and other media about a post-apocalyptic world in which humans and some intelligent apes fight for control as the dominant species. The first original Planet of The Apes was released in 1968 and is based entirely on a French novel of 1963 written by Pierre Boulle.

With multiple reboots, sequels, and pre sequels coming over five decades, it can be very tricky where to start watching and the correct sequence to watch it. Whether you are a newcomer or revisiting the saga, here’s a complete guide to watch the All Planet Of The Apes Movies in the correct chronological order, which will help you to understand the story arcs more clearly.

The All Planet Of The Apes Original Movies Series By Release 

Planet Of The Apes (1968)

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner 

The first original Planet of the Apes movie was released in 1968; the plot of the first movie revolves around an American astronaut, played by Charlton Heston and character name in the film is  George Taylor, who crash land on an entirely different mysterious planet where apes are the intelligent beings in comparison humans are the primitive beasts. Taylor tries his way back to Earth, but he can’t and gets into conflict with the ape’s leader, Dr Zaius(Maurice Evans). The film’s first part was a commercial hit and produced four sequels in the next decade. It also helped to boost the initial career of the director Franklin J. Schaffner; the film remains a masterpiece of science fiction.

In the first part of the movie, Dr. Zaius is very careful of Taylor, and he has a good reason for that because Taylor is an outsider to them and shows himself very dangerous to their world. However, Dr. Zaius also knows that Taylor is searching for some kind of answer, and he thinks that the answer is hidden somewhere behind the city walls. For that reason, Dr. Zaius allows Taylor to go and research with Nova in hopes that he will find what Taylor is looking for. However, the warning still applies to Taylor, and only time will tell Whether or not Dr. Zaius was right about Taylor’s intentions. 

Beneath The Planet Of Apes (1970)

Directed by: Ted Post

Beneath The Planet of Apes is a 1970 Science fiction movie directed by Ted Post and written by Paul Dehn. A direct sequel of the first part (1968), beneath follows another astronaut, Brent, as he searches for Taylor, whose ship crash-landed on a mysterious planet; instead, he discovers a society of telepathic humans living underground and planning to detonate a nuclear bomb. A planet where apes rule humans and are intelligent beings and humans are considered animals. 

The movie focuses on war and survival and ends with a shocking twist. However, Planet of Apes was a blockbuster hit, grossing over $18 million worldwide. Still, people have mixed reactions to the film. Some like it, and some dislike it for its violence. The film was also nominated for the Academy Awards. 

Escapes From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)

Directed by: Don Taylor 

Escapes from the Planet of the Apes, directed by Tom Taylor, is a 1971 science film released on 21 May. The film begins with a group of NASA astronauts returning from a different mission to another planet. They carry two apes with them to Earth, where one of the apes is pregnant. Immediately after landing on Earth, they are quarantined. However, the pregnant ape somehow manages to escape and give birth to a baby ape who humans further raise. 

The baby ape grows as time passes. He grows up as intelligent as humans, learns human habits and characteristics, learns how to speak English, and becomes known as Caesar. Then, he leads a revolution against humans, which results in apes taking over the planet. 

Conquest of The Planet Of The Apes (1972)

Directed by: j. Lee Thompson

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes is a science fiction film directed by J. Lee Thompson and released in 1972. It was written by Paul Dehn and is the fourth sequel in the Planet of the Apes series. The plot is set in a future where apes are treated as slaves by humans; however, Cutter leads a revolution against human oppression and takes over the planet.

The movie bridges the gap between the apes being the slaves of humans and escaping from there to eventually complete ape dominance and take over the planet. Like the other movies of the Planet of the Apes, this film was also a box office success. It is also considered one of the best movies of the series.

Battle For The Planet of The Apes (1973)

Directed by: J. Lee Thompsom 

The Battle for the Planet of the Apes is the last and fifth film in the original series. It was first released in 1973 and directed by j. In this film’s plot, Lee Thompson, Caesar tries to maintain the peace between humans and apes in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the conflicts between the two species continue to rise, leading to inevitable conflicts between them as the humans are now led by a new leader who is determined to finish the race of apes. Ceaser must find a solution to stop the humans before they destroy the apes.

The Battle for the Planet of the Press is an action-packed story that includes some social commentary on race relations and humans’ different treatment of animals.

All planets of The Apes Reboot Film Series In order 

Planet of The Apes (2001)

Directed by: Tim Burton 

The original part of the Planet of the Apes film series was first released in 1968. It plots the story of an astronaut named Taylor who crash-landed on a mysterious planet where the apes are intelligent beings and humans are their animals. In 2001, it was remade, directed by Tim Burton, and the story was updated for the new generations with special effects and better cinematography.

The remake offers a better cast and use of special effects, which bring the apes to life and give them a more realistic feel. The story is more exciting and utterly action-packed, and the ending has a better hook that will leave you wanting more. 

The apes were created using computer-generated effects. This remake was also a commercial success like the old one, grossing over $362 million at the box office worldwide. It was also praised for its better theme and proper consideration of animal rights. If you want science fiction and action paced together, then this film is for you.

Rise of The Planet of The Apes (2011) 

Directed by: Rupert Wyatt

Rise of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Rupert Wyatt and released in 2011, is the perfect starting point for the chronological order to watch the Planet of the Apes. The plot introduces Caesar as the first intelligent ape created as a science experiment to treat the disease of Alzheimer’s. This movie focuses on how human hubris leads to unintended consequences, ultimately sparking the rise of apes. 

The first act follows the experiment and abuse of animals to test a drug for Alzheimer’s on Ceaser and other apes. He breaks out and protects them. He also brings them home, where he raises them and teaches them human behaviour and sign language. And they keep growing and becoming more intelligent, becoming a vast community and fighting against the humans for their freedom.  

Dawn of The Planet of The Apes (2014)

Directed by: Matt Reeves 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was released in 2014 and directed by Matt Reeves. The plot focuses on the story after ten years of the rise of the apes. Dawn mainly focuses on the peace between the serving humans and the rising ape population led by Ceaser. However, mistrust and misunderstandings between the two communities quickly turn from peaceful coexistence to conflicts.

This film is also a complete action-packed blockbuster at the box office that will keep audiences always on the alert. Special effects created by computers give the film a more realistic feel. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a must-watch film for people who like science fiction and action.

War for The Planet of The Apes (2017)

Directed by: Matt Reeves 

War for the Planet of the Apes was first released in 2017 and directed by Matt Reeves. The final chapter of the Caesar story sees the apes and humans in a war situation. Ceaser and his ape army engage in an epic battle with a ruthless army of humans. Ceaser struggles with revenge and leadership as he fights to secure the future of his people.

This movie ends with a climactic conclusion to the Caesar journey and the modern trilogy, which leads directly to the events of the original Planet of the Apes. The War for the Planet of the Apes is a perfect end to one trilogy and a solid beginning to another.

FAQ

What is the correct order of the Planet of the Apes movies?

The Planet of the Apes movies 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)
• 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)

How many Total Planet of the Apes movies are there?

There are a total of ten movies set within the Planet of the Apes series.

How much is the total box office collection of the Planet of the Apes?

The Planet of the Apes film series has grossed over $2 billion worldwide in all the parts at the box office.

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Rachel

I am a passionate technology and business enthusiast, constantly exploring the intersection where innovation meets entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a deep understanding of market dynamics, I provide insightful analysis and commentary on the latest advancements shaping the tech industry.