Planet of the Apes Movies in Order: Complete Watch Guide

Few movie franchises have sparked as much debate over watch order as Planet of the Apes. Whether you grew up with Charlton Heston’s astronaut Taylor or discovered Caesar’s rebellion in the 2010s, the series has two distinct timelines that reward a thoughtful viewing approach. This guide lays out every film in both continuities, explains how they connect — and where they don’t — so you can decide the best path through the apes.

Total films in franchise: 10 (5 original series, 5 reboot/modern) ·
First film released: 1968 (Planet of the Apes) ·
Most recent film: 2024 (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) ·
Reboot trilogy start: 2011 (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) ·
Main protagonist (reboot): Caesar (chimpanzee) ·
Franchise runtime: 56 years (1968–2024)

Six key facts define the franchise’s shape at a glance:

What is the order of planet of apes movies?

The franchise has three distinct branches: the original 1968–1973 series, the 2001 standalone remake, and the reboot series that began in 2011. According to Wikipedia’s overview, the 2011 film series is a reboot that follows the 2001 remake and the 1968–1973 original series (Wikipedia franchise page). JustWatch divides the franchise into these three timelines (JustWatch Guides).

Release order of the original series

• Planet of the Apes (1968) – Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (Wikipedia)
• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) – Directed by Ted Post (Wikipedia)
• Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) – Directed by Don Taylor (Wikipedia)
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) – Directed by J. Lee Thompson (Wikipedia)
• Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) – Directed by J. Lee Thompson (Wikipedia)

Release order of the reboot series

• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – Launched the reboot continuity (Wikipedia)
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Sequel to Rise (Wikipedia)
• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Concludes Caesar’s trilogy (Wikipedia)
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) – Continues the story generations later (Wikipedia)

How to watch Planet of the Apes correctly?

Rotten Tomatoes’ watch guide recommends the original five films in story-chronological order: Planet, Beneath, Escape, Conquest, Battle – which is also their release order (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial). For the reboot series, release order is the only coherent order because each film directly follows the previous one. Inverse lists multiple watch orders including a “time-travel order” that starts with Escape before the 1968 film (Inverse).

Chronological order within the reboot timeline

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Best order for first-time viewers

• Start with the reboot series (Rise, Dawn, War, Kingdom) – it’s a self-contained modern story with clear continuity.
• Then watch the original series (1968–1973) to appreciate the franchise’s roots and the iconic twists.
• Skip the 2001 remake unless you’re curious – it’s a standalone reimagining that doesn’t connect to either series.

The pattern is clear: the reboot narrative is designed for modern audiences seeking a cohesive story, while the original series rewards those who enjoy classic sci-fi twists.

How many movies are in Planet of the Apes?

There are 10 films in total: five in the original 1968–1973 series and five in the reboot/modern series (2011–2024).

Total count including reboot

10 films: 5 original (1968–1973) + 5 reboot (2011–2024).

Total count excluding the 2001 remake

Excluding the 2001 film directed by Tim Burton, the main series count remains 10. The 2001 remake is a standalone addition, not part of either continuity.

The implication: when discussing the franchise, the 2001 film is often excluded from the core canon.

What is the new order of the Planet of the Apes trilogy?

The “new trilogy” commonly refers to Caesar’s story in Rise, Dawn, and War. However, with Kingdom released in 2024, the reboot series now extends beyond a trilogy.

The Caesar trilogy 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)

How Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes fits

Kingdom is set generations after Caesar’s death, following a new protagonist. It continues the reboot timeline but starts a new narrative arc. The viewing order is: Rise → Dawn → War → Kingdom.

Which ape is Caesar’s son?

Caesar has two sons: Blue Eyes (firstborn) and Cornelius (secondborn).

Blue Eyes and Cornelius explained

• Blue Eyes – Born in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, named for his striking blue eyes. He is killed in War for the Planet of the Apes.
• Cornelius – Born in War for the Planet of the Apes, named after the original series character. He survives and is taken to the oasis.

Timeline of Caesar’s offspring

In the original series, Cornelius is the mate of Zira and a key character from the 1968 film onward. The reboot series pays homage by giving Caesar’s second son that name.

What this means: the reboot series rewards viewers who also invest time in the original saga.

Quotes from the franchise

“The original Planet of the Apes film was released in 1968 and is the first film in the original series.”

— Wikipedia (franchise encyclopedia)

“The reboot series began in 2011 with Rise of the Planet of the Apes and continued with Dawn and War, later adding Kingdom in 2024.”

— Rotten Tomatoes Editorial (watch guide authority)

With 56 years of storytelling across two distinct continuities, the Planet of the Apes franchise offers a rare opportunity to experience a sci-fi epic from two eras. For the viewer picking a starting point, the reboot series is the clearer path: it’s modern, emotionally driven, and self-contained. The original series remains essential for understanding the franchise’s DNA. For the first-time viewer, the choice is simple: start with Rise, and if you’re hooked, travel back to 1968.

For viewers wanting a comprehensive overview of all ten films, the complete franchise guide offers a detailed breakdown of the entire series.

Frequently asked questions