As an aficionado who has followed every twist and turn of this storied franchise, I’m here to guide you through the Planet of the Apes movies in order in US.
From the groundbreaking original series to the thought-provoking recent prequels and the stand-alone Tim Burton reboot, each film offers a unique perspective on a world where humans are no longer the dominant species.
My curation includes personal insights into cinematic masterpieces and tips on how to journey through the chronological timeline or the release sequence seamlessly.
Whether you’re here to revisit the gripping narrative or to prepare for the upcoming continuation, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, rest assured, this compilation is crafted with precision to enhance your viewing experience, ensuring you catch every nuanced detail of the ape uprising.
Best Way to Watch The Planet of the Apes Movies in Order?
All the Planet of the Apes movie in release order:
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
- 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)
Planet of the Apes 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)
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
- 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)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Note: Among the Planet of the Apes movies in order, the Planet of the Apes (2001) stands independent as it’s not connected to the original series or the reboot.
Planet of the Apes (1968) and the Original Film Series
Planet of the Apes” (1968) is a groundbreaking film that offers a dystopian vision of a world where apes dominate humans. It is a pivotal entry in the Apes movie list and sets the foundation for the lore that expands in the sequels.
To gain a complete understanding of this apocalyptic storyline, it is recommended to watch the original film series in the order they were released:
- 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)
Viewing the original series sequentially allows for an appreciation of the narrative’s progression and thematic depth as it was creatively developed over time. The sequence is essential for those looking to delve into the Planet of the Apes’ chronological order and witness the full scope of the franchise’s storytelling.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Writer: Rod Serling
Cast: Kim Hunter, Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi
IMDb: 8.0/10
Runtime: 1h 52m
A man’s encounter with aliens leads him to alter events around him. George Taylor lands on a planet where intelligent apes rule, and humans are treated like animals. The film starts with typical clashes between humans and these dominant creatures.
But as the story unfolds, strange interactions between the two species emerge. Start with this if you plan to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in order.
After you are done watching all the Plant of the Apes movies, you can explore the best Sci-Fi movies in US to keep the entertainment rolling.
Beneath The Planet of the Apes (1970)
Writer: Paul Dehn
Cast: James Franciscus, Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, and Kim Hunter
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 6/10
Runtime: 1h 35m
Beneath The Planet of the Apes, the 1970 sequel to the original, expands the universe boldly. The film introduces Brent, an astronaut searching for the first movie’s missing crew.
He discovers a subterranean society of telepathic humans who worship a nuclear bomb, reflecting the era’s atomic fears. Although the film was criticized for its slow pace, it daringly presents grim possibilities and is a key part of the Planet of the Apes series.
It continues to delve into dark themes with bold storytelling. Watching this film is crucial to understanding the Planet of the Apes movie in order to understand the series’ apocalyptic evolution.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
Writer: Paul Dehn
Cast: Kim Hunter, Natalie Trundy, Bradford Dillman, Roddy McDowall.N
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 6.3/10
Runtime: 1h 38m
This comes next in the right order to watch Planet of the Apes movies list. Flips the script by making apes the protagonists who time-travel to the 1970s after earth-shattering events. Initially celebrated, the apes, Zira, Cornelius, and Dr. Milo, soon confront a mix of admiration and mistrust, reflecting issues like racism and animal rights.
This shift provides a fresh backdrop and clever social commentary, blending humor with serious undertones. The movie sets the stage for future conflicts and explores the rise of ape dominance, marking a pivotal point in the series.
You might also be interested in watching the best war movies of all time in US, explore and dive into the world of the soldiers.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Writer: Paul Dehn
Cast: Don Murray, Roddy McDowall, Natalie Trundy, Ricardo Montalban
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 6.1/10
Runtime: 1 h 28 m
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes delves into a grim chapter where apes rise against human oppression. It features Caesar, the smart son of two apes from the future, who ignites a revolution that reshapes history. The movie tackles themes of slavery and uprising as apes start to fight back.
The film paints a dystopian future shaped by a pandemic, leading to apes’ subjugation and setting the stage for ongoing conflicts between humans and apes. This movie title from the list of the Planet of the Apes movies in order in US has full-on adventure and endless actions.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
Writer: Joyce Hooper Corrington
Cast: Natalie Trundy, Roddy McDowall, Severn Darden, Claude Akins.
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 5.4/10
Runtime: 1h 33m
The fifth film in the original series follows Caesar as he seeks peace in a war-torn world, facing resistance from apes and humans. Despite being one of the less celebrated entries, it captures a pivotal moment for a society at a crossroads and underscores the enduring hope for a better future.
This film explores deep themes like leadership, legacy, and the struggle for peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the cyclic nature of conflict and the pursuit of harmony. It serves as an essential conclusion, providing closure to Caesar’s journey and the new world he shaped.
Don’t skip this one to have a good viewing experience of all the Planet of the Apes movies in order in US.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Writer: Mark Rosenthal, William Broyles Jr.
Cast: Michael Clarke Duncan, Mark Wahlberg
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 5.7/10
Runtime: 1 h 59 m
The film is set in 2029, around 30 years after Leo Davidson has crash-landed on the planet and learned that it has been overrun by an extraterrestrial species represented by chimpanzees and gorillas. It introduces new characters and puts a fresh twist on the ending.
General Thade commands a rebel force of chimpanzees, humans, and gorillas while Ari tends to the captured human’s health and hunts the animal for sport. The ability of this planet to establish peace hinges on eliminating the tyranny imposed on them before they can coexist peacefully on planet Earth again.
This film works well as a standalone movie, independent of the original and reboot series’ timelines. In my opinion, this movie should be added to the list of the most underrated movie in US of all time.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and the New Reboot Series
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) reinvigorated the Planet of the Apes franchise, chronicling the origins of the ape uprising and humanity’s descent. Starring James Franco and featuring Andy Serkis as Caesar, the intelligent chimpanzee.
The new reboot series is a prequel to the original 1968 film and provides a backstory to the Planet of the Apes sequence.
The new reboot series includes:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
These films form a cohesive narrative arc that is best appreciated when watched in order. They detail Caesar’s rise and the escalating conflict between apes and humans. The series is highly recommended for its emotional depth and the revolutionary use of motion capture technology.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Writer: Amanda Silver
Cast: Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 7.6/10
Runtime: 1 h 45 m
In the next addition to the Planet of the Apes movies in order in US, Andy Serkis’ portrayal of Caesar in this film is so convincing because of his superb acting. He conveyed Caesar’s emotions perfectly, which set this trilogy apart from other movies.
A chimpanzee that leads an insurrection of apes has improved intelligence thanks to a chemical intended to help the brain repair itself.
The first movie offered a fresh viewpoint on the development of apes over time and resemble humans. Still, Andy drew viewers closer by revealing what causes these perceptive animals to tick — their emotions!
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Writer: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver,
Cast: Kerri Russell, Gary Oldman
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 7.6/10
Runtime: 2 h 10 m
In Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the story jumps ahead, revealing an evolving world where intelligent apes, led by Caesar, start to form their own civilization. When they meet the surviving humans, a shaky peace forms, teetering on the edge of war.
The movie delves into the ape community’s internal struggles and the looming external dangers. This sequel stands out for its dynamic mix of action and deep emotional layers, earning a pivotal spot in the Planet of the Apes series.
War For the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Writer: Mark Bomback
Cast: Steve Zahn, Woody Harrelson
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb: 7.4/10
Runtime: 2h 20m
War for the Planet of the Apes, Andy Serkis excels as the ape leader seeking revenge against a harsh human colonel, leading to a dramatic climax. The film earns high marks for its deep storytelling and striking visuals, celebrated as a poignant conclusion to the series.
This film about the world of the apes has much in common with all the previous film series releases. However, the visual effects are much better. This movie easily makes it to the list of the best suspenseful movies in US of all time.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Writer: Josh FriedmanRick JaffaAmanda Silver
Cast: Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Dichen Lachman
IMDb: 10th May 2024 Premier
Runtime: 2 Hour 25 Minutes
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes adds an exciting chapter to the Planet of the Apes series. Set 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, this tenth movie and fourth in the rebooted series showcases ape civilizations thriving while humans have become primitive.
The story introduces Proximus Caesar, a bonobo ruler who misuses the original Caesar’s teachings to enslave other ape clans using old human technology.
The plot centers on Noa, a chimpanzee hunter, and Mae, a human girl, as they embark on a thrilling quest to determine the future for both apes and humans. This film dives deep into themes of power, choice, and the fragile coexistence of two species in a post-apocalyptic world.
Television Series
After the success of the original film series, the Planet of the Apes universe was further expanded through television. Though these series are standalone and can be watched independently, they offer additional layers to the Planet of the Apes mythology. The series include:
- “Planet of the Apes” (1974) TV series
- “Return to the Planet of the Apes” (1975) animated series
The TV series and the animated series are not directly connected to the films, but they deliver unique interpretations and extend the storyline for die-hard fans of the franchise.
More Movie Guides in Chronological Order by Streamingrant:
- Marvel movies in Order in USA: Dive into the epic Marvel Cinematic Universe for a thrilling adventure!
- Wolverine Movies in Order in US: Claws Unsheathed: Tracing Wolverine’s Cinematic Journey in the US
- Star Trek Movies In Order in US: Boldly Going: Exploring the Star Trek Movie Saga in Chronological Order
FAQs
Are the 'Planet of the Apes' movies available on streaming services in USA?
Do I need to watch the 'Planet of the Apes' TV series to understand the movies?
Can I watch the 'Planet of the Apes' movies with my family?
How does the 2001 'Planet of the Apes' reboot fit into the series?
Wrapping up
I’ve journeyed through the rich and compelling Planet of the Apes movies in order in US and discovered the depth and nuances that make it a must-watch for all. From the groundbreaking original to the thought-provoking prequels, the saga offers a gripping tale of evolution, revolution, and the struggle for survival.
It’s a cinematic experience I wholeheartedly recommend, with each chapter contributing to a larger, enthralling narrative. For those captivated by the intricate dance of human and ape history, the Planet of the Apes films are an essential addition to your viewing list.