Summary

• The Planet of the Apes movies have a complex timeline that spans from the original 1968 film to the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in 2024.
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) is the first film in the modern reboot trilogy, and the first movie chronologically.
• 1968's Planet of the Apes arrives in the middle of the franchise's timeline, despite being the first movie released.

From the original films starring Charlton Heston to the newer prequel trilogy led by Andy Serkis, the Planet of the Apes movies have a complex timeline — one made even more intricate by an ill-fated 2001 Tim Burton project and the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Based on the novel by French author Pierre Boulle titled Le Planete des singes, the original 1968 Planet of the Apes has gone down in cinema history as one of the most iconic science fiction films of all time. Across several sequels and reboots, the Planet of the Apes movies have also built a continual timeline, though the chronological order doesn't match the order of release.

There are nine Planet of the Apes movies in the timeline so far, with the tenth, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, coming to theaters in 2024. The original Planet of the Apes movies told the story of a future Earth where apes are civilized and humans devolved into a feral state. However, the 2011 reboot Rise of the Planet of the Apes went back in time to show how apes became the dominant species. Watching the Planet of the Apes movies chronologically is a genre journey from modern apocalyptic virus survival action-drama through to some of the best conceptual sci-fi of the 1970s and 80s.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Caesar Leads A Rebellion

The first film of the rebooted trilogy is the first of the Planet of the Apes movies in order based on the history of its timeline. Rise gave a unique spin on the Planet of the Apes movie series as it focuses on an ape named Caesar who, after having his intelligence augmented through science experiments, leads an ape rebellion while releasing a virus that brings humanity to its knees.

One of the greatest aspects of this trilogy that started in Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the motion capture technology for Andy Serkis to play the protagonist, Caesar, creating a digital character who felt easy to connect with emotionally and lead the story without relying on the human characters. Critics gave the film positive reviews, praising the performances and screenplay while the movie got an Oscar nomination for its visual effects.

Where To Watch Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

The Uneasy Coexistence Between Apes And The Remaining Humans

2014's sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the next movie chronologically in the Planet of the Apes timeline. The motion capture technology also continued to improve. While the apes may not have been exactly lifelike, their performances felt real, which was essential as the human characters became less of the focus in this world. This sequel showed the ape population continuing to grow more organized and self-conscious, while the human population drew closer to extinction. Matt Reeves stepped into the director's chair for the sequel and delivered an action-packed movie with emotional nuance that pushed the franchise forward.

Where To Watch Dawn Of The Planet Of the Apes

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

Humanity's Last Stand Against The Apes

The final film in the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy was regarded by some as the best of the franchise. This film's absolute mastery helped cement Matt Reeves' Planet of the Apes movies as one of the greatest trilogies in both the sci-fi genre and in film history. Serkis continues to impress with his motion-capture portrayal of Caesar as a burdened leader and Moses figure, leading to a campaign to make him the first actor nominated for an Oscar in a motion-capture role. While Serkis's work didn't get the award recognition some were hoping for, it served as a poignant and exciting end to the story of Caesar while also seeing the end of humankind's time as the dominant species on the planet.

Where To Watch War For The Planet Of The Apes

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

The Ape Population Is Divided After Caesar

In 2024, Matt Reeves' Planet of the Apes franchise gets a sequel in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The movie moves into the future, with The Maze Runner director Wes Ball replacing Reeves behind the camera. The lead character also changes to Noa (Owen Teague), an ape living generations after the last movie. Noa will be to fleeing a new tyrannical leader who is perverting the teachings of Caesar. The movie also sees humans reverting to more feral states while the apes have split up into different clans across the oasis, placing this right before the original franchise when watching the Planet of the Apes movies in timeline order.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters on May 24, 2024

Planet of the Apes (2001)

The Ill-Fated Remake Of The 1968 Original

The Tim Burton-directed reboot of the Planet of the Apes movies had a lot of hype going into it. However, this Mark Wahlberg-starring film was a critical disaster with many calling it the worst of the franchise. Although many technical aspects such as the makeup of the apes received praise, critics complained that the actual storytelling of this movie was left wanting.

Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes had a unique and clever ending twist that did a great job of living up to the original without copying it. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to save this movie, and it ended any chance of further movies for a full decade. To date, it remains the only Planet of the Apes movie set outside of the official timeline and can be skipped when watching in chronological order.

Where To Watch Planet Of The Apes (2001)

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

The Strange Planet Ruled By Humans Is Discovered By An Outsider