The Ultimate Planet Of The Apes Movie Order: How To Watch All 10 Films Chronologically (Updated 2025)

The *Planet of the Apes* franchise is one of the most enduring and complex sagas in cinematic history, spanning over five decades and featuring three distinct timelines. Trying to figure out the correct viewing order for all 10 major films—especially with the recent release of *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* in May 2024—can be a confusing task for both new viewers and long-time fans.

This definitive guide, updated for late 2025, cuts through the confusion, offering two primary ways to watch the entire *Apes* filmography: the original release order for a historical experience, and the definitive chronological order that follows the story's internal timeline. We will also clarify where the standalone 2001 film fits in, ensuring you have the ultimate viewing guide for this epic tale of simian evolution and human downfall.

The Definitive Chronological Order (The Story Timeline)

For a viewer who wants to follow the story of how the apes rose to dominance and humanity fell, the chronological order is the most satisfying. This sequence is dominated by the modern, critically acclaimed reboot series, often called the "Caesar Trilogy" and its subsequent chapters. This timeline begins with the present day and moves forward into the future.

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This is the best way to watch the evolution of the ape society, from the birth of Caesar to the establishment of the burgeoning ape civilization several generations later.

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): This is the true beginning of the modern saga. It introduces Caesar, a chimpanzee raised by scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) and exposed to the experimental drug ALZ-112, which boosts his intelligence. The film details the origins of the Simian Flu (known as ALZ-113 in its airborne form) and the initial revolt that sets the apes on their path to freedom.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Set 10 years after *Rise*, the Simian Flu has decimated the human population, leading to a collapse of civilization. Caesar is now the leader of a burgeoning ape colony near San Francisco. The central conflict is the fragile truce and eventual war between the apes and a small group of human survivors, driven by the militant ape Koba.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Two years after *Dawn*, the conflict has escalated into a full-scale war. Caesar is forced into a brutal confrontation with a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson) leading a paramilitary human faction. This film concludes Caesar's journey, solidifying his legacy as the ape Moses who led his people to a new promised land.
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): The newest entry in the series, set "several generations" (estimated to be 300 years) after Caesar's death. The apes have established numerous clans, while humanity has regressed to a feral state. The story follows a young chimpanzee named Noa, who teams up with a human woman, Mae, to challenge a tyrannical ape leader, Proximus Caesar, who is twisting Caesar's original teachings. This film begins a new chapter in the *Apes* timeline.

The Original Release Order (The Classic Experience)

Watching the films in their original release order provides a unique experience, as you see the story unfold with the twists and revelations intended by the original filmmakers. This order includes the five classic films from the 60s and 70s, which operate on a different, more convoluted timeline that eventually loops back on itself.

The Original Series is crucial for understanding the foundational lore of the *Planet of the Apes* universe, introducing iconic characters like Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius, and featuring the famous final twist of the 1968 classic.

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• Planet of the Apes (1968): The groundbreaking original film starring Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, who crash-lands on a mysterious planet ruled by intelligent apes. This film features the famous Statue of Liberty reveal, establishing a dystopian future.
• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): A direct sequel that follows another astronaut, Brent, who searches for Taylor. He discovers a subterranean community of mutated, telepathic humans who worship a nuclear bomb. The film ends with a definitive, apocalyptic conclusion.
• Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): This is where the timeline gets tricky. Before the planet's destruction in *Beneath*, three intelligent apes—Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Milo—escape by traveling back in time to 1970s Earth. This film acts as a prequel to the first two, showing how the apes' intelligence first arrived on human-dominated Earth.
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Set 20 years after *Escape*, this film focuses on Caesar (the son of Cornelius and Zira, not the Caesar from the reboot), who is forced into hiding and eventually leads a violent uprising of apes against their human oppressors, setting the stage for ape dominance.
• Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): The final film in the original series, set years after the ape revolt. Caesar attempts to establish a peaceful society where apes and humans coexist, but tensions and a new threat from mutated humans threaten to shatter his vision.

The Full Planet of the Apes Film List & The Standalone Film

To be a true completist, you must account for all 10 major theatrical releases. This comprehensive list includes the original five films, the modern trilogy, the newest entry, and the one standalone film that exists entirely outside both timelines: Tim Burton's 2001 reimagining.

The entire filmography covers a wide range of themes, from Cold War fears in the original to ethical questions of genetic engineering in the reboots. The common thread is the power dynamic between humans and apes, and the cyclical nature of conflict.

The Complete 10-Film *Apes* Filmography by Release Date

The release order is generally the easiest way to watch the films without worrying about continuity, as it reflects the order in which audiences first experienced the saga.

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1. *Planet of the Apes* (1968)
2. *Beneath the Planet of the Apes* (1970)
3. *Escape from the Planet of the Apes* (1971)
4. *Conquest of the Planet of the Apes* (1972)
5. *Battle for the Planet of the Apes* (1973)
6. *Planet of the Apes* (2001): This film, directed by Tim Burton and starring Mark Wahlberg, is a complete remake and reboot of the original 1968 story. It has no connection to either the original 5-film series or the modern Caesar trilogy. It is a separate, self-contained story.
7. *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* (2011)
8. *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes* (2014)
9. *War for the Planet of the Apes* (2017)
10. *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024)

Understanding the Two Main Timelines

The franchise is essentially split into two main, non-connecting universes:

• Timeline 1: The Original Series (1968–1973): This timeline is a closed loop, where the apes who travel back in time (*Escape*) inadvertently cause the future they were trying to prevent (*Conquest* and *Battle*), leading to the world seen in the first two films (*Planet* and *Beneath*). Key Entities: George Taylor, Dr. Zaius, Cornelius, Zira.
• Timeline 2: The Modern Reboot Series (2011–Present): This timeline is a more direct, linear progression. It starts with the creation of the Simian Flu and the birth of Caesar. It focuses on the ethical and political complexities of a new world order. The newest film, *Kingdom*, continues this story centuries after Caesar’s death. Key Entities: Caesar, Will Rodman, Koba, Maurice, Nova, Wes Ball (Director of *Kingdom*).

The 2001 film is an anomaly, a one-off interpretation that should be viewed purely for curiosity's sake, as it does not contribute to the continuity of either major timeline.

FAQ: Your Biggest Planet of the Apes Viewing Questions Answered

Is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes a Sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes?

Yes, *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* is a direct sequel to *War for the Planet of the Apes*. However, it is set approximately 300 years after Caesar's reign. It serves as the beginning of a new trilogy of films that will explore the world Caesar built and how his legacy has been interpreted—and potentially corrupted—over centuries.

Do I need to watch the original films to understand the new trilogy?

No, you do not. The modern trilogy (*Rise*, *Dawn*, *War*) and the new film (*Kingdom*) are a complete reboot of the franchise's continuity. They tell a new, self-contained origin story for the ape-dominated world, starting with Caesar. While there are thematic nods and Easter eggs to the original films, the new series can be enjoyed entirely on its own. For the best experience, start with *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* (2011) and proceed chronologically.

Which is the best order to watch for a first-time viewer?

For a first-time viewer, the Chronological Order of the Modern Series is highly recommended:

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)

This sequence offers a compelling, emotionally resonant, and continuous narrative with modern special effects and a clear story arc centered on the character of Caesar. Once you've completed this arc, you can then explore the classic 1968 film and its sequels for historical context and a look at the franchise's roots.