The Definitive Planet Of The Apes Movie Order: Chronological And Release Date Guide (2024 Update)

The *Planet of the Apes* franchise is one of the longest-running and most complex science-fiction sagas in cinematic history, spanning four distinct timelines and over fifty years of storytelling. With the release of the newest installment, *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* in 2024, many fans are left wondering exactly how to watch the films to follow the complete, epic journey of ape civilization. This guide, updated for the current date, breaks down the entire saga into its most logical viewing orders—by release date for a historical perspective, and chronologically for the most cohesive story.

Following the correct sequence is crucial because the franchise is not a single, linear narrative. The modern reboot trilogy (known as Caesar's Trilogy) acts as a prequel to the original 1968 classic, while the newest film, *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*, jumps centuries into the future. Understanding the difference between the Release Order and the Chronological Order is the key to unlocking the full genius of this compelling, dystopian world.

The Complete Planet of the Apes Movie Release Order

For purists and those who appreciate film history, watching the *Planet of the Apes* movies in the order they were released is the best way to experience the evolution of the filmmaking, visual effects, and storytelling. This order includes the original pentalogy, the standalone remake, and the modern reboot quadrilogy.

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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) - The Tim Burton Remake
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)

Why the Release Order Matters

The original five films established the core concepts: the astronaut Taylor’s crash landing, the intelligent ape society ruled by figures like Dr. Zaius, and the eventual time-travel paradox created by Zira and Cornelius. Watching them in order shows the original "closed loop" timeline where the apes’ future is accidentally caused by the arrival of apes from their future. The modern films then serve as a complete re-imagining, starting from the beginning of the apes' rise to power.

The Definitive Chronological Viewing Order (The Modern Timeline)

The most satisfying and cohesive story to follow is the Modern Timeline, which focuses on the character of Caesar and his legacy. This four-film arc is a masterpiece of modern science fiction, detailing the fall of humanity and the birth of a new civilization. This is the recommended order for new viewers.

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

This film is the true beginning. It introduces Caesar, a chimpanzee raised by a scientist who gains hyper-intelligence from an experimental drug, ALZ-112. The drug’s side effect, the deadly Simian Flu (or "Simian Flu" as it is sometimes called), begins to wipe out humanity. Caesar's declaration, "I Am Not an Animal," marks the birth of the ape revolution, leading to his escape to the Muir Woods with his fellow apes, including Maurice and Rocket.

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2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Set ten years after *Rise*, humanity has been decimated by the global pandemic. Caesar is now the leader of a burgeoning ape colony. The tension between the apes and the surviving human colony in San Francisco is the central conflict. This film introduces the tragic villain Koba, who believes all humans are a threat, leading to a devastating civil war and the breakdown of Caesar’s peaceful vision.

3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The final chapter of Caesar's story is a dark, intense war film. Caesar leads his people against a ruthless military faction led by a Colonel (Woody Harrelson). This film explores themes of revenge, mercy, and the cost of leadership. Caesar ensures the survival of his people, leading them to a promised land, but succumbs to his wounds, leaving his legacy to his son, Blue Eyes, and his loyal orangutan friend, Maurice. It is the end of the line for the great ape leader.

4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

This is the current, most recent film, set approximately 300 years after the events of *War*. Caesar's teachings have become myth, and new ape clans have risen. The story follows a young chimpanzee named Noa as he confronts the tyrannical ape leader, Proximus Caesar. Proximus, a powerful bonobo, has twisted Caesar's message of unity into a doctrine of dominance, seeking to exploit lost human technology. The film effectively bridges the gap between the reboot trilogy and the state of the world seen in the 1968 original.

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Key Entities and Characters to Track Across the Timelines

To deepen your understanding of the franchise's topical authority, pay close attention to the recurring themes and key characters that define each era. Tracking these entities helps distinguish the different canons.

• Caesar (Modern) vs. Caesar (Original): The modern Caesar is the founder of the new ape civilization. The original saga's Caesar (played by Roddy McDowall) is the son of Zira and Cornelius, who travels back in time and eventually leads a revolt, creating a confusing, yet fascinating, time loop.
• The Simian Flu: The biological catalyst for the modern timeline. It grants apes hyper-intelligence while simultaneously becoming a deadly, civilization-ending plague for humans.
• Nova: A non-verbal human female. In the modern trilogy, she is a young girl adopted by Maurice. In the 1968 original, she is the companion of astronaut Taylor, representing the devolved state of humanity.
• Dr. Zaius: The orangutan Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith in the original series. He represents the suppression of scientific truth and the rigid structure of the ape society.
• The Alpha/Omega Bomb: The doomsday weapon featured in *Beneath the Planet of the Apes* (1970), which the mutant humans worship. It's a symbol of humanity's final, destructive act.
• Filmmakers: Director Matt Reeves helmed *Dawn* and *War*, establishing the emotional core of Caesar's journey, while Wes Ball took over for the newest installment, *Kingdom*, to launch the next era.

Whether you choose to follow the evolution of the franchise with the Release Order or dive into the epic, cohesive narrative of the Modern Chronological Order, the *Planet of the Apes* films offer a powerful commentary on society, morality, and the nature of power. The newest film, *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*, successfully expands the world, ensuring the saga of the intelligent apes continues to be one of the most compelling stories in cinema today.