Release order
The five original films are one run. The 2001 film stands alone. Begin the modern series with Rise, then follow Dawn, War, and Kingdom.
Worlds change hands
A different world
at every turn.
The original films, a standalone 2001 reimagining, and the modern Caesar saga each take a different route into the same unsettling idea. Keeping those screen worlds separate makes a long series inviting.
Planet of the Apes1968–2024About 19 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
The 1970s originals bend their own timeline through time travel. Release order is the clearest editorial path within that continuity. The 2001 film and modern reboot are separate, so no cross-series chronology is implied.
The films / 10 theatrical releases
Planet of the Apes
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Planet of the Apes
An astronaut reaches a world whose social order seems impossible.
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
With Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim HunterUS theatrical release:
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Beneath the Planet of the Apes
The first film’s world reveals another hidden conflict.
Directed by Ted Post
With James Franciscus, Kim Hunter, Maurice EvansUS theatrical release:
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Escape from the Planet of the Apes
Time travel changes the setting and the series’ questions.
Directed by Don Taylor
With Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Bradford DillmanUS theatrical release:
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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
A rebellion gives the original cycle a darker turn.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson
With Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, Ricardo MontalbanUS theatrical release:
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Battle for the Planet of the Apes
The first film cycle closes with a struggle over coexistence.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson
With Roddy McDowall, Natalie Trundy, Austin StokerUS theatrical release:
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Planet of the Apes
A separate screen version of the premise, not a sequel to the original cycle.
Directed by Tim Burton
With Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham CarterUS theatrical release:
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Caesar’s story begins in a contemporary research setting.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt
With Andy Serkis, James Franco, Freida PintoUS theatrical release:
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
A fragile peace is tested after society has changed.
Directed by Matt Reeves
With Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Toby KebbellUS theatrical release:
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War for the Planet of the Apes
Caesar’s journey reaches its most difficult conflict.
Directed by Matt Reeves
With Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Karin KonovalUS theatrical release:
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
A later generation inherits the world Caesar helped shape.
Directed by Wes Ball
With Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin DurandUS theatrical release:
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Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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