The iconic 1968 sci-fi film, Planet of the Apes, which is based on Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel, launched a franchise that captivated audiences throughout the early 1970s. This franchise included four additional movie sequels, numerous tie-in books, a live-action TV series, and even an animated series.
The storyline, revolving around a global conflict between humans and intelligent humanoid apes, not only sparked the imagination but also addressed significant social issues such as racism, animal cruelty, and the Cold War. These elements contribute to making it one of the best sci-fi movie series ever created.
For those looking to delve into this timeless saga, understanding how to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order can enhance the viewing experience.
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How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?
To enjoy the entire Planet of the Apes saga in chronological order, you’ll need to watch ten films. It all begins with the classic 1968 movie and its subsequent four sequels. Adding to the collection is the 2001 reboot, and finally, four prequels that depict the rise of the apes, making a total of ten movies in the franchise.
The Planet of the Apes Movies in Chronological Order
Considering that the revamped trilogy has branched off into a separate timeline, it’s still effective to view these films in this sequence – although you might notice some significant discrepancies when you reach the original Planet of the Apes movies. Here’s how to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order.
1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
During the early 2000s, advancements in motion capture technology and digital characters significantly enhanced the Planet of the Apes series, moving it past traditional makeup effects. This leap in special effects made it possible to convey greater emotional depth in the performances of the leading Apes characters.
Andy Serkis, renowned for his role as Gollum, brought his exceptional talents to the character of Caesar. Caesar, a chimpanzee whose intelligence is boosted through scientific experiments, becomes the central figure in a prequel that explores the origins of humanity’s downfall.
Set in contemporary times, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” features James Franco, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, and Freida Pinto, laying the groundwork for an impending global conflict.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
The prequel series introduces Matt Reeves, known for his work on The Batman, as the director of the following two films. The saga continues with the acclaimed “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” featuring Andy Serkis reprising his role as Caesar.
Set years after the devastating Simian Flu has wiped out much of the human population, the intelligent apes have formed a colony near San Francisco. This installment stars Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Toby Kebbell, and explores the fragile peace negotiations between humans and apes, which ultimately collapse due to betrayal from both sides.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The intense battle between apes and humans reaches a critical point in Matt Reeves’ “War for the Planet of the Apes.” In this gripping installment, Andy Serkis’ character, Caesar, embarks on a mission to avenge the losses he has suffered.
The film also features Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn, adding depth to the final chapter of the critically acclaimed Caesar Trilogy. Originally, this movie was meant to set the stage for “Planet of the Apes,” acting as a prequel. However, due to its financial success, Hollywood rules dictated the necessity for a sequel.
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set to hit theaters on May 8, 2024. While this latest installment continues the narrative from the preceding film, it is set a significant 300 years after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes.”
By this time, the apes have completely dominated, and human society along with its advancements are merely remnants of history.
5. Planet of the Apes (1968)
The iconic sci-fi film, “Planet of the Apes,” features Charlton Heston as George Taylor, an astronaut who awakens from deep cryo-sleep to find himself stranded on a planet inhabited by intelligent, human-like apes.
This classic movie is renowned for its unforgettable twist ending, crafted by none other than Rod Serling, the mastermind behind “The Twilight Zone.” Serling adapted the original book, infusing it with his signature shocking and awe-inspiring style.
6. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Charlton Heston made a brief comeback in the 1970 sequel, Beneath the Planet of the Apes. This film shifts its focus to a new protagonist, Brent (James Franciscus), an astronaut sent to locate the missing Taylor. Brent’s journey leads him to a secretive society of telepathic humans who revere an ancient nuclear weapon.
As he navigates this perilous new world, Brent faces the challenge of stopping the apocalyptic threat posed by the doomsday bomb. Though the sequel is somewhat chaotic, it’s still quite engaging.
7. Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971)
In a fascinating twist involving time travel, three Apes manage to flee the chaos of the prior movie—Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), Zira (Kim Hunter), and Dr. Milo (Sal Mineo)—and land on Earth in 1973. There, they encounter severe human hostility.
“Escape From the Planet of the Apes” is notably more emotional and character-focused compared to its predecessors, skillfully mixing lighter moments with darker themes, and eventually diving into intense darkness.
8. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Roddy McDowall makes a notable comeback in the series with “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes,” this time portraying Caesar. Caesar, the clever ape and offspring of Cornelius and Zira, embarks on a mission to incite a rebellion against humans after a pandemic has transformed society into oppressive slaveholders.
There’s room for interpretation on whether this storyline exists in an alternate timeline or the same one that George Taylor encountered after his crash landing in the distant future, as depicted in the original “Planet of the Apes” film. Either way, “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” is rife with widespread destruction as apes rise up, pushing humanity to the edge of collapse.
9. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
In the concluding installment of the original movie series, McDowall’s portrayal of Caesar shows him striving to maintain harmony between humans and apes after humanity’s downfall.
However, rebellions emerge, underscoring the theme that power ultimately corrupts anyone in authority, regardless of species.
Marketed as The Final Chapter, Battle for the Planet of the Apes did not fare well with critics or viewers, but it served as the conclusion to the sci-fi saga that started five years earlier.
N/A. Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton’s reboot of Planet of the Apes is a standalone film that doesn’t fit into any specific timeline, so you can watch it at any point. However, we recommend viewing the classic 1968 original first.
In this remake, Mark Wahlberg takes on the role of a stranded astronaut, accompanied by Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Paul Giamatti, who portray various apes. While the plot mirrors that of the original movie, it introduces new characters and offers a fresh take on the iconic twist ending.
For fans looking to understand how to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order, it’s essential to start with the original films before exploring reboots and remakes.
source: Gamerode