Where to start
Planet of the Apes
9 versions · originally a book, 1963
Themes: Reverse Evolution, Animal Rights, Social Hierarchy, Civilization Critique, Xenophobia.
These stories explore the fragile boundary between humanity and animal intelligence through the lens of societal collapse and evolutionary dominance.
✦ Most fans start here
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The original novel
Planet of the Apes
Pierre Boulle · Book · 1963
Pierre Boulle’s 1963 original novel, also known as Monkey Planet, serves as the definitive foundational text, offering a cerebral and satirical look at human nature and our place in the hierarchy.
1968 film
✦ Start herePlanet of the Apes
Franklin J. Schaffner · Film · 1968
The 1968 film adaptation is a cinematic milestone, delivering a gripping survival story and an iconic twist that solidified the franchise's place in science fiction history for all generations.
1970 film
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Ted Post · Film · 1970
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) expands the universe by delving into the dark, hidden secrets of the planet’s surface, providing a grim continuation for those invested in the franchise's mythology.
1971 film
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
Film · 1971
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) flips the premise by bringing the intelligent apes to our world, creating a compelling study of human curiosity, fear, and the consequences of scientific interference.
1972 film
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
J. Lee Thompson · Film · 1972
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) shifts the tone toward political revolution, focusing on Caesar’s uprising against a society that has institutionalized the cruel enslavement of his species.
1973 film
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
J. Lee Thompson · Film · 1973
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) serves as the concluding chapter of the original series, exploring the complex challenges of building a peaceful society between humans and intelligent apes.
2011 film
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rupert Wyatt · Film · 2011
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) reboots the saga with a grounded, modern approach, focusing on the intimate origin story of Caesar and the tragic circumstances that lead to his rebellion.
2014 film
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2014
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) excels as a sophisticated war drama, examining the brutal struggle for resources and survival between a nascent ape society and desperate human survivors.
2017 film
War for the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) provides a haunting, mythic conclusion to the modern trilogy, focusing on Caesar's internal moral evolution amidst a devastating conflict with a ruthless human military.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies in?
For the original series, start with the 1968 Planet of the Apes, followed by Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. The modern trilogy begins with Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Is the 1963 Planet of the Apes book the same as the 1968 movie?
While the 1968 Planet of the Apes movie is based on the 1963 book by Pierre Boulle, the film introduces several narrative changes and distinct visual interpretations. Both works explore the core premise of humans finding themselves in a society where apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive.
How many films are in the modern Planet of the Apes reboot series?
There are three films in the modern series. The sequence begins with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, released in 2011. This is followed by the 2014 sequel Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and concludes with the 2017 entry titled War for the Planet of the Apes.
How many movies were released in the original Planet of the Apes series?
The original series consists of five films. It starts with the 1968 Planet of the Apes and continues through Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and concludes with the 1973 film Battle for the Planet of the Apes.