Where to start withPlanet of the Apes
9 versions · originally a book, 1963
Themes: Reverse Evolution, Animal Rights, Social Hierarchy, Civilization Critique, Xenophobia.
Start with Planet of the Apes (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1968) — the film. Planet of the Apes exists in 9 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1963; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Planet of the Apes franchise explores the volatile power dynamics between evolving primates and humanity's own self-destructive nature through shifting societal hierarchies.
✦ Most fans start here
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The original novel
Planet of the Apes
Pierre Boulle · Book · 1963
Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel, also titled Monkey Planet, provides the foundational literary blueprint for the franchise, offering a cynical, philosophical look at human status through the lens of ape-ruled society.
1968 film
✦ Start herePlanet of the Apes
Franklin J. Schaffner · Film · 1968
The 1968 film is the definitive cinematic experience, masterfully establishing the franchise's iconic atmosphere and social commentary. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in the origins of sci-fi cinema.
1970 film
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Ted Post · Film · 1970
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) expands the series' scope by exploring the strange, subterranean secrets of the planet, appealing to viewers invested in the franchise's expanding, surreal mythology.
1971 film
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
Film · 1971
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) shifts the narrative perspective, bringing the apes to modern Earth. It is ideal for those interested in the series' satirical take on humanity.
1972 film
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
J. Lee Thompson · Film · 1972
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) focuses on the rise of Caesar and the beginnings of a revolutionary uprising, perfect for fans of character-driven stories about systemic societal oppression.
1973 film
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
J. Lee Thompson · Film · 1973
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) concludes the original saga by examining the fragile peace between species, serving as a historical capstone for long-time series completionists and enthusiasts.
2011 film
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rupert Wyatt · Film · 2011
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) reboots the franchise with a grounded, emotional origin story for Caesar, utilizing modern effects to create a compelling, character-focused tragedy for new audiences.
2014 film
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2014
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) elevates the stakes by depicting the complex political struggle between two civilizations, ideal for viewers who appreciate high-tension, morally grey science fiction drama.
2017 film
War for the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) serves as a visceral, mythic conclusion to the trilogy, focusing on Caesar's internal conflict and vengeance, perfect for fans of epic, emotionally resonant storytelling.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies in?
You can watch them in release order, starting with the 1968 Planet of the Apes, followed by the four original sequels ending in 1973. Alternatively, you can start with the modern reboot trilogy, beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, released in 2011.
Is Planet of the Apes based on a book?
Yes, the entire franchise is based on the 1963 science fiction book titled Planet of the Apes. The original 1968 film adaptation and all subsequent sequels and reboots draw their conceptual inspiration from the narrative established in this original source material.
How many movies are in the original Planet of the Apes series?
There are five movies in the original series. It begins 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 Battle for the Planet of the Apes.
Are the movies released after 2010 part of the original Planet of the Apes timeline?
No, the films released starting in 2011, beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, constitute a separate modern series. This trilogy includes Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, which function independently from the original 1960s and 1970s films.