Where to start
Planet of the Apes
9 versions · originally a book, 1963
The Planet of the Apes franchise explores the volatile power dynamics between evolving primates and humanity's own self-destructive nature.
✦ 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, offers a satirical, literary foundation for the series, perfect for readers who prefer philosophical inquiry over the spectacle of later film adaptations.
1968 film
✦ Start herePlanet of the Apes
Franklin J. Schaffner · Film · 1968
The 1968 film is an iconic masterpiece of science fiction cinema, essential for viewers who want to see the definitive cinematic version of the original satirical premise and its legendary twist.
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 subterranean secrets of the planet, suitable for fans of classic, high-concept 1970s science fiction storytelling.
1971 film
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
Film · 1971
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) flips the premise by bringing intelligent apes to contemporary Earth, offering a unique tonal shift that focuses on human reaction to the unknown.
1972 film
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
J. Lee Thompson · Film · 1972
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) provides a gritty, revolutionary origin story for Caesar, recommended for those interested in the darker, sociopolitical roots of the ape uprising narrative.
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 focusing on the fragile coexistence between humans and apes, serving as a finale for dedicated series completionists.
2011 film
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rupert Wyatt · Film · 2011
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) modernizes the Caesar origin story with groundbreaking motion-capture technology, ideal for audiences who prioritize emotional depth and state-of-the-art visual effects in their films.
2014 film
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2014
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) is a sophisticated character study on the difficulty of maintaining peace, perfect for viewers who appreciate complex, morally grey conflicts between two species.
2017 film
War for the Planet of the Apes
Matt Reeves · Film · 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) functions as a mythic, epic conclusion to the Caesar trilogy, best for those who want a visceral, high-stakes resolution to the series' conflict.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies in?
You can watch the original series starting with the 1968 Planet of the Apes, followed by Beneath, Escape, Conquest, and Battle. Alternatively, you can start with the modern reboot trilogy, which begins with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, followed by Dawn and War.
Is Planet of the Apes based on a book?
Yes, the 1968 movie is based on the 1963 science fiction novel titled Planet of the Apes. Pierre Boulle wrote the original source material, which established the foundational concept of a society where apes have evolved to become the dominant species while humans are reduced to a primitive state.
How many movies are in the original Planet of the Apes series?
There are five films 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.
Should I watch the 2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes before the 1968 version?
The 2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a reboot that functions as a separate origin story. You do not need to watch the 1968 Planet of the Apes to understand the modern trilogy, as it establishes its own timeline and narrative progression for the ape civilization.