The Ultimate Planet of the Apes Viewing Guide

The Planet of the Apes franchise has captivated audiences for over half a century, beginning with the 1968 classic that redefined science fiction cinema. Based on French author Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel, the original film and its four sequels dominated the early 1970s, creating a global conflict that thrilled audiences while exploring profound social issues.

This enduring saga pits humans against intelligent humanoid apes, touching on themes of racism, animal cruelty, and the Cold War. The franchise has evolved through multiple iterations, from practical makeup effects to cutting-edge motion capture technology, maintaining its relevance across generations.

With ten films spanning two distinct timelines, navigating the complete series can be challenging. This guide provides the definitive viewing order, whether you prefer chronological storytelling or the original theatrical release sequence.

The franchise comprises ten movies across two separate continuities. The original series includes the 1968 groundbreaking film and its four sequels, while the modern era features a reboot prequel trilogy and its continuation.

For viewers preferring the order in which these films were released to theaters, the sequence is straightforward:

• Planet of the Apes (1968)
• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
• Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971)
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
• Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
• Planet of the Apes Reboot (2001)
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

The 2001 reboot by Tim Burton failed to revitalize the dormant franchise, despite its star power and visual ambition. It wasn't until 20th Century Fox's 2011 prequel that the series found renewed success, launching a new trilogy that would redefine the franchise for modern audiences.

Viewing the films in chronological order requires understanding that the modern prequels exist in a separate timeline from the original series. These reboot films presume a different future than the one Charlton Heston's astronaut discovers in 1968.

The chronological sequence begins with the origin story of ape intelligence:

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - Set in present day, this film introduces Caesar, a chimpanzee whose intelligence is enhanced through science. Andy Serkis's groundbreaking motion capture performance anchors this tale of humanity's downfall.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) - Years after the Simian Flu decimates Earth's human population, intelligent apes establish a colony near San Francisco. The film explores failed peace talks and escalating tensions.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) - The conflict escalates into full war as Caesar seeks vengeance for his losses. This acclaimed conclusion to the Caesar trilogy was originally intended to lead directly into the 1968 film's premise.
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) - Set 300 years after War, this film depicts a world where apes have fully taken over and human civilization is a distant memory.
5. Planet of the Apes (1968) - The iconic original follows astronaut George Taylor as he discovers a planet ruled by intelligent apes, featuring one of cinema's greatest twist endings.
6. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) - A different astronaut, Brent, searches for the missing Taylor and discovers telepathic humans worshipping a nuclear weapon.
7. Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971) - The original series continues with time-travel elements that set up the later sequels.

The franchise's visual effects have evolved dramatically, from the practical makeup of the 1970s to the revolutionary motion capture technology of the modern era. Andy Serkis's performance as Caesar represents a watershed moment in digital character creation, bringing unprecedented emotional depth to the ape protagonist.

The modern trilogy, directed by Matt Reeves for the second and third films, utilized cutting-edge technology to create realistic ape characters that audiences could empathize with. This technological leap allowed the franchise to explore more complex emotional narratives while maintaining its signature social commentary.

The Apes saga moved beyond practical makeup into a new special effects arena that would allow for more emotion in performance from the lead Apes.

The original series, while technically simpler, achieved its impact through clever storytelling and iconic performances. Charlton Heston's portrayal of George Taylor remains one of science fiction's most memorable characters, and Rod Serling's adaptation of Boulle's novel added the legendary twist ending that shocked audiences worldwide.

Beyond its entertainment value, the Planet of the Apes franchise has consistently served as a mirror for societal anxieties. The original series directly addressed the Cold War tensions and civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s, using the human-ape conflict as an allegory for racism and social hierarchy.

The modern reboot trilogy continues this tradition, exploring themes of genetic engineering, environmental collapse, and the consequences of human arrogance. The Simian Flu that decimates humanity in the reboot timeline serves as a cautionary tale about pandemic preparedness and scientific hubris.

The franchise's longevity speaks to its ability to adapt its core themes to contemporary concerns while maintaining the essential conflict that made the original so compelling. From the nuclear anxieties of the 1970s to the biotechnology questions of the 2010s, Planet of the Apes remains relevant by asking fundamental questions about what it means to be human.

For newcomers to the franchise, the chronological viewing order provides the most coherent narrative experience. Starting with Rise of the Planet of the Apes establishes the origin story before moving through the escalating conflict to the original classic.

However, purists may prefer to experience the films in their original theatrical release order, beginning with the 1968 masterpiece that started it all. This approach preserves the historical context and allows viewers to appreciate the technological and narrative evolution across decades.

Whichever path you choose, the Planet of the Apes saga offers a rich, thought-provoking journey through one of science fiction's most enduring franchises. The series continues to evolve, with future installments likely to explore new chapters in this fascinating universe of intelligent apes and the remnants of human civilization.