Want to enjoy one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises of all time? We’re talking about the legendary Planet of the Apes series, which began back in 1968 and has continued to evolve (pun intended) with each passing decade. This saga, full of human vs. intelligent ape brilliance, has kept audiences on the edge of their seats while discussing deep social matters such as racism, animal cruelty, and even the Cold War. So, just in case you don’t want to miss any of them but still can’t figure it out, here is the order and where you can stream each of them.
How Many Movies Are in the Planet of the Apes Lineup?
There are ten movies within the Planet of the Apes franchise. It all started with the 1968 original classic and its four sequels. We also got a 2001 reboot followed by a successful prequel trilogy starting in 2011. The new movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, hit the theaters on May 8, 2024, and it’s still appearing there without streaming online, making it ten in total.
Planet of the Apes Movies in Chronological Order
The three prequels to this franchise are in a different timeline than the original movies. In almost all probability, they do give us a fresh start and lead to a different future than the 1968 classic offers. But no worries, we’ll guide you through the best way to watch them all.
1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Start with this reboot prequel that introduces us to Caesar, a chimpanzee whose intelligence is boosted through scientific experiments. This film sets the stage for the downfall of humankind and the rise of intelligent apes. Andy Serkis delivers an incredible performance using motion capture technology, bringing Caesar to life.
Where to Watch: Watch on Hulu, rent/buy on Fandango at Home, or Amazon.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Fast forward to a world where the Simian Flu has decimated the human population, and intelligent apes have established their own colony. This film explores the fragile peace between humans and apes, with tensions rising on both sides. Directed by Matt Reeves, it’s a must-watch.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Max, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The conflict reaches its peak as Caesar leads the apes in a full-scale war against the remaining human forces. This film is the strong finish of the reboot trilogy, that shows the big struggle for dominance.
Where to Watch: Watch on Hulu, Max, rent/buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and other platforms.
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
The latest edition to the series takes place 300 years after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes.” The apes have taken over completely, and human civilization is something in the past. This movie explores the fully realized ape society.
Where to Watch: Only in theaters now.
5. Planet of the Apes (1968)
Now, travel back in time to the original 1968 classic. Charlton Heston stars as astronaut George Taylor, who crash-lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes. The twist ending is one of the most famous in cinema history.
Where to Watch: Watch on Starz, rent/buy on Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video.
6. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Follow up with this sequel where another astronaut, Brent, searches for Taylor and discovers a hidden society of telepathic humans worshipping an ancient nuclear weapon. It’s a wild ride with an even wilder ending.
Where to Watch: Stream on Starz, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
7. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
In a twist of fate, three apes escape the Earth’s destruction that took place in the previous title and travel back in time to 1973. They must go through humanity’s reactions and prejudices in this character-driven installment.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Starz, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
8. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Meet Caesar, the intelligent ape son of Cornelius and Zira, who leads a rebellion against human oppressors. This film enters into themes of revolution and the fight for freedom.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Starz, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
9. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The final sequel shows Caesar trying to bring and keep peace between humans and apes post-rebellion. It’s a fitting end to the original saga, highlighting the challenges of leadership and coexistence.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Starz, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
10. Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton’s reboot is a standalone that can be watched at any point. It features Mark Wahlberg as the astronaut in a reimagined version of the original story. It’s an interesting take with its own unique twist.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, DirecTV, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
Order of Release
- 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 (2001) – Reboot
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – Start of the prequel trilogy
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Chronological Order (Storyline)
- 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)
- 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 (2001) – Reboot (alternative universe)
just browse around the streaming services—most of the titles are on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, and many other movies that can be rented or bought are on iTunes, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. You can also check where each movie is playing in your region using a service like JustWatch.
Whether one takes them all in the order they were released to view how the movies changed over time or goes chronologically to view the storyline, the “Planet of the Apes” series is a rich tapestry filled with thought-provoking commentary on society and the human nature of people. Enjoy!
