The Planet of the Apes franchise is one of the longest-running and most influential sci-fi series ever. Since the first film in 1968, the story has expanded with sequels, reboots, and prequels, in which the relationship between humans and apes always remains central.
Here is an overview of all Planet of the Apes films in chronological order, including the classic films, the remake, and the modern trilogy.
The Classic Series (1968-1973)
1. Planet of the Apes (1968) – The sci-fi classic that started it all
* Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
* Lead: Charlton Heston
An astronaut lands on a mysterious planet where intelligent apes rule and humans are kept as slaves.
With its brilliant allegories on racism and social inequality, and one of the most iconic plot twists in film history, this movie became a sci-fi masterpiece.
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
* Director: Ted Post
* Lead: James Franciscus, Charlton Heston
A second astronaut travels to the ape planet in search of Taylor and discovers an underground civilization of mutated humans who worship an atomic bomb. Known for its dark and nihilistic ending, in which the Earth is destroyed.
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) – Apes in the modern world
* Director: Don Taylor
* Lead: Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter
Three apes escape from their planet and travel back in time to the Earth of the 1970s. It is a unique concept where the roles are reversed: the apes are now the alien visitors and are investigated and feared by humanity.
4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) – The uprising begins
* Director: J. Lee Thompson
* Lead: Roddy McDowall
In a future where apes are used as slaves, Caesar, the son of Zira and Cornelius, leads a revolution against humanity. This is a dark and politically charged film that lays the foundation for the modern trilogy.
5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) – The final battle
* Director: J. Lee Thompson
* Lead: Roddy McDowall
Following the war, apes and humans try to live together peacefully, but conflicts between the two groups lead to a decisive confrontation. Although this is the least popular film of the original series, it concluded an epic story.
The Remake (2001)
6. Planet of the Apes (2001) – Tim Burton’s reinterpretation
* Director: Tim Burton
* Lead: Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Roth
An astronaut lands on a planet where apes rule and humans are oppressed.
While visually impressive, this remake was heavily criticized for its confusing ending and lack of depth. Nevertheless, Tim Roth’s General Thade remains a powerful villain.
The Modern Trilogy (2011-2017)
With state-of-the-art CGI and Andy Serkis as the motion-capture actor, this trilogy gave the franchise a powerful and emotionally compelling reboot.
7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – The start of the rebellion
* Director: Rupert Wyatt
* Lead: James Franco, Andy Serkis
Scientists develop an experimental drug that increases the intelligence of apes, and Caesar leads the first uprising. With a strong emotional story and groundbreaking special effects, this film became a massive hit and launched the modern trilogy.
8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – War between man and ape
* Director: Matt Reeves
* Lead: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
Ten years after the uprising, the surviving humans and Caesar’s apes try to find a fragile peaceful existence. However, a conflict with the violent ape Koba leads to war. With impressive battles and an emotionally profound script, this film is often considered the best of the trilogy.
9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Caesar’s last stand
* Director: Matt Reeves
* Lead: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson
Caesar takes on a ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson) while the apes fight for their freedom and survival. This is an almost Biblical epic with emotional themes of leadership, revenge, and redemption, which concluded the trilogy in an impressive way.
The New Movie (2024)
10. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) – A new chapter
* Director: Wes Ball
* Lead: Owen Teague, Freya Allan
This new film takes place years after the events of the previous trilogy, in a world where apes rule and humanity is nearly forgotten. Featuring a new generation of apes and humans, this film explores an entirely new era in the franchise.
Which Planet of the Apes film is your favorite? 🎬🐵🔥
