There are nine main Planet of the Apes feature films and two short films, spanning multiple eras and creative visions. This guide clarifies the complete, verified count and how each film fits the timeline. You will find a concise table listing release years and titles, plus high-information paths through the original series, the Tim Burton outlier, the modern reboot trilogy, and the emerging spin-off landscape.
Count Overview: How Many Movies Exist
The simplest answer is nine main theatrical features plus two short films released as supplementary content. This total reflects the primary canon most fans and retailers recognize. In practice, the series divides into eras that help you track releases and creative direction.
Era-Based Breakdown and Learning Path
Classic Era (1968 to 1973)
The original series established the blueprint for the franchise, mixing science fiction, social commentary, and practical effects. These films remain the tonal foundation many later entries reference.
- 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)
Tim Burton Experiment (2001)
A standalone reimagining directed by Tim Burton that resets the mythology while preserving the core concept of evolved apes and human conflict.
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
Reboot Era (2011 to 2024)
A grounded, science-based trilogy that reboots the IP with motion capture and a darker tone, focusing on Caesar’s rise. These films are widely considered the definitive modern chapter.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Spin-Off and Short Works
Supplementary shorts released in theaters and digital platforms expand the world without altering the main continuity. No additional theatrical features are currently in active development under the same production umbrella.
- Titled animated short (2001)
- Untitled short (2021)
Verified Filmography Table
The following table presents each feature and short in chronological order, with release years and series categorization for quick reference.
| Title | Year | Series Category |
|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes | 1968 | Classic |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes | 1970 | Classic |
| Escape from the Planet of the Apes | 1971 | Classic |
| Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | 1972 | Classic |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973 | Classic |
| Planet of the Apes | 2001 | Tim Burton |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Reboot |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Reboot |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | Reboot |
| Untitled Short (2021) | 2021 | Short |
How to Interpret Series Counts
When sources reference different totals, they usually differ by whether they include short films, exclude the Tim Burton film, or count only the reboot. For clarity, always specify scope. If someone asks how many main films there are, the answer is six: five classics, one Tim Burton, and three reboot entries.
- Total theatrical features: 9
- Total shorts: 2
- Reboot trilogy: 3
- Classic tetralogy: 4 narrative features plus a conclusion in Battle (5 total, but the first is origin story)
Continuity and Chronology Notes
The classic series progresses linearly, while the Tim Burton film exists as an alternate timeline. The reboot trilogy overwrites earlier sequels in a cause-and-effect chain centered on Caesar. Shorts are non-canon or promotional and do not affect ongoing continuity. No further main features are officially scheduled, though concepts and rumored projects occasionally surface in development hell.
Quick Reference Summary
For a concise answer: there are nine main Planet of the Apes movies and two short films. This count covers every released theatrical feature across the classic, Tim Burton, and reboot eras. Use the table above to verify years and series labels whenever you need precise context or compare runtimes and creative approaches.