Understanding the Planet of the Apes series in order can be confusing because there are multiple continuities and reboots. This guide explains each version clearly so you can choose the path that fits your goals. Whether you want the classic experience, the modern reboot, or the literary roots, you will see how the films and key novels relate. Below you can compare releases at a glance and follow verified timelines that preserve chronological and production context.
Quick Reference: Major Releases in Production Order
Use this simple list if you want to watch or read every major installment in the sequence they were made. This approach keeps special effects, casting, and creative context consistent.
| Title | Year | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes (1968) | 1968 | Film | Classic entry starring Charlton Heston |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes | 1970 | Film | Direct sequel, introduces new astronaut |
| Escape from the Planet of the Apes | Film | Shift to time-travel and modern society themes | |
| Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | 1972 | Film | Explores ape uprising origins |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973 | Film | Closes the original continuity |
| Planet of the Apes (2001) | 2001 | Film | Tim Burton reboot with different ending tone |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Film | Modern reboot start, focuses on origin |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Film | Sequel, ape society and conflict |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | Film | Concluding chapter of the reboot |
| Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes | Note2001 | Reboot | Reimagining; not a direct sequel to the 1970s series |
| Planet of the Apes (Tim Burton) | 2001 | Film | See above |
| Planet of the Apes (2001) | 2001 | Film | Distinct from the 1968 original and 2011 reboot |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Film | First in the modern reboot series |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Film | Second in the reboot series |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | Film | Third in the reboot series; critical and commercial peak |
| Planet of the Apes (TV Anime) | 2009 | Animation | Japanese series; separate continuity |
Primary Film Series: Original Continuity (1968–1973)
The original continuity is linear and meant to be experienced in release order. It begins with a astronaut crash-landing on a planet where apes dominate and humans are mute. The story continues through rebellion, time travel, and ultimately a stark conclusion that reframes everything seen before. These films influenced pop culture and set benchmarks for make-up and allegorical sci-fi.
Original Five-Film Sequence
- Planet of the Apes (1968): Establishes the world and the shock ending
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): Deepens mystery and introduces a parallel society
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): Time-travel shifts focus to human society
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Explores how apes rose to power
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): Provides a prequel and finale to the saga
The Tim Burton Reboot (2001)
Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes presents a reimagined origin with darker tones and a different evolution of the ape–human relationship. It does not continue the original continuity but offers a stylized take on the core premise. The film leans into spectacle and philosophical questions, though it diverges from the source material in key plot points.
Modern Reboot Series: The Rise Era (2011–2017)
Beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this continuity focuses on scientific experimentation and emergent intelligence rather than time travel. It builds a cohesive ape society over three films, emphasizing performance capture and emotional depth. The arc tracks a protagonist’s journey from individual awakening to community leadership.
Reboot Three-Film Sequence
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Origin story, ALZ-113 virus, and first breach
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Ape colony conflict with humans
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Climax, Caesar’s arc, and legacy setup
Television, Literature, and Other Media
The mythology extends beyond the big screen into novels, comics, and animation. Early novels by Pierre Boulle inspired the original film but diverge in plot and tone. Television experiments include animated series and limited runs that explore side stories. These adaptations rarely align in continuity but enrich the thematic texture of domination, language, and evolution.
Notable Non-Film Entries
- Planet of the Apes (1974 TV Series): Human astronaut wandering ape society
- animated Planet of the Apes (2009): Japanese production with original characters
- Comic book arcs by Malibu and Dark Horse: War stories and prequels
How to Approach the Planet of the Apes in Order
Choose a path based on your goal. If you prefer classic cinema and practical effects, start with the 1968 original and proceed linearly. If you prefer modern storytelling and visual immersion, begin with Rise and follow through War. Readers may begin with Boulle’s novel, but expect differences in plot and conclusion. Each continuity stands on its own; you can switch without losing core ideas.
Continuity and Canon Quick Guide
Not every project shares the same continuity. Below is a simplified map to clarify which entries are linked and which stand apart. Use this to avoid confusion when jumping across eras.
| Continuity | Entries | Standalone? |
|---|---|---|
| Original (1968–1973) | Five films in release order | No; linear story |
| Tim Burton Reboot (2001) | One film | Yes; divergent origin |
| Modern Reboot (2011–2017) | Three films | No; connected origin arc |
| Television & Novels | Various | Most are separate or reinterpretive |
Conclusion and Recommended Paths
There is no single official order, because multiple continuities exist. The Planet of the Apes series in order depends on which lineage you follow: classic, Tim Burton, or modern reboot. For newcomers, the simplest routes are either the chronological original run or the three-film modern arc. Both deliver the signature themes of evolution, power, and communication with distinct tones and craftsmanship.