Viewers often ask what order is Planet of the Apes because the franchise spans classic films, a reboot series, and television series. This guide serves as an evergreen explainer that walks through each major release, clarifying which story comes first and how the films and series fit together. You will find a simple recommended sequence, a factual chronology table, and notes on continuity so you can explore the saga with confidence.
Recommended Viewing Order
For a straightforward experience that emphasizes narrative impact without deep backstory requirements, follow the recommended order below. This sequence balances accessibility and chronology so new viewers can enjoy character arcs and stakes.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- 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)
If you prefer to begin with the original landmark film, start with the 1968 classic and proceed forward through the original series. Either path preserves the core story beats while highlighting different aspects of the saga.
Original Series Timeline (Production Order)
Production order can be useful for understanding how the series evolved technically and thematically. Classic series details are summarized for reference.
| Release Year | Title | Key Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Planet of the Apes | Introduces astronaut Taylor and a society ruled by apes |
| 1970 | Beneath the Planet of the Apes | Follows a second astronaut as he discovers underground mutants |
| 1971 | Escape from the Planet of the Apes | Shift to time-travel narrative and ape characters in modern society |
| 1972 | Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | Begins a darker arc of ape rebellion and human subjugation |
| 1973 | Battle for the Planet of the Apes | Concludes the original saga’s war between humans and apes |
Reboot Series Narrative Order
The reboot series reframes the origin of the simian conflict with a science fiction emphasis. These films prioritize chronology and cause-and-effect storytelling.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
The reboot starts with experimental intelligence-boosting drugs on apes, leading to Caesar’s awakening and the spread of a pandemic that reshapes humanity.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Years after the pandemic, Caesar leads a colony in the woods while fragile diplomacy with human survivors tests the fragile peace between species.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
A militarized human faction hunts Caesar, pushing the conflict to its conclusion and culminating in the planetary shift that sets the stage for the classic era.
Continuity and Timeline Clarification
Viewers sometimes ask what order is Planet of the Apes to determine whether films must be watched sequentially. The reboot films form a tightly interlocked chronological arc that benefits from strict viewing order. The classic series can be enjoyed in either production or narrative sequence, though narrative order aligns more closely with cause-and-effect storytelling. Watching choices depend on whether you prioritize modern visual effects and backstory cohesion (reboot sequence) or cultural milestones and genre evolution (classic sequence).
How the Series Connects Across Eras
The relationship between reboot and classic entries centers on themes rather than direct plot continuation. The reboot explains the origins of the intelligent ape society and pandemic that underlies the classic world. Classic films explore the aftermath from a human perspective and deepen the philosophical questions about civilization and species conflict. Television entries and later adaptations expand lore but are not required to appreciate the core film arcs.
Quick Reference Guide
| Category | Entry | Year | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reboot Start | Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Origin of Caesar and the ALZ-113 virus |
| Reboot Climax | War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | End of Caesar’s arc and transition to classic setting |
| Classic Start | Planet of the Apes | 1968 | Groundbreaking cultural milestone and iconic twist ending |
| Classic Conclusion | Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973 | Resolution of war and the series’ cyclical themes |
Whether you prioritize the reboot for linear storytelling or dive into the classics for historic impact, understanding what order is Planet of the Apes helps you navigate the series intentionally. These entries remain durable references for exploring themes of evolution, power, and communication across human and nonhuman perspectives.