Overview and Answer First
There are two major, complete Planet of the Apes story arcs to watch: the classic original series from the 1960s and 1970s, and the modern reboot series from the 2010s. Each arc presents a self-contained narrative journey from ape rise to ape dominance, and you can enjoy one arc without watching the other. If you want the recommended viewing order for the Planet of the Apes movies in order to watch, start with the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, then continue with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) for the most tightly plotted, character-forward experience.
Why There Are Multiple Series
The franchise spans standalone original films and a recent reboot trilogy, plus an earlier television series. The two core cinematic narratives share the same premise—an intelligent, speaking ape society emerges—but tell separate stories with different tones, timelines, and creative teams. Knowing this helps you choose which journey to take first based on whether you prefer classic adventure and mystery or modern visual effects and character drama.
The Classic Arc (1968–1973)
The original five films present a linear, time-travel-heavy saga that begins with astronauts crash-landing in a future ruled by apes and ends with the foundations of that world. This series is shorter, more allegorical, and rooted in the social anxieties of its era, making it a significant cultural artifact in sci-fi history.
The Modern Arc (2011–2017)
Centered on Caesar, the reboot trilogy focuses on the emotional and ethical rise of ape consciousness. Visual effects, performance capture, and tighter serialized storytelling distinguish these films, which chart a cause-and-effect progression from enhanced cognition to open conflict. Many viewers find this arc more immersive and emotionally resonant.
Complete Viewing Orders
You can approach the Planet of the Apes movies in order in several ways depending on your goals—chronological by story timeline, by release date to follow cultural context, or by recommended narrative impact. Below are practical, viewer-tested sequences.
Recommended Order (Best Storytelling)
Begin with the reboot trilogy for a powerful, character-led introduction, then, if desired, explore the classic series for stylistic contrast and mythic roots.
- 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)
Classic Series Chronological Order
Watch all five original films in release sequence to experience the intended narrative progression and historical shifts.
- 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)
Modern Series Chronological Order
The reboot trilogy is designed as a self-contained, three-film story about Caesar’s revolution.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2027)
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Series | Number of Films | Primary Tone | Key Strength | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 5 | Science-fiction allegory, mystery-driven | Cultural influence and iconic imagery | Planet of the Apes (1968) |
| Reboot | 3 | Character drama, emotional realism | Performance capture and visual effects | Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) |
How the Original Films Connect
The original series moves from astronaut-travel to ape society origins to philosophical questions about humanity. While later sequels experiment with time travel and social commentary, the first film remains the anchor, establishing the memorable image of the ruined Statue of Liberty and the famous closing line. If you watch the classics, expect slower pacing, mid-century production design, and reflective storytelling.
How the Reboot Arc Evolves
The reboot trilogy focuses on Caesar’s journey from a pet chimpanzee with heightened intelligence to the leader of a self-aware ape colony. Each film advances the conflict with humans, deepens the worldbuilding, and relies heavily on motion-capture performance. These films are tightly plotted, with clear cause-and-effect storytelling, making them ideal for viewers who prefer serialized, character-driven science fiction.
Other Installments and Adaptations
Beyond the two main arcs, there is a 1974 television series, animated productions, and various comics and novels that expand the universe. These supplemental works can be explored after you are familiar with the core films, but they are not required to understand the central narrative of ape ascendancy and humanity’s role within it.
Which Order Should You Choose?
For first-time viewers, starting with the modern reboot is often the most accessible route due to its tighter pacing and emotional clarity. If you enjoy worldbuilding and prefer thought-provoking, allegorical sci-fi, begin with the original 1968 film and proceed through the classic cycle. Once you’ve completed one arc, sampling the other offers an instructive contrast in style, theme, and filmmaking evolution.