The Planet of the Apes franchise spans several decades and multiple cinematic universes, making it easy for new viewers to wonder how many movies exist. This collection presents a blend of classic theatrical releases, modern reboots, and streaming experiments that together define one of Hollywood’ most enduring science fiction sagas.
Below is a detailed map of the feature films, organized by continuity and purpose, to clarify how many movies truly belong to the Planet of the Apes story and how they relate to one another.
| Title | Release Year | Continuity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes | 1968 | Original Classic | Starring Charlton Heston, establishes the core premise. |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes | 1970 | Original Classic | Direct sequel, introduces a new astronaut and underground society. |
| 71971 | Original Classic | Shift to time-travel storyline, focuses on apes in modern Earth. | |
| Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | 1972 | Original Classic | Explores ape uprising and oppression in a near-future society. |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973 | Original Classic | Final chapter of the original timeline, revealing the origin of the planet. |
| Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes | 2001 | Separate Reboot | Standalone reimagining with a darker tone, starring Tim Burton. |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Modern Reboot | First film of the acclaimed reboot trilogy, focusing on Caesar. |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Modern Reboot | Second modern film, exploring conflict between humans and evolved apes. |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | Modern Reboot | Third and critically acclaimed chapter, completing the Caesar trilogy. |
| Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | 2024 | New Era | Set generations after War, introducing new characters and conflicts. |
Original Classic Series Timeline
1968 to 1973 Groundwork
The original series began in 1968 and concluded with a narrative arc that took viewers from a stranded astronaut’s world to the very genesis of the planet ruled by apes. Each film built upon the last, offering a surprisingly cohesive chronology that remains influential in science fiction cinema.
Spin-offs and Later Entries
Beyond the core five, the franchise saw experimental entries, such as a television series and a short-lived Tim Burton reboot in 2001. These works expanded the mythology but are generally treated as separate from the primary continuity.
Modern Reboot Trilogy
Rise, Dawn, and War
The modern reboot, launched in 2011, centers on Caesar and his quest for ape autonomy. Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes form a tightly written trilogy that balances emotional character work with groundbreaking visual effects.
Thematic Depth and Motion Capture
These films use performance capture technology to convey nuanced emotion and intelligence, setting a new standard for non-human protagonists. The trilogy addresses themes of prejudice, conflict, and coexistence, giving the saga lasting relevance.
New Era Developments
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The 2024 installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, picks up many years after the war, exploring how the world has changed and what the future holds for both species. This chapter expands the timeline while respecting the legacy of earlier films.
Continuity and Creative Direction
Set in a new phase of ape society, the movie introduces fresh characters while echoing motifs from the original series. It reflects ongoing interest in evolving the franchise with new stories and perspectives.
Final Overview
- Track each continuity separately to avoid confusion between classic and modern timelines.
- Begin with the reboot trilogy for the most accessible and visually rich entry point.
- Use the summary table to quickly identify release years and continuity labels.
- Consider Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes as the latest evolution of the saga.
- Recognize the franchise as a blend of classic storytelling and cutting-edge performance-driven filmmaking.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many mainline theatrical movies are in the Planet of the Apes series?
There are five mainline theatrical films in the original series released between 1968 and 1973, plus three main modern films and a recent 2024 entry, for a total of nine feature films across the core cinematic saga.
Does the Tim Burton 2001 film count as part of the numbered series?
No, the Tim Burton reboot is a separate standalone film and is not numbered within the classic or modern trilogies, though it shares the same core concept.
Are there any other movies besides the nine main features?
Short films and television episodes exist, but the primary story is told through the theatrical features, with modern effects and character-driven narratives being the most prominent.
Which movie is the best starting point for new viewers?
Most newcomers begin with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, as it introduces Caesar and establishes the modern trilogy’s emotional and visual highs without requiring prior knowledge of older films.