The Planet of the Apes franchise began in 1968 and has since expanded into multiple eras, styles, and continuities. Fans often ask, planet of the apes movies how many main features exist across these varied timelines, and how each chapter connects narratively.
From classic practical effects to cutting‑edge motion capture, every era has reshaped the expectations for sci‑fi cinema. This guide breaks down every feature film in clear sections so you can quickly understand the total count and the differences between them.
| Era | First Film | Last Film in Era | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Planet of the Apes (1968) | Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) | Practical effects, social allegory, cliffhanger ending |
| Tim Burton Reboot | Planet of the Apes (2001) | — | Dark tone, modern VFX, loose sequel setup |
| Rise | Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) | War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) | Motion capture, emotional depth, trilogy arc |
Defining the Main Canon
Number of Theatrical Features
When people ask planet of the apes movies how many, they usually refer to the core story canon. Across the original, reboot, and modern trilogy frameworks, there are nine theatrical features that advance the central narrative of evolved apes versus humanity.
Key Continuity Branches
The franchise splits into three major branches: the 1960s–1970s original series, the 2001 standalone reboot by Tim Burton, and the 2011–2017 continuity reboot launched by Rise. Each branch reshapes the mythology while exploring themes of intelligence, freedom, and responsibility.
Original Series Timeline
Films from 1968 to 1973
The original branch includes five theatrical entries, beginning with Planet of the Apes and ending with Battle for the Planet of the Apes. These films established the core conflict and are linked by a continuous, linear timeline that shocked audiences with its final revelation.
Standalone Interpreters
Between the original and modern eras, two standalone films reframed the concept for new viewers. The 1970s TV series and its spin‑offs expanded the universe further, while the 2001 film offered a self‑contained vision that diverged from prior continuity.
Modern Trilogy and Related Features
Motion‑Capture Era Launch
Rise of the Planet of the Apes rebooted the saga with a grounded origin story for Caesar and his kind. Its critical success paved the way for two sequels that form a tightly plotted trilogy, focusing on evolution, community, and moral conflict.
Cinematic Quality and Box Office
Each modern film invested heavily in performance capture, resulting in unprecedented emotional realism for digital characters. The trilogy earned strong box office returns and critical praise, proving that character‑driven sci‑fi can thrive alongside blockbuster spectacle.
Final Takeaways
- The franchise spans nine theatrical films across different eras.
- Three distinct continuities exist: original, Burton reboot, and modern trilogy.
- The modern trilogy is widely praised for its motion‑capture performances.
- Standalone entries like the 2001 film do not continue the main storyline.
- Understanding the chronology helps viewers choose a starting point based on tone and era.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many main narrative films are there in the Planet of the Apes series?
There are nine theatrical features that form the core narrative across the original, reboot, and modern continuity, not counting TV movies or short projects.
Does the 2001 Tim Burton film connect to the earlier series?
No, the 2001 Planet of the Apes is a standalone reboot that reimagines the concept without continuing the original timeline.
Which film marks the start of the modern trilogy?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011 launches the modern trilogy, followed by Dawn and War.
Are there any other feature‑length Planet of the Apes movies I should know about?
Outside the main canon, a French‑Italian co‑production Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) TV adaptation and various direct‑to‑video releases exist, but they are not part of the primary story arc.