‘Planet of the Apes’ Movies: Where To Watch and Watch Order
September 1, 2026
Since the original Planet of the Apes premiered in 1968, the science-fiction franchise has expanded across multiple timelines, a standalone remake, and a modern remake film series.
Not sure where to begin? This guide breaks down the Planet of the Apes movies in release and chronological order, explains how the different eras connect, and helps you choose the best starting point for your next movie marathon.
Planet of the Apes Quick Guide
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide to choosing the best watch order for you.
New to the franchise? Start with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) to follow the journey of main character Caesar from the very beginning.
Prefer classic sci-fi? Start with Planet of the Apes (1968), the groundbreaking original that launched the franchise.
Want the newest movie first? Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) begins a new chapter set generations after Caesar’s reign and introduces a new cast of characters.
How many Planet of the Apes movies are there? There are 10 live-action films spanning the original series, the 2001 standalone remake, and the modern Caesar saga.
Where To Watch the Planet of the Apes Movies
Many Planet of the Apes movies are available to stream on Hulu, though availability may change over time. Browse Hulu’s Planet of the Apes collection to see which films are currently streaming and start watching the franchise in the order you choose.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: The Latest Chapter in the Franchise
Picking up about 300 years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes begins a new chapter in the franchise. The story follows Noa, a young chimpanzee whose journey challenges everything he believes about the history shared by apes and humans when he discovers the lasting legacy of Caesar.
Although Kingdom continues the modern Planet of the Apes timeline, its new setting and characters make it approachable for first-time viewers. Returning fans will recognize connections to the earlier films, while newcomers can enjoy the story on its own before deciding whether to explore the rest of the franchise.
Understanding the Planet of the Apes Timeline
Before deciding which watch order to follow, it helps to understand how the Planet of the Apes franchise is organized. While all 10 films share similar themes and ideas, they’re divided into three distinct eras: the original film series, Tim Burton’s standalone reimagining, and the latest storyline centered on Caesar.
The Original Series (1968 – 1973)
The original Planet of the Apes series consists of five films:
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)
Together, these movies established the franchise’s unique world while expanding its mythology through stories of time travel, the rise of intelligent apes, and humanity’s future.
The 2001 Remake
Directed by Tim Burton, Planet of the Apes (2001) is a standalone reimagining of the original film. While it shares the franchise’s central premise of humans encountering a civilization ruled by apes, it tells a separate story with its own characters and continuity, making it a bonus watch regardless of which watch order you choose.
The Caesar Era (2011 – Present)
Beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), the modern reboot film series follows Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee whose intelligence sparks a new kind of relationship between humans and apes. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) continue his journey as he leads his people through conflict with humanity and establishes the foundation of an ape civilization.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) takes place generations later, exploring the world that emerged from Caesar’s leadership. Rather than continuing his story directly, it follows new characters grappling with his lasting impact in a world now dominated by apes.
Planet of the Apes Movies in Release Order
Watching the Planet of the Apes movies in release order lets you experience the franchise the way audiences originally did, from the 1968 classic through the latest chapter. This approach also highlights how the series has evolved over more than five decades.
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)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Planet of the Apes Movies in Chronological Order
If you want to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in story order, start with Caesar’s origin before following the events that lead to the ape-dominated world seen in the original films. This watch order begins with the modern series and then continues with the original Planet of the Apes movies. It ends with the standalone Tim Burton film.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
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)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Planet of the Apes FAQs
How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?
There are 10 live-action Planet of the Apes movies. The franchise includes five films in the original series (1968 – 1973), Tim Burton’s standalone Planet of the Apes (2001), and four films in the modern era beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011).
Do You Need To Watch Planet of the Apes in Order?
No. Each era of the franchise can be enjoyed on its own. However, if you’re watching the latest films, it’s best to start with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, followed by Dawn, War, and Kingdom to experience Caesar’s story and the world that follows.
Is ‘Kingdom’ a Reboot?
No. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes and takes place 300 years later. While it introduces a new cast of characters and begins a new chapter in the franchise, it remains part of the same continuity as the Caesar films of the 2010s.
