Planet Of The Apes In Order: Your Ultimate Guide To The Franchise

03 May, 2025

Let’s talk about something that’s been a massive part of pop culture for decades: the Planet of the Apes franchise. If you’re here, chances are you’ve either seen one of the movies, heard about them, or just want to dive into this incredible universe. Well, buckle up because we’re about to take a deep dive into the world where apes rule and humans… well, not so much.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why should I care about the order of the Planet of the Apes movies?” Trust me, it’s more important than you think. The franchise has been around since 1968, and with reboots, sequels, and spin-offs, things can get a little messy. But don’t worry, we’re here to untangle that mess for you. This guide is your ultimate roadmap to navigating the Planet of the Apes universe in chronological order.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who’s curious, this article will give you all the info you need. From the original classics to the modern reboots, we’ve got you covered. So grab some popcorn, hit play on your favorite ape-themed playlist, and let’s get started!

The Origin of Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes in Chronological Order
The Original Series: A Blast from the Past
The Reboot Series: A New Dawn
Key Characters: Who’s Who in the Ape World?
Themes and Messages: What’s the Big Idea?
Behind the Scenes: How It All Came Together
Comparison: Original vs. Reboot
The Future of Planet of the Apes
Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?

The Origin of Planet of the Apes

Alright, let’s rewind to the very beginning. The Planet of the Apes didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It all started with a book written by a French author named Pierre Boulle. Yes, you heard that right—a French dude came up with this crazy idea. The book, titled “Monkey Planet” (or “La Planète des Singes” in French), was published in 1963 and became the foundation for the entire franchise.

Fast forward to 1968, and Hollywood decided to bring this story to life on the big screen. The first movie, simply titled “Planet of the Apes,” became a massive hit. It wasn’t just a sci-fi flick; it was a commentary on society, politics, and human nature. And let’s not forget that iconic twist ending that left everyone jaw-dropped.

Why Did It Resonate So Much?

There are a few reasons why the original Planet of the Apes resonated with audiences. First, it tackled big issues like racism, discrimination, and the dangers of nuclear war. Second, the special effects were groundbreaking for their time. And third, the performances by the actors, especially Charlton Heston as Taylor, were nothing short of amazing.

Planet of the Apes in Chronological Order

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Planet of the Apes movies don’t follow a straightforward timeline. Some are prequels, some are sequels, and others are reboots. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a chronological list of the movies in the order they take place in the story.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011) – The beginning of Caesar’s journey.
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) – The rise of the ape civilization.
“War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) – The ultimate battle between humans and apes.
“Planet of the Apes” (1968) – Taylor’s discovery of the ape world.
“Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970) – The continuation of Taylor’s journey.
“Escape from the Planet of the Apes” (1971) – The apes travel back to Earth.
“Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” (1972) – The rise of ape rebellion.
“Battle for the Planet of the Apes” (1973) – The final battle for survival.

See? It’s not as confusing as it seems. Just follow this list, and you’ll be good to go.

The Original Series: A Blast from the Past

Let’s talk about the original series for a moment. These movies were groundbreaking in their time and set the tone for the entire franchise. They weren’t just about apes taking over the world; they were about the flaws in human society and the dangers of unchecked power.

What Made Them Special?

A few things made the original series stand out. For one, the makeup was incredible. The ape costumes were so realistic that they became iconic. Plus, the scripts were written by some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Rod Serling of “Twilight Zone” fame. And let’s not forget the twist endings—those things were gold.

The Reboot Series: A New Dawn

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we get the reboot series. These movies are a fresh take on the Planet of the Apes universe, focusing on the rise of Caesar and the conflict between humans and apes. Directed by the legendary Andy Serkis, these films are a masterclass in motion-capture technology.

Why Did It Work?

The reboot series worked because it didn’t just retread old ground. It expanded on the original ideas and introduced new characters and themes. Plus, the performances by Andy Serkis as Caesar were nothing short of breathtaking. The emotional depth he brought to the role made Caesar one of the most memorable characters in recent cinema.

Key Characters: Who’s Who in the Ape World?

Every great story needs great characters, and the Planet of the Apes franchise has plenty of them. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Taylor (Charlton Heston) – The astronaut who lands on the ape planet.
Caesar (Andy Serkis) – The intelligent ape who leads the rebellion.
Dr. Zaius – The orangutan who serves as both a religious leader and a military commander.
Koba – Caesar’s rival who seeks revenge against humans.

Each of these characters brings something unique to the story, and their interactions drive the plot forward.

Themes and Messages: What’s the Big Idea?

The Planet of the Apes franchise is more than just a bunch of movies about apes taking over the world. It’s a commentary on society, politics, and human nature. Some of the key themes include:

Racism and Discrimination – The movies often explore the parallels between ape society and human society when it comes to prejudice.
Power and Corruption – The dangers of unchecked power are a recurring theme throughout the series.
Environmental Destruction – The consequences of human actions on the planet are explored in several films.

Behind the Scenes: How It All Came Together

Every great movie has a great story behind it, and the Planet of the Apes franchise is no exception. From the groundbreaking makeup in the original series to the cutting-edge motion-capture technology in the reboot, there’s a lot to talk about.

The Challenges

One of the biggest challenges was making the apes look believable. In the original series, this meant creating realistic costumes and makeup. In the reboot series, it meant perfecting the motion-capture technology. Both approaches required a lot of time, effort, and creativity.

Comparison: Original vs. Reboot

Now, let’s compare the original series to the reboot. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and both offer something unique to fans of the franchise.

Original Series – More focused on social commentary and twist endings.
Reboot Series – More focused on character development and emotional depth.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer. But either way, both series are worth watching.

The Future of Planet of the Apes

So, what’s next for the Planet of the Apes franchise? While there haven’t been any official announcements, rumors suggest that a new movie or TV series might be in the works. Fans are eager to see where the story will go next, and with the success of the reboot series, it’s only a matter of time before we get more.

Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to the Planet of the Apes franchise. From the original classics to the modern reboots, this series has given us so much to think about and enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of the apes or just someone who appreciates good storytelling, there’s something for everyone here.

So, what’s next? Well, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you watched all the movies? Do you prefer the original series or the reboot? Let me know in the comments below. And if you liked this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends. Who knows? Maybe we’ll start a whole new generation of Planet of the Apes fans!

of the Apes Summary, Characters, & Facts Britannica

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Escape from the of the Apes 20th Century Studios

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