How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Exist
The short answer is that there are 13 main Planet of the Apes films: the classic 1960s series (5 films), the 1970s adaptations (2 films), the Tim Burton reboot (1 film), the modern reboot series by 20th Century Fox and Disney (3 films as of 2025), and 4 standalone or planned entries including the upcoming Kingdom. This guide clarifies which titles belong to the core storyline, which are standalone experiments, and how to navigate the franchise chronologically versus by release date.
Original Classic Series (1968–1973)
The foundational arc began with Charlton Heston and established the template for the franchise. These films share a linear continuity and conclude with a definitive fate for humanity and the apes.
Key Entries and Short Summaries
- Planet of the Apes (1968) — Astronaut George Taylor discovers a world ruled by apes.
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) — Taylor ventures into a subterranean society of mutants.
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) — Apes Zira and Cornelius arrive in 1970s Earth.
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) — A grown Caesar leads an ape uprising.
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) — The prequel and conclusion showing Caesar’s origins.
The 1970s Experiments
After the classic run, Fox attempted variations that exist on the fringes of continuity. They are generally considered noncanonical side stories rather than direct sequels or prequels to the core timeline.
- Lord of the Apes (1971, TV movie) — A separate TV film with minimal connection to the main saga.
- Planet of the Apes (1974, TV series) — A serialized TV show that does not align with the film canon.
Tim Burton’s Reboot (2001)
Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes aimed to restart the screen legacy with a big-budget reinterpretation. It resets the origin story but ultimately aligns with the twist ending of the 1968 original, framing the entire narrative as a myth told centuries later.
Modern Reboot Series (2011–2024)
The current continuity began with Rise and established a more naturalistic evolution of intelligence rather than a singular mutation event. It deepened the characterization of Caesar and explored ethical questions around animal experimentation and colonialism. As of 2025, the series includes three main films, with the saga continuing beyond Kingdom.
| Title | Year | Verified Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Origin story for Caesar | Reboots the timeline with a science-driven backstory |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Conflict between apes and humans | Establishes Caesar’s leadership and moral complexity |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | 2017 | Caesar’s final confrontation with humanity | Concludes the original trilogy with high narrative closure |
| Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | 2024 | New generation and society exploration | Extends the timeline into a post-Caesar future |
Upcoming and Announced Projects
Disney and 20th Century Studios have signaled continued investment, with a new trilogy in early development as of 2025. These projects aim to explore different eras and perspectives within the universe without necessarily centering on Caesar, potentially expanding the saga into additional decades and themes.
Navigating the Franchise: Chronological vs. Release Order
Viewers often ask how to watch the series for clarity. Chronologically, the timeline spans from the early experiments that create intelligence, through Caesar’s revolution, to the evolved society glimpsed in Kingdom. For newcomers, the recommended order by release is: Burton (2001), then the modern trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War), followed by Kingdom, while the classic series can be explored separately for historical context.
- Best for narrative clarity: Follow the modern trilogy in release order.
- Best for completists: Watch classics, then Burton, then the modern arc.
- TV series and TV movies are generally optional and nonessential to the core continuity.
FAQs
- How many mainline films are there? Roughly 13 theatrical films are considered part of the primary cinematic lineage, including the classic arc, modern reboot, and the Burton film.
- Is War the end of Caesar’s story? Yes, War for the Planet of the Apes was designed as the conclusion of Caesar’s arc, though the universe continues with new protagonists.
- Are the TV shows canon? The 1974 series and TV movie are generally regarded as noncanonical by most fans and creators.
- Will there be more films after Kingdom? As of 2025, additional films are in development, so the count will rise beyond the current 13.
The Bottom Line
Understanding how many Planet of the Apes movies exist requires distinguishing between core features, side stories, and legacy content. For most viewers, the essential viewing path is the modern trilogy plus Kingdom, while the classic series offers rich backstory for those interested in the saga’s origins. The franchise remains active with new projects on the horizon, ensuring the planet of the apes mythology continues to evolve.