The Planet of the Apes movies have taken us on an out-of-this-world journey spanning over 50 years of mind-bending sci-fi madness. From the original 1968 shocker to the stunning modern trilogy, this genre-defining saga has delivered some of cinema’s greatest twists and turns.
So let’s swing into the thick of it – here’s the chronological order to watch the Planet of the Apes flicks from ape-pocalyptic past to simian-ruled future. Just try not to go too ape!
What are all the movies of Planet of the Apes in chronological order?
Planet of the Apes (1968)
It all started here with the mind-blowing original that left audiences’ jaws on the floor. Charlton Heston gives an all-time great performance as an astronaut who crash lands on a seemingly alien world…that’s actually a post-apocalyptic future Earth ruled by super-intelligent apes. That iconic climactic reveal still hits like a sledgehammer today.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
This first official sequel sees another astronaut arriving on the ape-controlled planet looking for his missing crew, including Heston’s character. While not as acclaimed as the original, it’s an entertainingly weird sci-fi romp featuring a cult of human worshippers – because why not, right?
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
In a clever twist, this fan-favorite chapter has intelligent apes Zira and Cornelius escaping to…1970s Los Angeles. Seeing these apes interacting with modern humans makes for some hilariously awkward moments and insightful social commentary. It’s like Planet of the Apes meets The Odd Couple!
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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Set shortly after Escape, Conquest depicts the events leading to the ape uprising, with Caesar taking center stage as the leader of a growing ape resistance. It’s pretty heavy stuff exploring racism and rebellion themes, setting the stage for the original 1968 movie’s shocking ape-pocalypse.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
In this lower-budgeted final chapter, Caesar aims for peaceful coexistence between humans and apes after their climactic battle for control. While it doesn’t exactly stick the landing, it’s a unique twist with flashes of the franchise’s trademark social satire.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
The saga begins with the slick sci-fi thriller that rebooted the franchise for a new generation. Andy Serkis shines (get it?) as the brilliant ape Caesar, leading a rebellion fueled by genetic engineering gone wrong. This is where it all started going properly ape for humanity – you’ll never look at a bagel the same way again.
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In this gritty follow-up, the apes have formed an organized society while the few remaining humans cling to survival. With incredible motion-capture performances and intense action, Dawn brings the ape uprising into gut-punching focus as the two species teeter on the brink of war. Cue ominous drum beats.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The jaw-droppingly powerful trilogy conclusion finds Caesar leading his tribe into a final showdown with a ruthless human tyrant, played with terrifying intensity by Woody Harrelson. Packed with drama, heartbreak, and ape-solutely awe-inspiring visuals, War is hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. Have your tissues ready, primates.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
This upcoming sequel to the modern trilogy leaps into the future again, set years after the events of War. Expect to see Apes society further evolve with different clans, crumbling human civilization, and a brand new ape protagonist keeping Caesar’s teachings alive. Can this franchise stay untamed and gripping in its next evolution?
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There you have it, you mad mugs – the full, chronological lay of the lanteru for this iconic, era-spanning sci-fi franchise. Whether you’re a die-hard simian cinephile or just looking to go apey for the first time, immerse yourself in the twisted future history of the Planet of the Apes. J
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