Planet of the Apes Movies in Order: Release Order, Reboot Timeline and What Comes Next

Watch the Planet of the Apes movies in release order: the five original films (1968–1973), Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001), then Rise (2011), Dawn (2014), War (2017) and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024). The franchise is really three separate continuities, so the best first-time route for most viewers is the modern four-film saga starting with Rise.

A new film from director Matt Shakman is in development, but as of November 3, 2026 it has no confirmed title, cast or release date.

Every Planet of the Apes movie in order

Dates for the older films are given as years because sources list different premiere and wide-release days. The modern dates are US releases.

The three continuities, explained

The original series (1968–1973)

Charlton Heston stars in the 1968 original as an astronaut stranded on a world ruled by intelligent apes. Its four sequels run as one story, and Escape and Conquest loop back into the past, so the series plays as a time loop rather than a straight line. All five are worth watching in release order.

Tim Burton’s 2001 film

Burton’s Planet of the Apes, with Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth, is a standalone remake. It does not connect to the original films or to the later reboot, and you can skip it without losing anything.

The Caesar trilogy and Kingdom (2011–2024)

The modern series starts with Rise, with James Franco and Andy Serkis as Caesar, and continues through Dawn and War. Kingdom then jumps forward: Wikipedia places it roughly 300 years after Caesar’s death, with apes dominant and surviving humans largely feral. It is a new story with new leads, including Owen Teague as Noa and Freya Allan as Mae.

The best Planet of the Apes watch order

For newcomers: start with Rise

Begin with Rise of the Planet of the Apes and watch the four modern films in release order. They tell one connected arc and are the quickest way into the franchise.

For classic sci-fi fans: start in 1968

Watch the five original films, then jump to Rise. Treat Burton’s film as optional.

Chronological order

The original series and the reboot are separate timelines, so there is no single in-universe order across all ten films. Within the reboot, the order is the release order: Dawn is set ten years after Rise, War two years after Dawn, and Kingdom about 300 years after that.

TV series and web extras

• Planet of the Apes (CBS, 1974): a live-action series that ran for 14 episodes.
• Return to the Planet of the Apes (NBC, 1975): an animated series with 13 episodes.
• Before the Dawn of the Apes (YouTube, 2014): a three-part web series set in the ten-year gap between Rise and Dawn.

None is required viewing. The web series is the only extra that sits inside the modern story.

Where to watch the Planet of the Apes movies

CBR reported on October 31, 2026 that, starting November 2, HBO Max would carry Rise, Dawn, War and Kingdom. The same report says the 1968 original and its sequels are only available to buy or rent digitally, and that Burton’s film is on Hulu and Disney+. That report does not name a region, so check your local services before planning a marathon.

Kingdom itself reached premium video on demand on July 9, 2024, and streamed on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally from August 2, 2024, according to Wikipedia.

Is there a new Planet of the Apes movie?

Yes, in development, but the details are limited:

• Confirmed: In October 2024, 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell said a new Apes film was in development for an expected 2027 release, per Wikipedia’s account.
• Reported: In May 2026, it was reported that Matt Shakman, the director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, would direct a new film written by Josh Friedman from an original story they developed. Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver are reported as producers alongside Shakman.
• Reported, not confirmed: CBR says the project is reportedly not a direct continuation of Kingdom and may begin a new trilogy. Its own report says few details are confirmed.
• Unknown: no cast, title, shooting schedule or exact release date has been announced. A 2027 release is an expectation, not a dated slot.

Treat the Shakman film as unconfirmed beyond a 2027 expectation until 20th Century Studios announces more.

More franchise marathons

If you are planning a franchise run, see our guides to the Alien movies in order, the Predator movies in order, the Matrix movies in order and the Dune movies in order.

Frequently asked questions

How many Planet of the Apes movies are there?

Ten released films: five original movies, one 2001 remake and four reboot-era films.

What order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies in?

Release order is the cleanest. If you only want the modern saga, watch Rise, Dawn, War and Kingdom.

Do I need to watch the original movies first?

No. The modern films stand on their own, though they nod to the 1968 original.

Is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes a sequel to War?

Yes, in the same reboot continuity. It is set roughly 300 years later and follows new characters.

Is the 2001 Planet of the Apes connected to the others?

No. It is a standalone remake.

Is a new Planet of the Apes movie coming?

A new film is in development with Matt Shakman reported as director, but it has no confirmed release date as of November 3, 2026.

Where can I stream the Planet of the Apes movies?

CBR reported that the four reboot-era films were due on HBO Max from November 2, 2026. Availability varies by country, so check your local services.