As a longtime fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise, I must admit that the series took a turn for the worse during the 70s and 80s with films like Battle for the Planet of the Apes and Battle. It was disheartening to see the once-intriguing concept of apes ruling over humans devolve into campy and lackluster productions.
As a movie critic, I’ve had the chance to witness the latest addition to the Planet of the Apes saga – the fourth installment in the series, titled “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
In simpler terms, the upcoming movie’s plot is set hundreds of years following the 2017 release of “War for the Planet of the Apes,” where Andy Serkis portrayed Caesar in the concluding chapter of the prequel series.
The film not only serves as an introduction to the initial Apes franchise from 1968, but also adds complexity to its timeline. In simpler terms, it’s the first part of a story that started in 1968, and understanding the sequence of events might be a bit challenging.
Interested in the best way to experience the Planet of the Apes franchise? Look no further! In this article from RadioTines.com, we’ll cover two methods for watching these groundbreaking films: following their release order and organizing them according to chronology. Let’s dive in!
The Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order
If you’re planning to watch the rebooted Star Trek trilogy and the original films, it would be helpful to keep in mind that the stories told in the rebooted series have branched off into their own separate timeline. Therefore, it is recommended that you watch them in the following order:
- 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 (1974)
As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: Tim Burton’s 2001 reboot of “Planet of the Apes” is an option that’s been met with criticism. You could choose to observe the contrasts between this version and the original 1969 film by watching them back-to-back. Alternatively, you might prefer saving Burton’s adaptation as a surprise treat at the end of your “Planet of the Apes” movie marathon.
As a passionate cinephile, I’d describe it this way: This film stands alone in the series with no clear placement in the narrative timeline. It’s up to each viewer to decide where they believe it belongs for an optimal viewing experience.
How to watch the Planet of the Apes movies in release order
Based on my personal experience as a long-time fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise, I strongly believe that following the release order is the best way to approach watching these films. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it’s all about avoiding confusion and keeping things simple.
A beneficial perspective is to consider this in light of how the films from the ’60s appear outdated today, and it’s a convenient position to be in as we anticipate the upcoming movie, scheduled following the latest release. Here’s the complete list of their release orders:
- 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 (1974)
- 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 (1968)
Back in the late ’60s, Planet of the Apes was where the story began. And believe it or not, this classic film remains an engaging watch 42 years after its initial release. Admittedly, the shocking twist at the end may no longer pack the same punch due to its widespread popularity, comparable to Luke’s father revelation in Star Wars. Nevertheless, this groundbreaking cinematic experience continues to be a standout. It sets the stage for the intriguing world populated by apes and undeniably tops the original series.
Read our full review
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
In simpler terms, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” takes an unusual turn. Charlton Heston, who starred in the initial film, asked to be written out but the writers went beyond this by destroying the world through nuclear war. This left them facing a challenge in moving forward with the plot. The movie isn’t terrible, but it can be tedious at times and its flaws outweigh its strengths – nonetheless, there are some commendable aspects to it.
Read our full review
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
What’s a solution when your storyline involves destroying the world of your franchise? The answer: Travel through time. In “Escape from the Planet of the Apes,” we have three apes leaping into the 1970s and encountering humans who find talking apes bizarre. Despite the absurdity, the writers approach the topic with a degree of seriousness, resulting in an engaging and surprisingly believable third installment.
Read our full review
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
In the second-to-last film of the original series, the foundation is weak despite having certain appealing scenes. A pandemic has led to the extinction of cats and dogs, leaving humans desperate for companionship or labor. They turn to apes instead, but Caesar and his ape allies are unhappy with this arrangement and rebel against humanity in an attempt to create a new society. While there are glimpses of a good movie, it unfortunately follows a trend that would worsen with the fifth installment.
Read our full review
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The series’ comeback to the big screen is a relief, as the original film series concluded disappointingly. Battle for the Planet of the Apes, in particular, missed the mark and failed to deliver an intriguing new setup. Now, apes are in control, while humans have been relegated to secondary roles. Sadly, the franchise’s initial appeal seemed to fade at this juncture. The ensuing 27-year hiatus may have been necessary for a fresh start.
Read our full review
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Although not as disastrous as its public image implies, Tim Burton’s Mark Wahlberg-led reboot failed to impress overall and feels out of sync with the rest of the franchise. Occasional bright spots exist, but they are scarce. It comes as no shock that two of the film’s writers also penned Superman IV: The Quest for Peace – it could have been worse.
Read our full review
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
After a decade-long absence from the series, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, featuring James Franco, marked its comeback in an impressive way. The storyline took place during normal Earth conditions and detailed the genesis of the catastrophic event that decimated humanity (my apologies for the repetition). This opening installment of the new trilogy skillfully depicted Caesar’s rise to power and quest for freedom, setting the stage for an even more captivating continuation.
Read our full review
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Dawn, we move forward in the timeline, picking up from where we ended in the first installment of this prequel trilogy. This sequel not only continues the story but also adds depth and intensity – offering an engaging and thrilling experience. The human characters, including Jason Clark’s consistent performance, add depth to the narrative. However, it is the apes, particularly Caesar and Kobe, whose complex dynamics and escalating conflict keep us hooked. This tension reaches a dramatic peak, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thought-provoking series.
Read our full review
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
As a longtime fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise, I can confidently say that the rebooted series reached new heights with the third installment. The way this movie deepened the conflict between apes and humans left me utterly captivated. Each of the three films in this new era is exceptional, but this one stands out for me as the best. The plot is intriguing, and the ending is both devastating and hopeful – it leaves you feeling a mix of emotions that stays with you long after the credits roll. Not only does it stand tall among the other movies in this franchise, but I believe it deserves recognition as one of the best films released in 2017. The way it seamlessly blends action, drama, and thought-provoking themes is truly remarkable. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the genre or anyone looking for an engaging and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Read our full review
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
In May, the newest chapter of the Planet of the Apes series, titled “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” premieres in cinemas. This film is a follow-up to “War of the Planet of the Apes” from 2017, but it’s set 300 years later, with apes having taken over the planet. The teachings of Caesar, as portrayed in the previous movie, have been twisted by his successor. The story then focuses on a chimpanzee hunter and a human girl joining forces to decide their respective futures.
At Amazon, you have the option to purchase The Planet of the Apes trilogy in high definition 4K, or you could go for the regular Blu-ray edition instead.
How many Planet of the Apes movies are there?
In the Planet of the Apes series, there are currently ten films available. The first five were released between 1968 and 1973.
There’s also the 2001 reboot and its following three prequels.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the 10th film, landed in cinemas on 9th May 2024.
Are there any upcoming Planet of the Apes movies?
At present, there aren’t any more verified films in the series announced. However, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes subtly hints at potential continuations.
In my perspective as a movie critic, it’s clear that Wes Ball had a long-term vision for this film series from the start. He shared with Empire magazine, “We planned this as a trilogy from the get-go. We had ambitious goals for where the story could head and how it would fit into the larger narrative of these movies. So I’m currently in discussions with the studio about the next chapter.”
In his remarks, he stated: “The past three films signified an ending. They marked the conclusion of the Moses saga. They symbolized the demise of mankind. Amidst the ruins of these productions, we envisioned nurturing a fresh tree for ascension.”
“This movie is very much about the beginning of something.”
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes landed in UK cinemas on Thursday 9th May 2024.
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2024-07-23 19:34