The Planet of the Apes franchise is a cinematic saga that has captivated audiences for decades with its thought-provoking themes and thrilling narratives. If you’re wondering How Many Planet Of The Apes Movies Are There, you’re in for a journey through a rich and evolving series. From its groundbreaking origins to its modern resurgence, the Planet of the Apes saga is more than just a collection of films; it’s a complex tapestry of timelines, reboots, and enduring questions about humanity and society.
Counting All the Planet of the Apes Movies
Currently, there are ten Planet of the Apes movies in total, encompassing the original series, a reboot, and a new modern trilogy that has recently expanded with a fourth installment. This number reflects the main theatrical releases and does not include TV series or other adaptations. To truly understand the scope of the franchise, it’s helpful to break down the movies into their respective series and understand the different eras they represent.
The Original Planet of the Apes Series (1968-1973)
The saga began with the iconic 1968 Planet of the Apes, a film that delivered one of cinema’s most memorable twist endings. Following its success, four sequels were produced, extending the storyline and exploring different facets of the ape-dominated world and its origins. Interestingly, the sequels played with time and chronology, creating a somewhat convoluted but fascinating timeline. If you’re aiming for story-chronological order within this original series, you’d actually start with Escape from the Planet of the Apes. However, for a first-time viewer, release order is generally recommended to appreciate the narrative progression as it was originally presented.
Here’s the list of the original five Planet of the Apes movies in their release order:
- 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 (1973)
These films, while varying in critical reception, collectively built the foundation of the Planet of the Apes universe, introducing key characters and concepts that continue to resonate within the franchise.
The Reboot Era and Beyond
In 2001, a reboot of Planet of the Apes directed by Tim Burton was released. This film offered a different take on the source material and, while visually distinct, did not spawn further sequels. It stands as a singular entry in the overall franchise.
Then, in 2011, a new era began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. This film successfully rebooted the continuity, focusing on the origins of ape intelligence and the beginnings of the conflict with humanity. Rise was followed by two critically acclaimed sequels, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, forming a compelling trilogy that explored complex themes with stunning visual effects and motion-capture performances.
Most recently, the franchise has expanded again with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, released in 2024. This film is set many generations after the events of War and marks a new chapter in the saga, suggesting further movies could be on the horizon.
Here are the Planet of the Apes movies from the reboot era and beyond in release order:
- Planet of the Apes (2001) – Reboot
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – Reboot Series
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – Reboot Series
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Reboot Series
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) – New Chapter
This modern series has been praised for its sophisticated storytelling, visual effects, and exploration of relevant social and ethical issues, breathing new life into the Planet of the Apes for a contemporary audience.
Planet of the Apes Movies in Release Order: The Complete List
For those wanting to experience the entire cinematic journey of the Planet of the Apes as it unfolded in theaters, here is a complete list of all ten movies in release order:
- 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 (1973)
- 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)
In conclusion, as of 2024, there are ten Planet of the Apes movies. Whether you prefer to delve into the chronological complexities of the original series or follow the compelling narrative of the reboots, there’s a wealth of ape-centric cinema to explore. The enduring popularity and continued expansion of the Planet of the Apes franchise solidify its place as a cornerstone of science fiction cinema.
