Planet of the Apes Franchise Overview
The Planet of the Apes series includes the original 1968 film and its direct sequels, plus the modern reboot trilogy that began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. The reboot trilogy consists of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes, all produced by 20th Century Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures following the 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets. The original five films were produced by Arthur P. Jacobs and released by 20th Century Fox between 1968 and 1973, with the 2001 Tim Burton remake standing as a standalone entry. The franchise is based on Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel and holds a lasting position in science fiction cinema history Forbes.
Correct Viewing Order Explained
To watch the franchise in chronological story order, begin with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, followed by Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and conclude with War for the Planet of the Apes. The original 1968 Planet of the Apes and its sequels follow a separate timeline and are best viewed after the modern trilogy for a complete historical perspective. The 2001 Tim Burton film is a standalone adaptation and does not connect to either series. Streaming platforms often group the films by release date rather than narrative chronology, so checking the plot sequence before starting is essential IMDb.
Where to Watch Planet of the Apes in Order
As of the latest available streaming data, the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy is available on Disney+, which is the primary home for 20th Century Studios content following the Disney-Fox merger. The original 1968 film and its sequels rotate between streaming platforms and digital rental services, with availability on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for purchase or rental. Subscription services like Hulu and Max have carried select entries in the past, but current licensing agreements mean the exact catalog changes frequently. Always verify the current streaming status directly on the platform before subscribing JustWatch.
Digital Purchase and Physical Media Options
Digital purchase options for the full series are available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu, typically priced between $9.99 and $14.99 per film in HD. Physical media collectors can find the original series and the reboot trilogy on Blu-ray and DVD through major retailers, with box sets often including bonus features and behind-the-scenes content. The 4K Ultra HD remaster of the original 1968 film was released in 2023, offering improved picture quality for modern displays. Physical media remains the most reliable way to own the films permanently without worrying about streaming licensing changes Blu-ray.com.
Streaming Platforms and Release Timeline
The modern reboot trilogy follows a clear release timeline: Rise of the Planet of the Apes premiered on August 5, 2011, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes on July 11,