First Released Planet of the Apes Movie
The first Planet of the Apes film in release order is Planet of the Apes, which premiered in 1968 and was produced by 20th Century Fox. It is based on the 1963 novel by Pierre Boulle and launched the long-running franchise that includes multiple sequels, reboots, and spinoffs.
The 1968 film introduced audiences to a world where intelligent apes dominate human-like societies, and it remains the starting point for the classic series. The movie's twist ending and social commentary have made it a landmark in science fiction cinema, influencing later entries in the franchise.
First Movie in the Modern Reboot Timeline
The first film in the modern reboot series is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, released in 2011 and produced by 20th Century Fox and Chernin Entertainment. This film reimagines the origin of Caesar, the chimpanzee who leads ape revolution, and uses advanced motion capture technology to create realistic ape characters.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is set in a near-future Earth and serves as the chronological starting point for the reboot trilogy, followed by Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes. The reboot series focuses on themes of evolution, empathy, and conflict between humans and apes.
How to Watch the Planet of the Apes Movies in Order
Release Order
To watch the franchise as it was released, start with the 1968 Planet of the Apes, followed by its sequels Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. The modern reboot series then begins with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.
Chronological Order
For the story timeline, begin with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which shows the origins of Caesar and the rise of ape intelligence. Continue with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, then watch the 1968 classic and its sequels to see how the original saga connects to the rebooted narrative.