Hey guys! Ever been utterly confused by the Planet of the Apes franchise? You're definitely not alone. With reboots, sequels, and all sorts of time-travel shenanigans, it's easy to get lost in the jungle. But don't worry, I've got your back! This full Planet of the Apes timeline guide is here to untangle the knotted vines of this iconic series. We're talking about everything from the original 1968 classic to the latest installments, so you can finally understand how it all fits together. Buckle up, because we're about to swing through the Planet of the Apes universe, and it's gonna be a wild ride!

The Original Saga: A Blast from the Past

Alright, let's kick things off with the OG Planet of the Apes movies. These films are the foundation upon which the entire franchise is built. They introduced us to the concept of apes ruling the world and humans being the hunted, which was pretty mind-blowing back in the day, right? So, here’s a breakdown:

Planet of the Apes (1968)

This is where it all started. A group of astronauts crash-land on a planet ruled by intelligent apes and where humans are considered primitive creatures. Charlton Heston, in his prime, plays the lead astronaut, Taylor. He quickly discovers the harsh reality of their world. The apes, led by the wise chimpanzee Zaius and the ambitious gorilla General Ursus, are the dominant species, and humans are treated as little more than animals. The film is famous for its shocking twist ending, which revealed the astronauts were actually on Earth all along, but far in the future, devastated by nuclear war. That ending still resonates today, proving the power of a good plot twist, and of course, it makes you think about how we treat our planet.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

This film picks up right where the first one left off. Another astronaut mission is sent to find Taylor. They encounter a hidden, underground city of humans with telekinetic powers. These humans worship a nuclear bomb, which, you guessed it, eventually goes off. The planet is destroyed, which is kind of a bummer, but hey, it sets the stage for the next few films. This sequel leans heavily into the darker side of the franchise, showcasing religious fanaticism and the destructive nature of humanity. It’s definitely not a feel-good movie, but it expands the universe in interesting, albeit depressing, ways.

Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Here’s where things get wild! Two ape scientists, Cornelius and Zira, who escaped the destruction of the planet, travel back in time to the 20th century. They become a sensation but are soon hunted by humans who fear their intelligence and potential threat. The film offers a unique perspective by showing the apes' experience in our time. The film is a clever satire of human paranoia and prejudice, using the apes as a mirror to reflect our own flaws. The ending is bittersweet, as Cornelius and Zira are killed, but their son, eventually known as Caesar, is born, thus ensuring the continuity of the ape uprising.

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, is now an adult in a world where apes are slaves. He leads a rebellion against the human oppressors, starting the ape revolution we know and love. This movie is a bit more action-packed and violent than the previous ones, reflecting the social and political climate of the time. The film is a powerful depiction of resistance and the fight for freedom, which explores themes of slavery, discrimination, and the struggle for liberation. Caesar's journey from a frightened child to a revolutionary leader is a truly compelling one.

Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

Caesar leads the apes in a battle against the remaining human forces. The film explores the aftermath of the ape revolution and the challenges of building a new society. Caesar struggles to maintain peace between the apes and the humans, which creates internal conflict within the ape society. The film is a commentary on post-war societies and the difficulty of rebuilding after conflict. Despite the hardships, Caesar strives for harmony, even if it feels far off. The film ultimately gives a message of hope, with the apes and humans tentatively building a better future together, a world where both species can coexist.

The Reboot Trilogy: A New Dawn

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we got a fresh take on the Planet of the Apes story. The reboot trilogy brought in new technology, better special effects, and a more modern sensibility to the franchise. This trilogy focuses on Caesar, the genetically enhanced chimpanzee, and explores the origins of the ape uprising.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

This movie sets the stage for the entire reboot series. Caesar is born as a result of genetic experiments on apes. He develops intelligence and empathy, and after witnessing the mistreatment of apes, he leads a rebellion. This movie acts as the origin story. The film is a mix of science fiction and drama, showing how Caesar becomes the leader of the apes. The film explores themes of animal rights, scientific ethics, and the potential consequences of genetic engineering.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Years after the events of Rise, the apes have built a society in the forests. They come into conflict with a group of human survivors, and tensions rise. The film is a visually stunning exploration of the challenges of coexistence. The film explores themes of war, prejudice, and the importance of empathy. The apes and humans struggle to find common ground. The film's compelling story and intense action sequences make it an outstanding watch.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

This is where the reboot trilogy climaxes. Caesar leads the apes in a brutal war against the humans. The film deals with loss, sacrifice, and the evolution of the apes. The film is a poignant and visually spectacular conclusion to Caesar's story. Caesar must make difficult choices to secure the future of his people. The film's powerful themes of survival and leadership make it a memorable entry in the franchise.

The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Set many generations after Caesar's reign, the story follows a young ape as he questions the teachings of his ancestors and encounters a young human woman. This is a chance to see a new story unfold. This new installment promises to explore the long-term impact of Caesar's revolution and the complex relationship between apes and humans in a post-apocalyptic world. The movie features stunning visuals, as well as a great continuation of the legacy.

Spin-offs

While the main series is the core of the franchise, there are also some spin-offs that you might want to check out, especially if you're a die-hard fan. These include animated series, comic books, and other media. These extra stories give even more detail to the Planet of the Apes universe.

How to Watch the Planet of the Apes Movies in Order

Okay, so you're ready to dive in, but where do you start? Here’s a simple guide to watching the Planet of the Apes movies in chronological order of their release:

1. Planet of the Apes (1968)
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
7. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
8. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
9. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Alternatively, if you want to watch them in chronological order of the in-universe timeline, it's a bit more complex, but here it is:

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
4. Planet of the Apes (1968) (Followed by Beneath the Planet of the Apes)
5. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
6. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
7. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! The complete Planet of the Apes timeline, from the original movies to the latest reboots. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started, I hope this guide helps you navigate the ape-filled world with ease. So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy the ride. And remember, keep your eyes on the trees – you never know who might be watching!