Planet of the Apes original movies in order Planet of the Apes Marathon
Page Last Modified:
4 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Battle for the Planet of the Apes - 1973
Total Runtime:
486 Minutes
Total Items:
5
Average User Score:
(6.4)Planet of the Apes original movies in order
The classic Planet of the Apes films from the 60s and 70s offer a journey through apocalyptic tension, philosophical undertones, and apes in robes. With time travel, flashbacks, and rebellions, the viewing order can become a real puzzle. That's why we've crafted the ultimate Planet of the Apes movie marathon in chronological order. Grab some popcorn, switch your phone to airplane mode, and get ready to be swept away into a world where apes rule and humans whisper.
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1
Planet of the Apes Movie 112 min. 1968Astronaut Taylor crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.USER SCORE 8 -
2
Beneath the Planet of the Apes Movie 95 min. 1970The sole survivor of an interplanetary rescue mission lands on the planet of the apes, and uncovers a horrible secret beneath the surface.USER SCORE 6 -
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Escape from the Planet of the Apes Movie 98 min. 1971The world is shocked by the appearance of three talking chimpanzees, who arrived mysteriously in a spacecraft. Intrigued by their intelligence, humans use them for research - until the apes attempt to escape.USER SCORE 6 -
4
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes Movie 88 min. 1972In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, a chimpanzee named Caesar resurfaces after almost twenty years of hiding from the authorities, and prepares for a revolt against humanity.USER SCORE 6 -
5
Battle for the Planet of the Apes Movie 93 min. 1973The fifth and final episode in the Planet of the Apes series. After the collapse of human civilization, a community of intelligent apes led by Caesar lives in harmony with a group of humans. Gorilla General Aldo tries to cause an ape civil war and a community of human mutants who live beneath a destroyed city try to conquer those whom they perceive as enemies. All leading to the finale.USER SCORE 6
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
We kick off this Planet of the Apes movie marathon with the beginning of the uprising: Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Yes, we start not with the original 1968 film, but welcome to the time travel paradox. In this film, you witness Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, growing up in a world where apes are treated as slaves. The tone is dark, the atmosphere tense, and you can feel we're on the brink of something monumental. Roddy McDowall returns, this time as Caesar, delivering an intense performance that marks the start of the ape uprising. This film lays the groundwork for everything that follows or technically, precedes.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
In this direct sequel to the uprising, you see Caesar attempting to build a peaceful society after the revolution. Gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees now live alongside humans, but tension simmers beneath the surface. Battle for the Planet of the Apes is less bombastic than its predecessor but essential in the timeline. Expect philosophical discussions about power, justice, and the future of the species. The film also delves deeper into the origins of the ape lawgiver and the first outlines of the intelligent ape society as we later know it. Bonus points if you catch the subtle parallels with human history.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
It's finally time for the classic the film that started it all (but actually comes later in the timeline): Planet of the Apes (1968). Director Franklin J. Schaffner and actor Charlton Heston (as George Taylor) set a sci-fi milestone that remains legendary to this day. Taylor's crash landing on an unknown planet, his discovery of an ape culture, and that iconic Statue of Liberty twist make this an absolute must-see. What truly captivates is how the post-apocalyptic Earth and themes of humanity, power, and evolution come together in a visual and narrative masterpiece. Pro tip: watch this with friends who have never seen it and count the seconds to their "oh my god" moment.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
This sequel picks up directly after the events of the first film but introduces a new protagonist: Brent, played by James Franciscus. He's searching for Taylor but soon discovers there's more beneath the surface literally. Beneath the Planet of the Apes introduces telepathic mutants and their bizarre worship of a nuclear bomb. Don't worry, Nova (Linda Harrison) is back, as is Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans). The atmosphere is darker, the action more intense, and the allegories even deeper. Brace yourself for a climax that further elevates the franchise's philosophical tone.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
After all the chaos of the previous film, Escape from the Planet of the Apes takes a completely different turn. Cornelius and Zira (played by Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter) travel back in time to contemporary (for them) Los Angeles. This film is clever, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking. The apes are now studied by humans, and the roles are literally reversed. But beneath that lighter layer lies a serious threat, as humanity realizes what their future holds... the atmosphere turns grim. Don Taylor directs a surprisingly emotional installment in the Planet of the Apes timeline, with an ending that stays with you.
Why This Order Works
This chronological viewing order Conquest, Battle, Planet, Beneath, Escape might seem like a brain teaser, but trust us: it works. You follow the rise of Caesar, the creation of the ape society, the downfall of humanity, and ultimately the time travel that turns everything upside down. It's a brilliant paradox that fits perfectly into the rich lore of this classic Planet of the Apes franchise. Watching the films in this order allows you to see how themes of power, fear, and evolution build over the timeline, giving you a much richer understanding of the evolutionary cycle for which the franchise is so famous.
Extras for the True Fans
Want to dive even deeper into the ape lore? There are the Planet of the Apes TV series (1974) and Planet of the Apes comics that further expand the universe. In the TV series, we follow Galen (again played by Roddy McDowall the man is basically the heartbeat of the franchise) along with two human travelers in an alternate timeline. The comics, based on the original story by Pierre Boulle, delve deeper into the hierarchy of gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees, providing extra context to the ape lawgiver and the evolution of their society. Perfect for when your marathon didn't feel long enough.
Retro Sci-Fi at Its Best
What makes these films so timeless is how they deliver sharp social commentary beneath their retro vibe think rubber ape masks, funky soundtracks, and seventies aesthetics. Whether it's about nuclear apocalypses, racism, or power structures, Planet of the Apes is never just popcorn entertainment. It's science fiction with a soul. And trust us, once you're hooked on this world, you'll view even the smallest details from the forbidden zone to the mutant underground cult with new eyes.
Plan Your Perfect Ape Marathon
So, do you want to spend a weekend lost in a world where apes talk, humans are silent, and everything begins with a time travel twist? Then this Planet of the Apes movie marathon is your ultimate escape. Invite some friends, put a few bananas on the table (you know you want to), and binge-watch this classic sci-fi franchise in the only order that truly works. Don't forget to take breaks for trivia discussions or just to process what you've seen. Because in the world of Planet of the Apes, the question always arises: who is the real ape here?