William J. Ferrand

The annex · Dossier 04

Planet of the Apes, both ways.

One saga, two valid orders. Chronological follows the story as it unfolds inside the world of the apes; release order follows the films as audiences met them. Pick a lane and commit.

Chronological order

The story-driven experience, following the timeline of events.

  1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)The origin of intelligent apes.
  2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)The early conflict between humans and apes.
  3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)Caesar’s final stand and the fall of humanity’s grip.
  4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) New to the fileGenerations after Caesar: new clans, new tyrants, and what his legacy became.
  5. Planet of the Apes (1968)The classic arrival on a world ruled by apes.
  6. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)A darker sequel beneath the ruined surface.
  7. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)Apes travel back in time to modern-day Earth.
  8. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)The beginning of the ape revolution on Earth.
  9. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)The final conflict between humans and apes.

Release order

The films as the world received them, 1968 to 2024.

  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. Planet of the Apes (reboot) (2001)
  7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
  8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
  9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
  10. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Marginalia

Television

The 1974 series and 1975 animation

A short-lived live-action series and the animated Return to the Planet of the Apes. Not required reading, but they add an interesting layer to the universe.

Standalone

The 2001 reboot

Tim Burton’s remake connects to nothing. Watch it last, as a separate experience, or not at all.