Many movie fans wonder how many Planet of the Apes movies were made across theatrical releases, reboots, and streaming specials. The franchise includes legacy sequels, modern blockbusters, and experimental shorts that expand the mythology.
This guide organizes the key eras, standout titles, and release patterns so you can quickly understand the full scope of the series. You will find a detailed timeline table and focused sections for each major phase.
| Era | Key Title(s) | Year Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Film Series | Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes | 1968–1973 | Classic trilogy with Charlton Heston, established the core premise. |
| TV Movies and Spin-offs | Planet of the Apes (TV Movie), Back to the Planet of the Apes | 1974, 1975 | Small-screen efforts that extended the universe between films. |
| Tim Burton Reboot | Planet of the Apes | 2001 | A reimagined origin story starring Tim Burton and Mark Wahlberg. |
| Modern CGI Reboot Series | Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes | 2011–2017 | Critically acclaimed, performance-capture-led trilogy focusing on Caesar. |
| Spin-off and Future Projects | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and announced further stories | 2024 onward | New ongoing narrative set generations after War. |
Original Film Series Overview
The original era laid the foundation with thought-provoking sci-fi and iconic imagery.
Key Theatrical Releases
The first run delivered landmark concepts, from astronaut crash-lands to philosophical confrontations.
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Tim Burton Reboot in 2001
Tim Burton’s take offered a darker, stylized vision that revisited the original concept with modern visual effects.
Though a standalone film, it spurred renewed interest and set the stage for more advanced interpretations of the story.
Modern CGI Reboot Trilogy
Rise, Dawn, and War for the Planet of the Apes redefined motion capture storytelling and character-driven sci-fi.
These sequels expanded the mythology, explored ape society, and deepened the emotional stakes around Caesar and his legacy.
Spin-offs and Future Developments
Recent projects such as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes continue the saga while introducing new characters and settings.
Ongoing discussions about additional films indicate that the franchise will keep evolving beyond the current arcs.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
The franchise remains influential for its themes of evolution, identity, and society.
- Recognized milestones in visual effects and performance capture
- Strong narrative arcs that respect earlier material
- Cross-generational storytelling from classic to modern reboots
- Cultural impact beyond cinema into games and literature
- Ongoing development ensures the world will keep expanding
FAQ
Reader questions
How many main theatrical Planet of the Apes movies exist?
There are five core theatrical features: the original trilogy, Tim Burton’s 2001 reboot, and the modern trilogy.
Do the TV movies count in the official series list?
Yes, there are two TV movies that bridge eras and expand the timeline outside the main theatrical releases.
Are the animated specials part of the numbered total?
The animated projects are supplementary stories and generally excluded from the main feature count.
What is the latest Planet of the Apes release as of now?
The newest theatrical entry is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, continuing the saga in a new generation.