How Many Planet of the Apes Films Actually Exist
The Original Saga — Five Films That Started It All
The core mythology runs through five theatrical releases spanning 1968 to 1973. Each entry builds on the last, creating a tight narrative loop. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how many planet of the apes films.
1. Planet of the Apes (1968)
Charlton Heston crash-lands on a forbidden shore. The twist at the end remains one of cinema's greatest bombshells. This first film redefined science fiction.
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
A second crew arrives. They discover a hidden race of mutated humans worshipping a doomsday bomb. The tone turns darker, more desperate.
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
Time travel flips the script. Cornelius and Zira journey backward to mid-century America. This entry offers sharp social satire and emotional weight.
4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Caesar emerges as the reluctant revolutionary. His father's death sparks a violent uprising. The film paints a brutal picture of systemic oppression.
5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The final chapter closes the original loop. Caesar fights to preserve peace between species. It ends on a note of fragile, uncertain hope.
The Tim Burton Reboot — A Single Dark Reimagining
One 2001 film stands apart. Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes offered a stylized, gothic take on the material. Mark Wahlberg starred in a confused timeline. The ending deliberately subverted the famous original twist. Fans split sharply over this version.
The Modern Reboot Trilogy — Three Films That Redefined the Franchise
The series revived with three films starring Andy Serkis. These movies focused on Caesar's personal journey from lab subject to revolutionary leader.
1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
A genetic cure gives apes intelligence and rage. The breakout performance of Caesar anchors the entire story. Visually groundbreaking motion capture drove the success.
2. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
A fragile truce collapses in San Francisco. The film explores communication breakdown and fear. It earned an Oscar nomination for visual effects. Check the official 20th Century Studios page for details on the production here.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
A vengeful colonel hunts Caesar's colony. The story reaches a tragic, inevitable climax. The trilogy ends with a powerful sense of sacrifice and legacy.
The Recent Television Additions
Streaming platforms expanded the narrative. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes arrived in 2024 as a full theatrical film. A Netflix series titled "Tales of the Fallen Kingdom" is also in active development. These projects explore different eras within the same universe. The total count now includes numerous spin-offs beyond the core series.
So, Exactly How Many Films Are There?
Adding the core run, the reboot, and the new theatrical entry yields a specific number. The original five films, plus Burton's one film, plus the new trilogy, plus the 2024 release brings the total count to ten theatrical films. If you count the Netflix series as well, the franchise stretches even further. The exact number depends on where you draw the line between film and television.