To watch the Planet of the Apes movies in order, start with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), continue with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), then War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). Together known as the reboot trilogy, these films focus on Caesar’s story and are widely available on major subscription streaming tiers or via digital rental or purchase. For the original series, see the curated list below that maps each title to current purchase, rental, or subscription options in the U.S.
| Title | Year | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes | 1968 | Classic theatrical film | Studio catalog |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes | 1970 | Classic sequel | Studio catalog |
| Escape from the Planet of the Apes | 1971 | Classic continuation | Studio catalog |
| Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | 1972 | Classic entry | Studio catalog |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973 | Classic finale | Studio catalog |
| Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes | 2001 | Standalone reboot | Studio release |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes | 2011 | Reboot trilogy start | Studio release |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2014 | Reboot trilogy middle | Studio release |
| War for the Planet of the Apes | Reboot trilogy end | Studio release |
Watch the Reboot Trilogy in Order
The reboot trilogy directed by Matt Reeves presents a grounded, Caesar-centric origin story. The recommended sequence aligns with narrative chronology and preserves key emotional and thematic throughlines.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Rise explores the creation of Caesar and the intelligence-enhancing virus. Streaming availability commonly includes the top-tier tiers of major U.S. services and digital purchase across platforms.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Dawn shifts to a postviral society where Caesar leads a colony amid fragile coexistence with humans. Typically featured in standard or enhanced streaming plans and widely rented or purchased digitally.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
War concludes Caesar’s arc with a focused conflict and darker tone. Generally accessible at the same streaming, rental, and purchase levels as its predecessors across U.S. platforms.
Original Film Series Overview
The original five films present a distinct timeline in which an astronaut discovers a planet where apes dominate and humans are mute. These classics are often bundled in collections and remain available through most legacy catalog offerings.
Current U.S. Availability Snapshot
Terms and catalog placement vary by platform and region; check your service for active streams or temporary windows. The table below maps typical U.S. options at the time of writing.
| Title | Typical U.S. Subscription Access | Typical U.S. Digital Rental | Typical U.S. Digital Purchase | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes (1968) | Often in legacy catalog or premium add-on | Moderate | Moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) | Often in legacy catalog or premium add-on | Moderate | Moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Escape from the Planet of the Appes (1971) | Often in legacy catalog or premium add-on | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) | Often in legacy catalog or premium add-on | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) | Often in legacy catalog or premium add-on | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001) | Variable; may appear in premium or rotating catalogs | Moderate | Moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) | Common in top subscription tiers | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) | Common in standard or enhanced tiers | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
| War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) | Common in standard or enhanced tiers | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Studio and platform data |
How to Watch in Order for First-Time Viewers
- If you want the rebooted Caesar story: start with Rise, continue to Dawn, then finish with War.
- If you prefer the classic series: begin with Planet of the Apes (1968) and proceed through Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973).
- If you want both contexts: watch the original five first, then the reboot trilogy to compare continuity and filmmaking approaches.
Streaming and Purchase Options
Households often combine a subscription tier that includes one or more films with à la carte rentals or purchases for any missing titles. Digital platforms commonly allow 48-hour rental windows and permanent purchase access where available; physical media remains an option for collectors.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Viewing Path
Reboot films emphasize character-driven storytelling and visual effects, while the originals are known for their sociological themes and iconic imagery. Deciding which order to watch affects tone perception, given the escalating stakes and shifting audience expectations across decades of filmmaking.
Final Recommendation
For most viewers seeking a complete experience, start with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, proceed through War for the Planet of the Apes, then explore the original series if desired. Confirm current U.S. streaming availability on your platform of choice, and use digital rental or purchase to fill gaps where necessary.