Common Myths About Planet of the Apes Film Count
The most persistent myth is that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes have been released is a fixed number. Many assume the franchise consists solely of the original five films (1968–1973) or the rebooted trilogy (2011–2017). In reality, the count fluctuates depending on what’s included. For instance, the 2001 animated series Planet of the Apes isn’t a movie, but it’s often conflated with the live-action films. Similarly, the canceled Planet of the Apes TV pilot (2000) and the rumored Planet of the Apes 2 (never made) add layers of confusion. Another misconception is that the rebooted trilogy is a direct continuation of the original series. While they share the same title and core premise, the reboot ignores the original’s timeline entirely. This disconnect has led to debates over whether how many movies of *Planet of the Apes should be counted as one cohesive saga or two separate eras. Some fans argue that the reboot’s War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) is the "true" conclusion, while others insist the original’s Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) holds more thematic weight. A third myth is that the franchise is dead. After War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), many assumed the story was complete. Yet rumors of a fourth reboot film persist, proving that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes will ever exist remains an open question. The franchise’s ability to reinvent itself suggests it’s far from over—even if the next installment isn’t guaranteed.Myth 1: The Original Series Has Five Films
On the surface, the answer to how many movies of *Planet of the Apes were made in the original run is indeed five. 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), and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) form a tight, interconnected narrative. Yet even here, the count isn’t absolute. The original film was a standalone dystopian tale, while the sequels expanded its universe into a broader conflict between humans and apes. The sequels introduced new characters, timelines, and even time travel (Escape from the Planet of the Apes), complicating the idea of a linear saga. Some argue that Escape and Conquest should be considered separate stories, not true sequels. This ambiguity has led to debates over whether the original series is a unified five-film arc or a collection of loosely connected ideas. The franchise’s creators, including director Franklin J. Schaffner, never treated it as a rigid continuity—meaning how many movies of *Planet of the Apes "count" depends on perspective.Myth 2: The Reboot Trilogy Is the Only Continuation
The rebooted Planet of the Apes films—Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)—are often presented as the "definitive" version of the story. However, they exist in a parallel universe to the original series. This means that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes are "canon" depends on which timeline one prefers. The reboot ignores the original’s events entirely, starting from scratch with a new cast and premise. What’s often overlooked is that the reboot wasn’t originally intended as a trilogy. Rise was a proof-of-concept, and Dawn was added to expand the story. War was meant to conclude the saga—but rumors of a fourth film suggest that even this isn’t the end. The confusion arises because the reboot’s success led to assumptions that it would follow the original’s five-film structure. In reality, the reboot’s creators had no obligation to match the original’s length, making how many movies of *Planet of the Apes in this era unpredictable.Myth 3: The Franchise Is Finished
The most enduring myth is that the Planet of the Apes franchise has reached its natural conclusion. After War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), many believed the story was complete. Yet in 2022, a new Planet of the Apes film was announced, directed by Matt Reeves (War). This development proves that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes will exist is still an open question. The franchise’s ability to reinvent itself—whether through reboots, spin-offs, or new directors—means it’s far from over. What’s less discussed is how this new film fits into the existing timeline. Will it continue the reboot’s story, or will it introduce a third era? The ambiguity is intentional, as Hollywood often uses franchise fatigue to justify fresh starts. The key takeaway is that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes will ever be made isn’t a fixed number—it’s a moving target shaped by studio decisions, fan demand, and creative reinvention.
What Holds Up to Scrutiny
At its core, the Planet of the Apes franchise consists of two distinct live-action film series: the original five movies (1968–1973) and the rebooted trilogy (2011–2017). These are the only universally recognized entries when discussing how many movies of *Planet of the Apes have been released. The original series is a tight, thematically unified saga, while the reboot offers a modernized take on the same premise. Both eras are complete in their own right, even if the reboot’s future remains uncertain. What’s less clear is whether the upcoming Planet of the Apes film (2024) will be considered part of the reboot or a new chapter. If it continues the story of War, then how many movies of *Planet of the Apes in the reboot era would rise to four. If it introduces a fresh setting, it could mark the start of a third era. The franchise’s adaptability is both its strength and its greatest source of confusion—because it refuses to be boxed into a single definition."The Planet of the Apes franchise has always been about reinvention. Whether it’s the original’s Cold War anxieties or the reboot’s modern political parallels, the story evolves with each telling. That’s why asking ‘how many movies of Planet of the Apes’ is like asking how many ways you can tell the same myth—there’s no single answer." — Film critic and franchise historian, 2023
| Common Belief | What the Evidence Says |
|---|---|
| The original series has five films. | True, but the sequels diverge thematically and temporally from the first film. |
| The reboot trilogy is the only continuation. | False—it’s a parallel universe to the original series. |
| The franchise is over after War for the Planet of the Apes. | False—a new film is in development, making the count uncertain. |
| Animated series count as movies. | No—they’re separate adaptations, not part of the live-action film count. |
Why the Confusion Persists
The ambiguity around how many movies of *Planet of the Apes exist stems from Hollywood’s treatment of franchises as flexible brands. The original series was a product of its time—a reaction to 1960s social upheaval—while the reboot was a response to 21st-century political divisions. Each iteration serves a different purpose, making it difficult to reconcile them under a single umbrella. Studios often prioritize financial returns over narrative consistency, leading to reboots that ignore previous continuity. Another factor is fan expectations. Purists cling to the original series, while newer audiences embrace the reboot. This divide complicates discussions about how many movies of *Planet of the Apes "should" exist. The franchise’s success lies in its ability to adapt, but that same adaptability creates confusion. Without a clear roadmap, the question of how many films will ever be made remains open-ended—a deliberate choice by the studios to keep the property fresh.
Conclusion
The answer to how many movies of *Planet of the Apes have been made is simpler than it seems: five original films and three rebooted entries, with a sixth in development. Yet the real story isn’t about counting but about how the franchise reflects its era. The original series was a warning about unchecked power; the reboot was a commentary on modern inequality. Each iteration answers the same question—what does it mean to be human?—in a different way. What’s certain is that how many movies of *Planet of the Apes will ever exist isn’t fixed. The franchise’s ability to reinvent itself ensures that the question will persist for decades. Whether through new films, TV adaptations, or even video games, Planet of the Apes remains a cultural touchstone—one that refuses to be confined by a single definition.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Are the original Planet of the Apes films connected to the reboot?
A: No. The rebooted trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War) exists in a separate timeline. The original series (1968–1973) is a distinct era with its own narrative. The reboot ignores the original’s events entirely.
Q: How many Planet of the Apes movies are there in total?
A: As of 2024, there are eight live-action films: five original (1968–1973) and three rebooted (2011–2017). A sixth reboot film is in development, which could push the count to nine if released.
Q: Is the upcoming Planet of the Apes film part of the reboot?
A: Yes, the 2024 film directed by Matt Reeves will continue the reboot’s story. If released, it would be the fourth in the rebooted trilogy, making how many movies of *Planet of the Apes in this era four (with a fifth possible in the future).
Q: Why was the original series canceled after five films?
A: The original Planet of the Apes series ended after Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) due to declining box office returns and creative fatigue. The final film’s ambiguous ending ("The apes shall inherit the earth...") was intended as a conclusion, not a setup for further sequels.
Q: Are there any Planet of the Apes movies that were never made?
A: Yes. A canceled 2001 TV pilot (Planet of the Apes) was intended as a live-action series but was scrapped. Additionally, rumors of a fourth reboot film (Planet of the Apes 2) circulated in the 2010s but never materialized.
Q: Will the new Planet of the Apes film conclude the reboot?
A: Matt Reeves has stated that the 2024 film will be the "final chapter" of the rebooted trilogy. However, future projects (spin-offs, TV series, or even another film) could expand the universe further, keeping how many movies of *Planet of the Apes open to interpretation.
Q: Are there any animated Planet of the Apes movies?
A: No, but there have been animated series (Planet of the Apes, 2001) and a 2017 animated short (Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier). These are not live-action films and are not part of the traditional movie count.
