Finding where to watch talking primates take over the world shouldn't be as hard as surviving a Forbidden Zone trek. But honestly, the licensing rights for these movies move around more than a panicked chimpanzee. If you’re trying to track down Planet of the Apes movies streaming right now, you’ve probably noticed that one day a movie is on one app, and the next, it’s vanished.
It's 2026. The landscape is weird. Disney owns the keys to the kingdom now, which means most of the apes have found a permanent home. But not all of them. Licensing deals made years ago still pop up like ghosts in the machine.
Where to Actually Watch the Entire Saga
Hulu used to be the primary spot. But as of early 2026, the big "Hulu on Disney+" merger is basically complete. If you’re in the US, your best bet for a one-stop shop is Disney+. They’ve consolidated almost the entire 20th Century Studios catalog.
You’ll find the original 1968 classic there, looking crisp in 4K. The sequels from the 70s—Beneath, Escape, Conquest, and Battle—are usually bundled right next to it. It’s the easiest way to see the evolution from "guy in a rubber mask" to "high-end CGI masterpiece."
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The Reboot Trilogy and Kingdom
The modern era of Apes is where things get slightly complicated.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Frequently hops between Disney+ and Max.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Usually available on Disney+, but sometimes licensed out to TNT or TBS apps.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): This one is almost always on Disney+.
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): Since hitting the small screen in August 2024, this has remained a Disney+ and Hulu staple.
If you don’t see one of these on your subscription service, it's usually because a legacy contract with Warner Bros. Discovery (Max) hasn't expired yet. In those cases, you’re looking at a $3.99 rental on Amazon or Apple TV.
The Timeline Problem: How to Watch
People argue about this constantly. Do you watch in the order they came out? Or do you follow the "Caesar" timeline first?
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If you want the "intended" experience, start with 1968. It’s a slow burn. Charlton Heston is chewing the scenery. The twist ending is legendary for a reason. Watching the 70s sequels after that is a trip because they eventually loop back around to the beginning of the ape uprising.
However, a lot of newcomers prefer the chronological narrative. You start with Rise, watch the world fall apart in Dawn and War, and then jump centuries ahead into Kingdom. It feels like a more cohesive story about the birth of a civilization. Just skip the 2001 Tim Burton remake. Seriously. It doesn't connect to anything and the ending makes zero sense even by time-travel standards.
The "Hidden" Shows
Most people forget there was a live-action TV show in 1974 and an animated series called Return to the Planet of the Apes in 1975. They aren't essential, but they are weirdly charming. You can usually find these buried in the "Extras" or "Related" section on Disney+ if you look hard enough.
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Why Some Movies Aren't Free
"Free" is a strong word. You're paying for the subscription. But sometimes, a specific movie like Rise will show up only as a rental. This happens because of "windowing." Networks like FX or HBO might have bought the exclusive broadcast rights for a few months. When that happens, the movie gets pulled from the standard library.
If you're a die-hard fan, the 4K Blu-rays are actually the way to go. The HDR on Kingdom is stunning. Plus, you get the "Raw Cut" of Kingdom, which lets you watch the entire movie without the CGI. Seeing actors in gray spandex suits with dots on their faces acting their hearts out is wild. It makes you realize how much work goes into the performances before the computers take over.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Binge
- Check the Bundle: If you have the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), use the Disney+ app. It’s the most updated interface for these titles.
- Search "20th Century Studios": If the movies don't show up under "Planet of the Apes," search by the studio brand. Sometimes the metadata is wonky.
- Use JustWatch: If you’re outside the US, licensing is a nightmare. Use a site like JustWatch to see where the local rights landed this week.
- Watch the "Raw Cut": If you own the digital version of Kingdom on Apple or Vudu, check the "Extras." The Raw Cut is a masterclass in acting.
The series is one of the few franchises that actually got better as it went along. Whether you're here for the 1960s social commentary or the 2020s visual effects, the apes are here to stay. Grab some popcorn, avoid the Forbidden Zone, and start with the 1968 original. It still holds up.