<PAGE>


      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 31, 2002

                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 333-_______

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                           -------------------------

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                               APACHE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

               DELAWARE                                   NO. 41-0747868
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                     IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

          2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)


                               APACHE CORPORATION
                      PILOT EXECUTIVE RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN

                            (FULL TITLE OF THE PLAN)


           Z.S. KOBIASHVILI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                               APACHE CORPORATION
          2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
     (NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
                        AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<Table>
<Caption>
============================================================================================================================
           Title of                                  Proposed Maximum       Proposed Maximum
       Securities to be           Amount to be      Offering Price Per     Aggregate Offering       Amount of Registration
        Registered (1)             Registered           Share (2)               Price (2)                  Fee (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                <C>                    <C>                      <C>
       Common Stock, par
  value $1.25 per share, and     200,000 shares          $50.765               $10,153,000                   $935
  associated Preferred Stock
      Purchase Rights (3)
============================================================================================================================
</Table>

(1)      In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933,
         this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of
         interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan
         described herein.
(2)      Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
         Pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h), the offering price and
         registration fee are computed on the basis of the average of the high
         and low prices of the Common Stock, as reported on The New York Stock
         Exchange, Inc. Composite Transactions Reporting System for July 29,
         2002.
(3)      Preferred Stock Purchase Rights are evidenced by certificates for
         shares of the Common Stock and automatically trade with the Common
         Stock. Value attributable to such Preferred Stock Purchase Rights, if
         any, is reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.


<PAGE>


This registration statement on Form S-8 is being filed by the registrant, Apache
Corporation ("Apache"), for the purpose of registering 200,000 shares of Apache
Common Stock, par value $1.25 per share ("Apache Common Stock"), for issuance
under the terms of the Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan.
Such 200,000 shares of Apache Common Stock have been reserved and authorized for
issuance from the capital stock held in Apache's treasury.


<PAGE>

                                     PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

The following documents filed by Apache Corporation (the "Registrant" or
"Apache") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), Commission File No. 1-4300, are incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement:

         (1)      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                  2001.

         (2)      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002.

         (3)      Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 29, 2002 and April 8,
                  2002.

         (4)      All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to
                  Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior
                  to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates
                  that all securities offered have been sold or which
                  deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
                  deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration
                  Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
                  such documents.

The descriptions set forth below of the common stock of Apache, par value $1.25
per share ("Apache Common Stock"), the preferred stock and the Rights (as
defined below) constitute brief summaries of certain provisions of Apache's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Apache's Bylaws and the Rights Agreement
between Apache and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N. A. ("Wells Fargo"), formerly
Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to the relevant provisions of such documents, all of which are listed under Item
8 as exhibits to this Registration Statement and are incorporated herein by
reference.

APACHE COMMON STOCK

         All outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable, and all holders of Apache Common Stock have full voting rights
and are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders. The Board of Directors of Apache is
classified into three groups of approximately equal size, one-third elected each
year. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate votes in the election of
directors and have no preemptive or subscription rights. Apache Common Stock is
neither redeemable nor convertible, and there are no sinking fund provisions
relating to such stock.

         Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of
preferred stock outstanding at the time, holders of Apache Common Stock are
entitled to dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors from funds
legally available therefor and are entitled, in the event of liquidation, to
share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities.

         Apache's current policy is to reserve one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of
a share of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) for each 1.1 shares of
Apache Common Stock issued in order to provide for possible exercises of Rights
(as defined below) under Apache's existing Rights Agreement.


                                      II-1


<PAGE>


         The currently outstanding Apache Common Stock and the Rights (as
defined below) under Apache's existing Rights Agreement are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. Wells Fargo is the transfer
agent and registrar for Apache Common Stock.

         Apache typically mails its annual report to stockholders within 120
days after the end of its fiscal year. Notices of stockholder meetings are
mailed to record holders of Apache Common Stock at their addresses shown on the
books of the transfer agent and registrar.

PREFERRED STOCK

         Apache has five million shares of no par preferred stock authorized, of
which (i) 25,000 shares have been designated Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") and authorized for issuance
pursuant to the Rights (as defined below) that trade with Apache Common Stock,
(ii) 100,000 shares have been designated 5.68% Cumulative Preferred Stock,
Series B ("Series B Preferred Stock"), and (iii) 140,000 shares have been
designated Automatically Convertible Equity Securities, Conversion Preferred
Stock, Series C ("Series C Preferred Stock"). A total of 100,000 shares of
Series B Preferred Stock and 140,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock are
currently outstanding, and shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been reserved
for issuance in accordance with the Rights Agreement relating to the Rights.
Additional shares of preferred stock may be authorized for issuance and issued
by the Board of Directors with such voting powers and in such classes and
series, and with such designations, preferences, and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof (including conversion into or exchange for Apache Common Stock or other
securities of Apache or its subsidiaries), as may be stated and expressed in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such preferred stock
adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such preferred
stock.

RIGHTS

         In December 1995, Apache declared a dividend of .9 right (a "Right")
(adjusted for the ten-percent stock dividend) for each share of Apache Common
Stock outstanding on January 31, 1996. Each full Right entitles the registered
holder to purchase from Apache one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of a share of
Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $100 per one ten-thousandth of a share,
subject to adjustment. The Rights are exercisable ten calendar days following a
public announcement that certain persons or groups have acquired 20 percent or
more of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock or ten business days
following commencement of an offer for 30 percent or more of the outstanding
shares of Apache Common Stock. Unless and until the Rights become exercisable,
they will be transferred with and only with the shares of Apache Common Stock.

         In addition, if a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 20
percent or more of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock (a "flip in
event"), each Right will become exercisable for shares of Apache Common Stock at
50 percent of the then market price of Apache Common Stock. If a 20-percent
stockholder of Apache acquires Apache, by merger or otherwise, in a transaction
where Apache does not survive or in which Apache Common Stock is changed or
exchanged (a "flip over event"), the Rights become exercisable for shares of the
common stock of the corporation acquiring Apache at 50 percent of the then
market price of Apache Common Stock. Any Rights that are or were beneficially
owned by a person who has acquired 20 percent or more of the outstanding shares
of Apache Common Stock, and who engages in certain transactions or realizes the
benefits of certain transactions with Apache, will become void. If an offer to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock is determined to be
fair by Apache's board of directors, the transaction will not trigger a flip in
event or a flip over event. Apache may also redeem the Rights at $.01 per Right
at any time until ten business days after public announcement of a flip in
event. The Rights will expire on January 31, 2006, unless earlier redeemed by
Apache. Unless the Rights have been previously redeemed, all shares of Apache
Common Stock issued by Apache after January 31, 1996, will include Rights,
including the


                                      II-2

<PAGE>

Apache Common Stock issuable under the terms of the Apache Corporation Pilot
Executive Restricted Stock Plan.

CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

         The consolidated financial statements of Apache and its subsidiaries as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2001 incorporated by reference in this
registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
said reports. Arthur Andersen LLP has not consented to the inclusion of their
report in this registration statement, and Apache has dispensed with the
requirement to file their consent in reliance upon Rule 437a of the Securities
Act of 1993. Because Arthur Andersen LLP has not consented to the inclusion of
their report, you will not be able to recover against Arthur Andersen LLP under
Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for any untrue statements of a material
fact contained in the financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP or any
omissions to state a material fact required to be stated therein.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

         Not applicable

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), inter
alia, authorizes a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation)
because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with the suit or proceeding if the person acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reason to believe his conduct was unlawful. Similar indemnity
is authorized against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred in defense or settlement of any pending, completed or
threatened action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction
otherwise provides) the person shall not have been adjudged liable to the
corporation. The indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific
case upon a determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors that
indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard
of conduct.

         Section 145 of the DGCL further authorizes a corporation to purchase
and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him in any capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether
or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him. Apache
maintains policies insuring the officers and directors of Apache and its
subsidiaries against certain liabilities for actions taken in their capacities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").


                                      II-3

<PAGE>

         Article VII of Apache's Bylaws provides, in substance, that directors,
officers, employees and agents of Apache shall be indemnified to the extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL. Additionally, the Seventeenth Article of
Apache's Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates in certain
circumstances the monetary liability of directors of Apache for a breach of
their fiduciary duty as directors. These provisions do not eliminate the
liability of a director (i) for a breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions by a director not in
good faith; (iii) for acts or omissions by a director involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iv) under Section 174 of the DGCL
(relating to the declaration of dividends and purchase or redemption of shares
in violation of the DGCL); and (v) for transactions from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.


                                      II-4


<PAGE>


ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed herewith unless otherwise indicated:

EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
-------           ----------------------

   4.1            Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Apache's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1999, Commission File
                  No. 1-4300)

   4.2            Bylaws of Apache Corporation, as amended May 2, 2002
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's
                  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002, Commission File No. 1-4300)

   4.3            Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Apache's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission File No.
                  1-4300)

   4.4            Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 1996, between Apache and
                  Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., rights agent (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit (a) to Apache's Registration Statement on
                  Form 8-A, dated January 24, 1996, Commission File No. 1-4300)

  *4.5            Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan,
                  effective as of May 2, 2002.

  *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                  being registered

 *23.1            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 *23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

 *24.1            Power of Attorney included as part of the signature pages of
                  this Registration Statement

-------------------
*Filed herewith


                                      II-5

<PAGE>


ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

(a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
         Securities Act of 1933;

         (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
         effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
         post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
         aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
         in the registration statement;

         (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
         distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
         any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.

         (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

         (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement relating to the
securities offered herein shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus
filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to
be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

         (6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


                                      II-6

<PAGE>


(b)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


                                      II-7
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

The Registrant. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Houston, State of Texas.


                                           APACHE CORPORATION




Date: July 31, 2002                        By: /s/ G. Steven Farris
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              G. Steven Farris,
                                              President, Chief Executive Officer
                                              and Chief Operating Officer


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers of Apache Corporation do hereby
constitute and appoint Raymond Plank, G. Steven Farris, Z. S. Kobiashvili and
Roger B. Plank, and each of them, with full power of substitution, our true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact to sign and execute, on behalf of the undersigned, any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement; and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that
said attorneys-in-fact shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons, in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                                            TITLE                                              DATE
---------                                            -----                                              ----
<S>                                                  <C>                                                <C>

/s/ G. Steven Farris                                 Director;
----------------------------------------             President, Chief Executive Officer
G. Steven Farris                                     and Chief Operating Officer
                                                     (Principal Executive Officer)                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Roger B. Plank                                   Executive Vice President and
----------------------------------------             Chief Financial Officer
Roger B. Plank                                       (Principal Financial Officer)                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Thomas L. Mitchell                               Vice President and
----------------------------------------             Controller
Thomas L. Mitchell                                   (Principal Accounting Officer)                     July 31, 2002
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                                            TITLE                                              DATE
---------                                            -----                                              ----
<S>                                                  <C>                                                <C>

/s/ Raymond Plank                                    Director and
----------------------------------------             Chairman of the Board                              July 31, 2002
Raymond Plank

/s/ Frederick M. Bohen                               Director
----------------------------------------
Frederick M. Bohen                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Randolph M. Ferlic                               Director
----------------------------------------
Randolph M. Ferlic                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Eugene C. Fiedorek                               Director
----------------------------------------
Eugene C. Fiedorek                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ A. D. Frazier, Jr.                               Director
----------------------------------------
A. D. Frazier, Jr.                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ John A. Kocur                                    Director
----------------------------------------
John A. Kocur                                                                                           July 31, 2002

/s/ George D. Lawrence Jr.                           Director
----------------------------------------
George D. Lawrence Jr.                                                                                  July 31, 2002

/s/ Mary Ralph Lowe                                  Director
----------------------------------------
Mary Ralph Lowe                                                                                         July 31, 2002

/s/ F. H. Merelli                                    Director
----------------------------------------
F. H. Merelli                                                                                           July 31, 2002

/s/ Rodman D. Patton                                 Director
----------------------------------------
Rodman D. Patton                                                                                        July 31, 2002

/s/ Charles J. Pitman                                Director
----------------------------------------
Charles J. Pitman                                                                                       July 31, 2002
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
-------           ----------------------

   4.1            Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Apache's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1999, Commission File
                  No. 1-4300)

   4.2            Bylaws of Apache Corporation, as amended May 2, 2002
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's
                  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002, Commission File No. 1-4300)

   4.3            Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Apache's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission File No.
                  1-4300)

   4.4            Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 1996, between Apache and
                  Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., rights agent (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit (a) to Apache's Registration Statement on
                  Form 8-A, dated January 24, 1996, Commission File No. 1-4300)

  *4.5            Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan,
                  effective as of May 2, 2002.

  *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                  being registered

 *23.1            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 *23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

 *24.1            Power of Attorney included as part of the signature pages of
                  this Registration Statement

-------------------
*Filed herewith
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "h98589sv8.txt", "description": "APACHE CORPORATION - PILOT EXEC. RESTRICTED STOCK", "secsgml_size_bytes": 30994}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "APACHE CORP", "cik": "0000006769", "assigned-sic": "1311", "irs-number": "410747868", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-97403", "film-number": "02715558"}, "business-address": {"street1": "2000 POST OAK BLVD", "street2": "ONE POST OAK CENTER STE 100", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77056-4400", "phone": "7132966000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "2000 POST OAK BLVD", "street2": "STE 100", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77056-4400"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "APACHE OIL CORP", "date-changed": "19660830"}}
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 31, 2002

                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 333-_______

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                           -------------------------

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                               APACHE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

               DELAWARE                                   NO. 41-0747868
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                     IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

          2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                               APACHE CORPORATION
                      PILOT EXECUTIVE RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN

                            (FULL TITLE OF THE PLAN)

           Z.S. KOBIASHVILI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                               APACHE CORPORATION
          2000 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 100, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-4400
                                 (713) 296-6000
     (NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
                        AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
============================================================================================================================
           Title of                                  Proposed Maximum       Proposed Maximum
       Securities to be           Amount to be      Offering Price Per     Aggregate Offering       Amount of Registration
        Registered (1)             Registered           Share (2)               Price (2)                  Fee (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par
  value $1.25 per share, and     200,000 shares          $50.765               $10,153,000                   $935
  associated Preferred Stock
      Purchase Rights (3)
============================================================================================================================
(1)      In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933,
         this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of
         interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan
         described herein.
(2)      Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
         Pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h), the offering price and
         registration fee are computed on the basis of the average of the high
         and low prices of the Common Stock, as reported on The New York Stock
         Exchange, Inc. Composite Transactions Reporting System for July 29,
         2002.
(3)      Preferred Stock Purchase Rights are evidenced by certificates for
         shares of the Common Stock and automatically trade with the Common
         Stock. Value attributable to such Preferred Stock Purchase Rights, if
         any, is reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.
This registration statement on Form S-8 is being filed by the registrant, Apache
Corporation ("Apache"), for the purpose of registering 200,000 shares of Apache
Common Stock, par value $1.25 per share ("Apache Common Stock"), for issuance
under the terms of the Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan.
Such 200,000 shares of Apache Common Stock have been reserved and authorized for
issuance from the capital stock held in Apache's treasury.
PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

The following documents filed by Apache Corporation (the "Registrant" or
"Apache") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), Commission File No. 1-4300, are incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement:

         (1)      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                  2001.

         (2)      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002.

         (3)      Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 29, 2002 and April 8,
                  2002.

         (4)      All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to
                  Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior
                  to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates
                  that all securities offered have been sold or which
                  deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
                  deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration
                  Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
                  such documents.

The descriptions set forth below of the common stock of Apache, par value $1.25
per share ("Apache Common Stock"), the preferred stock and the Rights (as
defined below) constitute brief summaries of certain provisions of Apache's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Apache's Bylaws and the Rights Agreement
between Apache and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N. A. ("Wells Fargo"), formerly
Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to the relevant provisions of such documents, all of which are listed under Item
8 as exhibits to this Registration Statement and are incorporated herein by
reference.

APACHE COMMON STOCK

         All outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable, and all holders of Apache Common Stock have full voting rights
and are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders. The Board of Directors of Apache is
classified into three groups of approximately equal size, one-third elected each
year. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate votes in the election of
directors and have no preemptive or subscription rights. Apache Common Stock is
neither redeemable nor convertible, and there are no sinking fund provisions
relating to such stock.

         Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any shares of
preferred stock outstanding at the time, holders of Apache Common Stock are
entitled to dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors from funds
legally available therefor and are entitled, in the event of liquidation, to
share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities.

         Apache's current policy is to reserve one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of
a share of Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) for each 1.1 shares of
Apache Common Stock issued in order to provide for possible exercises of Rights
(as defined below) under Apache's existing Rights Agreement.

                                      II-1
The currently outstanding Apache Common Stock and the Rights (as
defined below) under Apache's existing Rights Agreement are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. Wells Fargo is the transfer
agent and registrar for Apache Common Stock.

         Apache typically mails its annual report to stockholders within 120
days after the end of its fiscal year. Notices of stockholder meetings are
mailed to record holders of Apache Common Stock at their addresses shown on the
books of the transfer agent and registrar.

PREFERRED STOCK

         Apache has five million shares of no par preferred stock authorized, of
which (i) 25,000 shares have been designated Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") and authorized for issuance
pursuant to the Rights (as defined below) that trade with Apache Common Stock,
(ii) 100,000 shares have been designated 5.68% Cumulative Preferred Stock,
Series B ("Series B Preferred Stock"), and (iii) 140,000 shares have been
designated Automatically Convertible Equity Securities, Conversion Preferred
Stock, Series C ("Series C Preferred Stock"). A total of 100,000 shares of
Series B Preferred Stock and 140,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock are
currently outstanding, and shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been reserved
for issuance in accordance with the Rights Agreement relating to the Rights.
Additional shares of preferred stock may be authorized for issuance and issued
by the Board of Directors with such voting powers and in such classes and
series, and with such designations, preferences, and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof (including conversion into or exchange for Apache Common Stock or other
securities of Apache or its subsidiaries), as may be stated and expressed in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such preferred stock
adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such preferred
stock.

RIGHTS

         In December 1995, Apache declared a dividend of .9 right (a "Right")
(adjusted for the ten-percent stock dividend) for each share of Apache Common
Stock outstanding on January 31, 1996. Each full Right entitles the registered
holder to purchase from Apache one ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of a share of
Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $100 per one ten-thousandth of a share,
subject to adjustment. The Rights are exercisable ten calendar days following a
public announcement that certain persons or groups have acquired 20 percent or
more of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock or ten business days
following commencement of an offer for 30 percent or more of the outstanding
shares of Apache Common Stock. Unless and until the Rights become exercisable,
they will be transferred with and only with the shares of Apache Common Stock.

         In addition, if a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 20
percent or more of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock (a "flip in
event"), each Right will become exercisable for shares of Apache Common Stock at
50 percent of the then market price of Apache Common Stock. If a 20-percent
stockholder of Apache acquires Apache, by merger or otherwise, in a transaction
where Apache does not survive or in which Apache Common Stock is changed or
exchanged (a "flip over event"), the Rights become exercisable for shares of the
common stock of the corporation acquiring Apache at 50 percent of the then
market price of Apache Common Stock. Any Rights that are or were beneficially
owned by a person who has acquired 20 percent or more of the outstanding shares
of Apache Common Stock, and who engages in certain transactions or realizes the
benefits of certain transactions with Apache, will become void. If an offer to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Apache Common Stock is determined to be
fair by Apache's board of directors, the transaction will not trigger a flip in
event or a flip over event. Apache may also redeem the Rights at $.01 per Right
at any time until ten business days after public announcement of a flip in
event. The Rights will expire on January 31, 2006, unless earlier redeemed by
Apache. Unless the Rights have been previously redeemed, all shares of Apache
Common Stock issued by Apache after January 31, 1996, will include Rights,
including the

                                      II-2
Apache Common Stock issuable under the terms of the Apache Corporation Pilot
Executive Restricted Stock Plan.

CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

         The consolidated financial statements of Apache and its subsidiaries as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2001 incorporated by reference in this
registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
said reports. Arthur Andersen LLP has not consented to the inclusion of their
report in this registration statement, and Apache has dispensed with the
requirement to file their consent in reliance upon Rule 437a of the Securities
Act of 1993. Because Arthur Andersen LLP has not consented to the inclusion of
their report, you will not be able to recover against Arthur Andersen LLP under
Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for any untrue statements of a material
fact contained in the financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP or any
omissions to state a material fact required to be stated therein.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

         Not applicable

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), inter
alia, authorizes a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation)
because the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with the suit or proceeding if the person acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reason to believe his conduct was unlawful. Similar indemnity
is authorized against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred in defense or settlement of any pending, completed or
threatened action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction
otherwise provides) the person shall not have been adjudged liable to the
corporation. The indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific
case upon a determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors that
indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard
of conduct.

         Section 145 of the DGCL further authorizes a corporation to purchase
and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him in any capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether
or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him. Apache
maintains policies insuring the officers and directors of Apache and its
subsidiaries against certain liabilities for actions taken in their capacities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").

                                      II-3
Article VII of Apache's Bylaws provides, in substance, that directors,
officers, employees and agents of Apache shall be indemnified to the extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL. Additionally, the Seventeenth Article of
Apache's Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates in certain
circumstances the monetary liability of directors of Apache for a breach of
their fiduciary duty as directors. These provisions do not eliminate the
liability of a director (i) for a breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions by a director not in
good faith; (iii) for acts or omissions by a director involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iv) under Section 174 of the DGCL
(relating to the declaration of dividends and purchase or redemption of shares
in violation of the DGCL); and (v) for transactions from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.

                                      II-4
ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed herewith unless otherwise indicated:

EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
-------           ----------------------

   4.1            Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Apache's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1999, Commission File
                  No. 1-4300)

   4.2            Bylaws of Apache Corporation, as amended May 2, 2002
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's
                  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002, Commission File No. 1-4300)

   4.3            Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Apache's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission File No.
                  1-4300)

   4.4            Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 1996, between Apache and
                  Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., rights agent (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit (a) to Apache's Registration Statement on
                  Form 8-A, dated January 24, 1996, Commission File No. 1-4300)

  *4.5            Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan,
                  effective as of May 2, 2002.

  *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                  being registered

 *23.1            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 *23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

 *24.1            Power of Attorney included as part of the signature pages of
                  this Registration Statement

-------------------
*Filed herewith

                                      II-5
ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

(a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
         Securities Act of 1933;

         (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
         effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
         post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
         aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
         in the registration statement;

         (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
         distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
         any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.

         (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

         (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement relating to the
securities offered herein shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus
filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to
be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

         (6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-6
(b)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-7
SIGNATURES

The Registrant. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Houston, State of Texas.

                                           APACHE CORPORATION

Date: July 31, 2002                        By: /s/ G. Steven Farris
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              G. Steven Farris,
                                              President, Chief Executive Officer
                                              and Chief Operating Officer

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers of Apache Corporation do hereby
constitute and appoint Raymond Plank, G. Steven Farris, Z. S. Kobiashvili and
Roger B. Plank, and each of them, with full power of substitution, our true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact to sign and execute, on behalf of the undersigned, any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement; and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that
said attorneys-in-fact shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons, in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
SIGNATURE                                            TITLE                                              DATE
---------                                            -----                                              ----
/s/ G. Steven Farris                                 Director;
----------------------------------------             President, Chief Executive Officer
G. Steven Farris                                     and Chief Operating Officer
                                                     (Principal Executive Officer)                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Roger B. Plank                                   Executive Vice President and
----------------------------------------             Chief Financial Officer
Roger B. Plank                                       (Principal Financial Officer)                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Thomas L. Mitchell                               Vice President and
----------------------------------------             Controller
Thomas L. Mitchell                                   (Principal Accounting Officer)                     July 31, 2002
SIGNATURE                                            TITLE                                              DATE
---------                                            -----                                              ----
/s/ Raymond Plank                                    Director and
----------------------------------------             Chairman of the Board                              July 31, 2002
Raymond Plank

/s/ Frederick M. Bohen                               Director
----------------------------------------
Frederick M. Bohen                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Randolph M. Ferlic                               Director
----------------------------------------
Randolph M. Ferlic                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ Eugene C. Fiedorek                               Director
----------------------------------------
Eugene C. Fiedorek                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ A. D. Frazier, Jr.                               Director
----------------------------------------
A. D. Frazier, Jr.                                                                                      July 31, 2002

/s/ John A. Kocur                                    Director
----------------------------------------
John A. Kocur                                                                                           July 31, 2002

/s/ George D. Lawrence Jr.                           Director
----------------------------------------
George D. Lawrence Jr.                                                                                  July 31, 2002

/s/ Mary Ralph Lowe                                  Director
----------------------------------------
Mary Ralph Lowe                                                                                         July 31, 2002

/s/ F. H. Merelli                                    Director
----------------------------------------
F. H. Merelli                                                                                           July 31, 2002

/s/ Rodman D. Patton                                 Director
----------------------------------------
Rodman D. Patton                                                                                        July 31, 2002

/s/ Charles J. Pitman                                Director
----------------------------------------
Charles J. Pitman                                                                                       July 31, 2002
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
-------           ----------------------

   4.1            Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Apache Corporation
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Apache's Current
                  Report on Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1999, Commission File
                  No. 1-4300)

   4.2            Bylaws of Apache Corporation, as amended May 2, 2002
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Apache's
                  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                  2002, Commission File No. 1-4300)

   4.3            Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Apache's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission File No.
                  1-4300)

   4.4            Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 1996, between Apache and
                  Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., rights agent (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit (a) to Apache's Registration Statement on
                  Form 8-A, dated January 24, 1996, Commission File No. 1-4300)

  *4.5            Apache Corporation Pilot Executive Restricted Stock Plan,
                  effective as of May 2, 2002.

  *5.1            Opinion of legal counsel regarding legality of securities
                  being registered

 *23.1            Consent of Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers

 *23.2            Consent of legal counsel included in Exhibit 5.1

 *24.1            Power of Attorney included as part of the signature pages of
                  this Registration Statement

-------------------
*Filed herewith