There are, to date, a total of nine Planet of the Apes movies across two distinct continuities and a remake, encompassing both the original series (1968-1973) and the rebooted prequel trilogy (2011-2017), along with Tim Burton’s standalone reimagining (2001). This franchise has spanned decades, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking themes and groundbreaking special effects.
A Journey Through Ape History: Understanding the Franchise
The Planet of the Apes franchise is more than just a collection of films; it’s a cultural phenomenon exploring themes of evolution, societal structures, and the dangers of unchecked power. Understanding the various iterations is key to appreciating its overall impact.
The Original Series (1968-1973)
This is where it all began. The initial five films set the stage for everything that followed, establishing the core narrative and iconic characters.
- Planet of the Apes (1968): The movie that started it all, introducing George Taylor to a world ruled by intelligent apes.
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): Follows a new astronaut searching for Taylor, uncovering a dangerous underground cult.
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): Three intelligent apes escape Earth’s destruction by traveling back in time to the 20th century.
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Explores the origins of the ape rebellion led by Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira.
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): Depicts the ongoing conflict between humans and apes, with Caesar trying to establish peaceful coexistence.
The 2001 Remake
Tim Burton’s reimagining of the original film offered a fresh perspective, although it received mixed reviews.
- Planet of the Apes (2001): A loose adaptation of the original, featuring a new story and characters but retaining the core premise.
The Rebooted Prequel Trilogy (2011-2017)
This trilogy retells the origin story of the ape uprising, focusing on the character of Caesar.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Introduces Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee who sparks the ape revolution.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Depicts the growing conflict between the apes and a group of human survivors.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Chronicles the final battle between Caesar and the Colonel, a ruthless human leader.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): Set generations after Caesar’s reign, following a young ape as he questions the established order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Planet of the Apes
To further clarify the franchise and address common questions, here’s a comprehensive FAQ section:
FAQ 1: Is the 2001 Planet of the Apes a remake of the original?
While it shares the same title and basic premise – a human astronaut finding himself on a planet ruled by intelligent apes – the 2001 film is a reimagining, not a direct remake. It features different characters, a different storyline, and a different ending.
FAQ 2: Are the original Planet of the Apes movies connected?
Yes, the original five films (Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and Battle for the Planet of the Apes) are all directly connected, forming a single, continuous narrative.
FAQ 3: Does the rebooted prequel trilogy relate to the original series?
The rebooted prequel trilogy (Rise, Dawn, and War) is designed as an origin story that could lead into the events of the original Planet of the Apes. However, they are presented as a separate continuity, meaning they don’t definitively tie into the original films in a direct, linear way.
FAQ 4: Who is Caesar in the Planet of the Apes movies?
Caesar is a crucial character who appears in both the original series and the rebooted trilogy. In the original series, he is the son of Cornelius and Zira, two intelligent apes who travel to the past. In the rebooted trilogy, he is a genetically enhanced chimpanzee who becomes the leader of the ape revolution.
FAQ 5: What is the correct order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
There are two primary ways to watch the Planet of the Apes movies:
- Chronological Order (by release date): 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 2001, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2024.
- By Continuity:
- Original Series: 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973.
- Remake: 2001.
- Rebooted Trilogy: 2011, 2014, 2017, 2024.
FAQ 6: Which Planet of the Apes movie is considered the best?
The original Planet of the Apes (1968) is widely regarded as the best film in the franchise due to its iconic status, thought-provoking themes, and groundbreaking special effects. However, many fans also appreciate War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) for its compelling narrative and strong character development.
FAQ 7: Are there any Planet of the Apes TV shows?
Yes, there was a Planet of the Apes TV series that aired in 1974, following two astronauts who travel to a future Earth ruled by apes. There was also a Planet of the Apes animated series, “Return to the Planet of the Apes,” which aired in 1975.
FAQ 8: What themes are explored in the Planet of the Apes movies?
The Planet of the Apes franchise explores a range of profound themes, including:
- Evolution and societal development: Examining the potential consequences of human actions on evolution.
- Racism and prejudice: The dynamic between humans and apes often mirrors real-world issues of discrimination.
- The dangers of unchecked power: Highlighting the potential for corruption and abuse within any power structure.
- The cyclical nature of history: Suggesting that humanity is doomed to repeat its mistakes.
FAQ 9: Will there be more Planet of the Apes movies after War for the Planet of the Apes?
Yes! Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was released in 2024, and further installments are possible depending on its success and critical reception. The franchise has proven remarkably resilient.
FAQ 10: Who played Cornelius and Zira in the original Planet of the Apes movies?
Cornelius was played by Roddy McDowall, and Zira was played by Kim Hunter.
FAQ 11: What made the special effects in the original Planet of the Apes so groundbreaking?
The original Planet of the Apes utilized revolutionary makeup techniques that allowed actors to convincingly portray intelligent apes. The extensive prosthetic makeup, combined with expressive performances, created believable and memorable characters.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
The Planet of the Apes movies are available on various streaming platforms (check availability based on your region), for purchase on digital storefronts like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, and on physical media (Blu-ray and DVD).
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes franchise, with its nine films (and counting!), continues to resonate with audiences due to its compelling narratives, thought-provoking themes, and memorable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, exploring this iconic series is a journey worth taking. The complex relationship between humans and apes, the exploration of societal structures, and the warning against unchecked power ensure that the Planet of the Apes will remain a powerful and relevant story for generations to come.