Navigating the Planet of the Apes franchise, a saga spanning decades and encompassing multiple timelines, remakes, and reboots, can be as complex as ape society itself. This guide will provide a definitive roadmap to understanding and enjoying this iconic science fiction series, whether you prefer chronological order, release order, or simply want to cherry-pick the best.
Understanding the Apes: A Multi-Dimensional Universe
The Planet of the Apes is more than just a series of movies; it’s a commentary on humanity, evolution, and the cyclical nature of power. To truly appreciate the franchise, understanding its various interpretations and timelines is crucial. There are essentially three distinct continuities: the original film series (1968-1973), the Tim Burton remake (2001), and the reboot trilogy (2011-2017). Each offers a unique perspective on the core themes.
Understanding this branching structure will help you decide how to approach watching the films. Do you want to experience the story as it unfolded in theaters, delve into the grittier rebooted world, or see how the original vision evolved? The choice is yours.
Watching Options: A Tailored Approach
There isn’t a single “best” way to watch the Planet of the Apes movies; it depends on your personal preference. However, here are the most popular options:
Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
This option immerses you in the unfolding narrative, starting with the earliest events that lead to ape dominance. It provides the most cohesive understanding of the fictional world.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- Planet of the Apes (1968) – Set centuries after the events of the prequel trilogy.
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
- Planet of the Apes (2001) – While a reimagining, it fits chronologically somewhere within the series depending on how you interpret its ending, though many consider it outside the main timeline. It’s best viewed as a standalone after experiencing the original films and the reboot trilogy.
Release Order
This method allows you to experience the films as audiences did, witnessing the evolution of special effects, storytelling, and thematic concerns over time.
- 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)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
- Planet of the Apes (2001)
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
“Best Of” Order
If you’re short on time or simply want to experience the highlights, this approach focuses on the most critically acclaimed and impactful films.
- Planet of the Apes (1968) – The classic original.
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) – A unique and thought-provoking entry.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – A strong reboot that revitalized the franchise.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) – A compelling exploration of ape and human society.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) – A visually stunning and emotionally resonant conclusion to the reboot trilogy.
Where to Watch: Streaming and Beyond
Finding where to watch the Planet of the Apes movies can vary depending on your region and the streaming services you subscribe to. Here are some common options:
- Streaming Services: Check platforms like Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+. Availability rotates frequently.
- Digital Rental/Purchase: Services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu offer digital rentals and purchases.
- Physical Media: Blu-ray and DVD copies remain a reliable option, especially for collectors.
- Television Broadcasts: Keep an eye on TV schedules for potential broadcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about watching the Planet of the Apes movies:
FAQ 1: What’s the best order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies for the first time?
For a first-time viewer, release order is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the gradual unfolding of the mythology and appreciate how the franchise evolved over time, particularly in terms of special effects and storytelling. The chronological order, while intriguing, might spoil some of the original films’ plot twists.
FAQ 2: Are the TV series (1974) and animated series (1975) considered canon?
Generally, the TV series and animated series are not considered canon within the main film continuities. They are separate interpretations of the Planet of the Apes concept. While they can be enjoyable for fans, they don’t directly impact the storylines of the movies.
FAQ 3: Is the Tim Burton Planet of the Apes connected to the original series?
The Tim Burton remake is a reimagining, not a direct sequel or prequel to the original series. While it shares the same core premise, it presents a different version of the story with significant deviations. Some consider it a separate, self-contained entity.
FAQ 4: Should I watch Beneath the Planet of the Apes? It’s known for being divisive.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes is definitely a polarizing film. While not as critically acclaimed as the original, it’s an important part of the original series narrative and introduces key elements like the mutants and the Alpha-Omega bomb. Its ending is particularly impactful. Whether you enjoy it or not, it’s worth watching to understand the complete story arc.
FAQ 5: Do I need to watch all the original movies to understand the reboot trilogy?
No. The reboot trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War) is a separate continuity and doesn’t require prior knowledge of the original films. It’s a fresh start that re-establishes the premise of intelligent apes rising to dominance.
FAQ 6: What makes the reboot trilogy so successful?
The success of the reboot trilogy lies in its compelling characters, realistic CGI, and thought-provoking themes. Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar, the ape leader, is particularly noteworthy. The films also explore complex moral dilemmas and the nature of war and prejudice.
FAQ 7: Will there be more Planet of the Apes movies after War for the Planet of the Apes?
Yes, a new film titled Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was released in 2024, acting as a direct sequel to the reboot trilogy but focusing on a new generation of apes and humans. Disney plans to continue the franchise.
FAQ 8: What are the key themes explored in the Planet of the Apes movies?
The Planet of the Apes films delve into a wide range of themes, including:
- Humanity’s Self-Destructive Nature: The films often critique human behavior and its potential for violence and environmental destruction.
- Evolution and Intelligence: They explore the concept of evolution and the potential for other species to develop intelligence.
- Prejudice and Discrimination: The films address themes of prejudice and discrimination based on race, species, and social status.
- The Cycle of Power: The series illustrates how power structures can shift and how easily roles of oppressor and oppressed can be reversed.
FAQ 9: Where can I find the Planet of the Apes TV Series and Animated series?
The TV series and Animated series are more difficult to find on streaming services but can be purchased on DVD. Some episodes can be found on YouTube.
FAQ 10: Is it worth buying the Planet of the Apes movies on Blu-ray?
If you are a collector or prefer to own physical copies, buying the Planet of the Apes movies on Blu-ray is a worthwhile investment. The Blu-ray versions offer improved picture and sound quality compared to streaming and DVD options. Special editions often include bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and commentary tracks.
FAQ 11: Which movie has the best special effects?
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) undoubtedly boasts the best special effects in the franchise. The motion capture technology used to create the apes is incredibly realistic and visually stunning. Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes also feature impressive CGI.
FAQ 12: Are the Planet of the Apes movies suitable for children?
Some of the Planet of the Apes movies contain violence, mature themes, and disturbing imagery that may not be suitable for young children. Planet of the Apes (1968) and Escape from the Planet of the Apes are generally considered more family-friendly than later entries. The reboot trilogy, while visually impressive, also contains intense action sequences and darker themes. Parental guidance is recommended.
By following this guide, you can embark on a fulfilling journey through the Planet of the Apes universe, regardless of your preferred viewing method. Enjoy the ride!