There are nine Planet of the Apes movies, spanning from the original 1968 classic to the most recent installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024). These films constitute a long-running and influential science fiction franchise, exploring themes of evolution, societal power dynamics, and humanity’s place in the cosmos.
Apes Through the Ages: Navigating the Timeline
The Planet of the Apes franchise is more than just a collection of films; it’s a complex and often contradictory tapestry woven across decades. Understanding the different continuities and reboots is crucial to grasping the scope of the saga. The core narrative revolves around a future where intelligent apes dominate humans, but the precise path to this future varies depending on the specific series.
The Original Series (1968-1973)
This series, inspired by Pierre Boulle’s novel, established the iconic imagery and philosophical underpinnings of the Planet of the Apes universe. It features Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, who crash-lands on a seemingly alien world ruled by apes. The five films in this continuity are:
- 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)
Tim Burton’s Reimagining (2001)
Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001) offered a visually distinct, albeit controversial, reinterpretation of the source material. While considered part of the overall franchise, its ending significantly diverges from the original series, making it a self-contained narrative.
The Reboot Trilogy (2011-2017)
This trilogy successfully revitalized the franchise, providing a compelling origin story for the apes’ rise to dominance. Starring Andy Serkis as Caesar, these films are critically acclaimed for their performance capture technology and thought-provoking themes:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
A New Kingdom (2024)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) marks a new chapter in the franchise, set generations after Caesar’s reign. It explores the evolving ape society and the emerging role of humans in this world. It seeks to continue the storyline established by the reboot trilogy.
FAQs: Your Burning Planet of the Apes Questions Answered
To further clarify the complexities of the Planet of the Apes filmography, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
FAQ 1: In what order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
There are several options, depending on your preference:
- Release Order: This is the chronological order of when the movies were released, from 1968 to 2024.
- Chronological Order (Reboot Trilogy): Begin with Rise, then Dawn, War, and Kingdom. After that, you can watch the original series.
- Continuity-Based Order: Focus on one series at a time – the original, then Burton’s, then the reboot trilogy and Kingdom.
FAQ 2: Which Planet of the Apes movie is considered the best?
The original Planet of the Apes (1968) is widely regarded as the best, due to its groundbreaking special effects, impactful twist ending, and thought-provoking social commentary. War for the Planet of the Apes also receives high praise for its mature storytelling and stunning visual effects.
FAQ 3: What makes the original Planet of the Apes so iconic?
The original film’s iconic status stems from its innovative makeup and costume design, which brought the ape characters to life in a convincing and expressive manner. The film’s ending, revealing that Taylor had been on Earth all along, is a shocking and memorable twist that solidified its place in cinematic history.
FAQ 4: Is Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes a remake or a reboot?
It’s often described as a reimagining. While it borrows elements from the original film, it presents a different storyline and conclusion, making it distinct from a direct remake. However, it’s not a reboot that establishes a new continuity spanning multiple films.
FAQ 5: Why is Andy Serkis’ performance as Caesar so acclaimed?
Andy Serkis’ performance as Caesar is revolutionary because he pioneered the use of performance capture in a leading role. He brought incredible nuance and emotion to Caesar, making him a relatable and sympathetic character despite being a CGI ape. This greatly contributed to the reboot trilogy’s success.
FAQ 6: What are the main themes explored in the Planet of the Apes franchise?
The franchise explores several key themes, including:
- Humanity’s capacity for self-destruction: The films often depict humans as responsible for their own downfall.
- The dangers of unchecked power: The apes’ rise to dominance is a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of power.
- The nature of intelligence and sentience: The films raise questions about what it means to be intelligent and whether intelligence automatically equates to superiority.
- Prejudice and social injustice: The dynamic between apes and humans mirrors real-world issues of prejudice and discrimination.
FAQ 7: Does the Planet of the Apes franchise have any connections to other media?
Yes, in addition to the films, the Planet of the Apes franchise includes television series, comic books, novels, and video games, expanding the universe and exploring different facets of the story. The TV series featured Roddy McDowall (Cornelius from the original films) in a different role as Galen.
FAQ 8: Will there be more Planet of the Apes movies after Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
Given the success of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, it is highly likely that further installments will be produced. Disney, the current rights holder, has expressed interest in continuing the franchise, potentially developing a new trilogy.
FAQ 9: How does Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes connect to the Caesar trilogy?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set several generations after Caesar’s death. While Caesar’s legacy remains a significant influence on ape society, the film introduces new characters and conflicts, focusing on how his teachings have been interpreted and potentially distorted over time. The film acts as a sequel to the previous trilogy, but aims to stand independently for new audiences.
FAQ 10: What’s the difference between the original Planet of the Apes and the reboot series in terms of tone?
The original films often leaned into camp and satirical humor, while the reboot trilogy takes a more serious and grounded approach, focusing on character development and complex moral dilemmas. Kingdom seeks to continue the reboot’s tonality.
FAQ 11: Where can I stream the Planet of the Apes movies?
The streaming availability of Planet of the Apes movies varies depending on your region and current streaming agreements. You can typically find them on services like Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and various rental platforms. Always check your local listings for accurate information.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to watch all the movies to understand the Planet of the Apes universe?
While each film offers a unique perspective on the Planet of the Apes universe, it’s not strictly necessary to watch them all to understand the core concepts. However, watching the original film and the reboot trilogy will provide a solid foundation. Each series can also be enjoyed independently to some extent. Understanding the history of the franchise significantly enhances the viewing experience of Kingdom.