How Many Old Planet of the Apes Movies Are There? The Definitive Guide

There are five original Planet of the Apes movies, released between 1968 and 1973. This iconic science fiction series explored themes of humanity, evolution, and power dynamics through the lens of a dystopian future ruled by intelligent apes.

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The Original Planet of the Apes Saga: A Cinematic Landmark

The Planet of the Apes franchise, in its initial cinematic iteration, captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Its groundbreaking special effects, thought-provoking narratives, and allegorical undertones cemented its place as a cornerstone of science fiction cinema. While numerous reboots and reimaginings have followed, the core five films remain the bedrock of the Apes mythology.

A Deep Dive into the Five Classics

Each of these films contributed uniquely to the overarching storyline and expanded the world of the talking apes:

Planet of the Apes (1968): The film that started it all. Astronaut George Taylor crash-lands on a mysterious planet ruled by intelligent apes who treat humans as animals. The iconic ending, revealing the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand, remains one of cinema’s most shocking and memorable twists. This film established the core conflict between apes and humans and introduced key characters like Dr. Zaius, Cornelius, and Zira.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): A sequel that explores the underground city of mutant humans who worship a nuclear bomb. This film is darker in tone and delves into themes of religious fanaticism and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It sees the destruction of the planet, seemingly ending the saga.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): Cornelius and Zira, along with Dr. Milo, escape the destruction of their planet by repairing Taylor’s spaceship and traveling back in time to Earth. This film reverses the power dynamic, placing the apes in a human-dominated society and exploring themes of prejudice and societal fear of the unknown. It shifted the narrative to Earth and the origins of the ape uprising.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Set in a near-future Earth where apes are kept as slaves, this film depicts the rise of Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, who leads a violent rebellion against humanity. It examines themes of oppression, revolution, and the cycle of violence. It established Caesar as the central figure and the leader of the ape rebellion.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): This film focuses on Caesar’s efforts to build a peaceful society where apes and humans can coexist. However, tensions remain high, and conflict erupts between apes and mutated humans. It explores themes of pacifism, leadership, and the challenges of building a harmonious society. The ambiguous ending suggests that the cycle of violence may continue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Original Planet of the Apes Films

This section answers some of the most common questions about the original Planet of the Apes movies, providing further insight and clarification.

What Order Should I Watch the Original Planet of the Apes Movies In?

The films should be watched in chronological order of their release date:

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)

This order preserves the narrative flow and allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the story.

Are the Remakes/Reboots Part of the Original Series?

No. The 2001 remake directed by Tim Burton and the subsequent reboot trilogy (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes) are separate interpretations of the original concept. They do not continue the storyline of the original five films. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) is also set within the reboot timeline.

Was There a Planet of the Apes TV Series?

Yes, there was a Planet of the Apes TV series that aired in 1974, following two astronauts who travel to a future ruled by apes. While it expanded on the world of the films, it is generally considered separate from the core cinematic canon. An animated series, Return to the Planet of the Apes, also aired in 1975.

Why Did the Original Series End After Only Five Films?

Several factors contributed to the end of the original series, including declining box office returns, creative burnout, and the belief that the narrative arc had reached a natural conclusion. While there were discussions about further sequels, they never materialized.

Are the Original Planet of the Apes Movies Considered Good Science Fiction?

Absolutely. The original Planet of the Apes movies are widely considered classic examples of science fiction cinema. They are praised for their intelligent storytelling, social commentary, groundbreaking special effects (for their time), and memorable characters. They continue to be influential and are frequently studied in film courses.

Who Directed the Original Planet of the Apes Movies?

Planet of the Apes (1968) was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) was directed by Ted Post.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) was directed by Don Taylor.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) was directed by J. Lee Thompson.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) was directed by J. Lee Thompson.

What are Some of the Main Themes Explored in the Original Planet of the Apes Movies?

The films explore a wide range of themes, including:

The dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
The cycle of violence and prejudice.
The nature of humanity and its potential for both good and evil.
The importance of empathy and understanding.
The corrupting influence of power.

Who Played the Key Characters in the Original Films?

George Taylor: Charlton Heston
Dr. Zaius: Maurice Evans
Cornelius: Roddy McDowall
Zira: Kim Hunter
Caesar: Roddy McDowall (in Conquest and Battle)

What Made the Makeup Effects in the Original Planet of the Apes So Groundbreaking?

The makeup effects, created by John Chambers, were revolutionary for their time. They involved extensive prosthetics and meticulous application, creating incredibly realistic ape appearances. This allowed the actors to deliver compelling performances while fully embodying their ape characters.

Are the Original Planet of the Apes Films Available on DVD or Blu-ray?

Yes, all five original films are readily available on DVD and Blu-ray. Various special editions and box sets are also available, often including bonus features such as documentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. Digital streaming options are also widely available.

Did the Planet of the Apes Franchise Influence Other Science Fiction Works?

Yes, the Planet of the Apes franchise has had a significant influence on other science fiction works. Its themes of societal collapse, animal intelligence, and the dangers of unchecked power have been explored in numerous books, films, and television shows. It helped to popularize the dystopian science fiction genre.

Where Was the Original Planet of the Apes Movie Filmed?

The original Planet of the Apes movie was primarily filmed in California and Arizona. The beach scenes were filmed on the beaches of Malibu, California, while the desert landscapes were filmed in Page, Arizona. This combination of locations created the desolate and alien atmosphere of the planet.