Five. There were five original Planet of the Apes movies released between 1968 and 1973. These films, now considered classic science fiction, explored themes of societal collapse, animal rights, and the dangers of nuclear war, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.
Delving into the Apes: A Comprehensive Overview
The Planet of the Apes franchise, born from Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel La Planète des Singes, has expanded far beyond its initial cinematic run. However, the term “original” typically refers to the first five films that established the core mythology and timeline of ape dominance. Understanding these films requires a deeper look into their individual narratives and overall chronology.
The Original Quintet: A Film-by-Film Breakdown
The five original films are:
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Planet of the Apes (1968): The film that started it all. Astronaut George Taylor crash lands on a seemingly alien planet where apes have evolved to become the dominant species, enslaving humans. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston, this film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects, intelligent script, and iconic ending.
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Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): Continuing Taylor’s story, this sequel follows another astronaut, Brent, who also crash lands on the ape-dominated planet. Brent discovers a community of mutated humans worshiping a doomsday bomb beneath the forbidden zone. This film is darker and more overtly critical of the Cold War than its predecessor.
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Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): In a twist, Cornelius and Zira, two chimpanzee scientists from the future, escape the destruction of their planet by traveling back in time to 1970s America. They become celebrities but face prejudice and fear due to their intelligence and ape nature, ultimately leading to tragedy.
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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Set in a near-future where apes are kept as slaves, this film depicts the rise of Caesar, Cornelius and Zira’s son, who leads a rebellion against his human oppressors. It’s a powerful allegory for the civil rights movement.
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Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): Picking up some years after Conquest, this film portrays a fragile peace between humans and apes threatened by warring factions within both groups. Caesar struggles to maintain order and prevent the devastating future he knows is possible.
Unpacking the Apes: Frequently Asked Questions
This section aims to address common questions and provide clarity regarding the original Planet of the Apes films.
H3: FAQ #1: What makes these five films considered “original”?
These films are considered “original” because they represent the initial cinematic interpretation of Pierre Boulle’s novel and establish the foundational narrative elements of the Planet of the Apes universe, including the ape society, the plight of humans, and the themes of societal collapse and evolution. They feature the core characters (like Cornelius, Zira, and Caesar) central to the early storyline.
H3: FAQ #2: Are the later films, like the remake and reboot trilogy, considered part of the original series?
No. The 2001 remake directed by Tim Burton and the 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 considered separate continuities. They reimagine the story and characters, offering new perspectives and timelines. They are not direct sequels to the original five films.
H3: FAQ #3: What is the correct chronological order of the original films?
The films are presented in chronological order of their release: 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), and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973). This order also reflects the unfolding story within the universe.
H3: FAQ #4: Was the original series based directly on the book?
The first film, Planet of the Apes (1968), is a loose adaptation of Pierre Boulle’s novel. While it retains the core concept of a planet ruled by apes, it deviates significantly in plot details, characters, and ending. The subsequent films in the original series diverge even further from the source material.
H3: FAQ #5: Who directed the original Planet of the Apes movies?
Franklin J. Schaffner directed Planet of the Apes (1968), Ted Post directed Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Don Taylor directed Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), J. Lee Thompson directed Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973).
H3: FAQ #6: What are some of the key themes explored in the original Planet of the Apes films?
The films explore themes of humanity’s potential for self-destruction, the dangers of prejudice and discrimination, the moral implications of scientific progress, and the cyclical nature of history. They also examine the concept of what it truly means to be human and the potential for intelligence and empathy to exist in unexpected places.
H3: FAQ #7: What was the critical and commercial reception of the original Planet of the Apes films?
The original Planet of the Apes (1968) was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its special effects, thought-provoking themes, and memorable performances. The sequels, while still commercially viable, received increasingly mixed reviews, with some criticizing their lower budgets and perceived decline in quality.
H3: FAQ #8: What is the significance of the talking apes in the original films?
The talking apes represent a reversal of traditional power dynamics, forcing audiences to confront their own prejudices and assumptions about intelligence and species hierarchy. Their intelligence also serves as a commentary on human behavior, highlighting our flaws and vulnerabilities.
H3: FAQ #9: How did the original Planet of the Apes films influence popular culture?
The Planet of the Apes films had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous parodies, homages, and spin-offs. The phrase “Damn you all to hell!” from the original film has become iconic, and the franchise as a whole has contributed to the science fiction genre’s exploration of social and political themes.
H3: FAQ #10: Are there any deleted scenes or alternate endings for the original films?
Yes, there are deleted scenes and alternate endings that have been released on various home media formats. Some of these scenes offer deeper insights into the characters and plotlines, while others were removed for pacing or budgetary reasons. Exploring these deleted scenes can enrich the viewing experience.
H3: FAQ #11: What is the best way to watch the original Planet of the Apes films today?
The original Planet of the Apes films are available on various streaming platforms and for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. Watching them in their original theatrical aspect ratio (typically widescreen) is recommended for the best viewing experience. Some editions also include behind-the-scenes documentaries and commentary tracks, offering further context and insights.
H3: FAQ #12: Where can I find more in-depth information about the original Planet of the Apes movies?
Numerous resources are available online and in print, including websites dedicated to the franchise, academic articles analyzing the films’ themes, and biographies of the cast and crew. Exploring these resources can provide a deeper understanding of the films’ historical context, production details, and lasting legacy. Reputable film history websites and archives are valuable sources.