There are nine films officially released within the Planet of the Apes movie franchise, spanning from the groundbreaking 1968 original to the critically acclaimed 2017 War for the Planet of the Apes. This count includes both the original series and the rebooted trilogy, offering a rich tapestry of ape-human conflict, societal commentary, and stunning visual effects.
A Legacy of Simian Cinema: The Planet of the Apes Filmography
The Planet of the Apes franchise has captivated audiences for over half a century. From its initial shock value to its modern reinvention, the series explores themes of evolution, prejudice, and the precarious balance of power. Understanding the chronological and narrative order of these films is crucial to appreciating the overarching story.
The Original Series (1968-1973)
The original series kicked off with a bang, introducing audiences to a world flipped on its head. These films, despite their often-dated special effects, remain culturally significant for their allegorical narratives and thought-provoking social commentary.
- Planet of the Apes (1968): The one that started it all. Astronaut George Taylor crash lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes and enslaved humans.
- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): A rescue mission goes awry, revealing a society of mutated humans worshiping a doomsday bomb beneath the ape city.
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): Cornelius and Zira, two chimpanzee scientists, escape the destroyed Earth and travel back in time to 1970s America.
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Set in the near future, this film depicts the rise of Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, who leads a revolt against human oppression.
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): Caesar attempts to establish a peaceful co-existence between apes and humans, but conflict erupts due to lingering prejudices and external threats.
The Rebooted Trilogy (2011-2017)
More than just remakes, the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy provides a compelling origin story for Caesar and the rise of intelligent apes. Using cutting-edge motion capture technology, these films deliver stunning visuals and nuanced character performances.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): A scientist’s Alzheimer’s cure accidentally enhances the intelligence of apes, leading to Caesar’s development and eventual escape from human control.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Years after a devastating virus wipes out much of humanity, Caesar’s ape colony faces a growing threat from surviving humans, leading to a tense and ultimately violent conflict.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Caesar leads his apes in a desperate battle against a ruthless human military leader, grappling with his own inner demons and the future of his species.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Planet of the Apes Movies
To further explore the fascinating world of Planet of the Apes, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
What is the best order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
The best order depends on your preference. For a chronological narrative, watch the reboot trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War) first, followed by the original series (Planet, Beneath, Escape, Conquest, Battle). Alternatively, watching them in release order offers a historical perspective on the franchise’s evolution.
Is the 2001 Planet of the Apes movie part of the main series?
The 2001 Planet of the Apes, directed by Tim Burton, is considered a reimagining and not officially part of either the original series or the reboot trilogy. It exists in its own separate continuity.
Why are the ape effects so different in the original series compared to the reboot?
The original series relied on practical makeup effects, which, while groundbreaking at the time, appear dated by today’s standards. The reboot trilogy utilizes motion capture technology, allowing actors to perform as apes and have their movements and expressions realistically translated onto digital ape models.
Which Planet of the Apes movie is considered the best?
Many fans consider the original Planet of the Apes (1968) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) to be the best films in the franchise. The original is lauded for its originality and social commentary, while War is praised for its visual effects, emotional depth, and compelling narrative.
What are the main themes explored in the Planet of the Apes movies?
The films explore a range of themes, including evolution, prejudice, the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement, the cyclical nature of history, and the importance of empathy and understanding between different species.
What is the significance of the character Caesar in the rebooted trilogy?
Caesar is the central protagonist of the rebooted trilogy. He represents the evolution of ape intelligence and leadership, guiding his species from captivity to independence. He is also a symbol of hope for peaceful co-existence, although his path is fraught with conflict.
Who played Caesar in the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy?
Andy Serkis brilliantly portrayed Caesar in the rebooted trilogy, using his mastery of motion capture performance to bring the character to life with remarkable nuance and emotion.
Are there any plans for more Planet of the Apes movies?
Yes! As of late 2024, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was released. This is a direct sequel to the rebooted trilogy, continuing the ape’s dominance over earth. There are plans for future installments and a whole new story to be told.
What is the “Simian Flu” and how does it impact the story?
The “Simian Flu” is a genetically engineered virus initially intended to cure Alzheimer’s disease. However, it has the unintended side effect of enhancing the intelligence of apes while proving fatal to humans. It plays a crucial role in the rebooted trilogy, drastically altering the balance of power between the two species.
Where can I watch all the Planet of the Apes movies?
The availability of the Planet of the Apes movies varies depending on your region and streaming services. You can typically find them on platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and various on-demand rental services. You can also purchase physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD.
What inspired the original Planet of the Apes story?
The original Planet of the Apes was inspired by the French novel La Planète des Singes (Monkey Planet) by Pierre Boulle, published in 1963. The novel explores similar themes of societal inversion and the relativity of intelligence.
Are there any Planet of the Apes TV shows?
Yes, there was a Planet of the Apes television series that aired in 1974, following two astronauts who travel to the ape-ruled planet and attempt to return to their own time. There was also a Return to the Planet of the Apes animated series that ran in 1975. While not as widely known as the films, they offer additional perspectives on the Planet of the Apes universe.
The Future of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes franchise continues to resonate with audiences, prompting ongoing discussions about our place in the world and the consequences of our actions. The release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and subsequent plans for future films prove that the ape saga is far from over. With its blend of thrilling action, profound social commentary, and captivating characters, the Planet of the Apes will undoubtedly continue to evolve and inspire for generations to come.