The revitalized Planet of the Apes franchise, starting with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, offers a thrilling and emotionally resonant journey through the evolution of ape intelligence and the ensuing conflict with humanity. Understanding the chronological order and different viewing options is crucial to fully appreciate the narrative arc of this modern epic.
Understanding the Apes: A Watcher’s Guide
Navigating a film franchise, especially one with prequels and reboots, can be confusing. The modern Planet of the Apes trilogy – Rise, Dawn, and War – presents a clear origin story, which is crucial to understanding the new instalment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This guide breaks down the viewing options, providing clarity for both franchise newcomers and seasoned fans. The most effective and engaging way to watch the new Planet of the Apes movies is to watch the preceding trilogy – Rise, Dawn, and War – in chronological order first. This establishes the foundation of ape society, Caesar’s legacy, and the world in which Kingdom unfolds, maximizing your viewing experience. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the appreciation for the new film’s characters, themes, and narrative choices.
The Chronological Order: An Apes Marathon
The recommended viewing order follows the narrative timeline:
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
This order allows you to witness the apes’ evolution from lab subjects to a complex society struggling for survival, culminating in the setting for the latest chapter.
Where to Watch the Apes: Streaming and Physical Media
Streaming Platforms
The availability of the Planet of the Apes movies on streaming services varies depending on your region. Check these platforms for availability:
- Disney+: Likely to host the most recent film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes after its theatrical run, and possibly the older trilogy as well.
- Hulu: Often carries films from 20th Century Studios, which produced the Apes films.
- Amazon Prime Video: May offer the films for rent or purchase, and potentially through channel subscriptions.
- Apple TV: Similar to Amazon, offering rental and purchase options.
- Other regional streaming services: Check your local services for availability.
Physical Media
For collectors and those who prefer a more permanent viewing option, the Planet of the Apes movies are available on:
- Blu-ray: Offers high-definition viewing and bonus features.
- DVD: A standard-definition option.
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray: Provides the highest possible image quality for compatible TVs and players.
Owning physical copies ensures that you can watch the films anytime, regardless of streaming availability.
Understanding Caesar’s Legacy: A Key to Kingdom
Caesar, the intelligent chimpanzee at the heart of the original trilogy, is a pivotal figure. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes place generations after Caesar’s death, but his legacy profoundly influences the ape society. Understanding his teachings of peace, compassion, and the complexities of power is essential to grasping the conflicts and motivations within Kingdom. The new film explores how Caesar’s philosophy has been interpreted and potentially corrupted over time, leading to new power struggles and the emergence of tyrannical ape leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching the New Planet of the Apes
Here are some common questions to help you navigate the world of the Planet of the Apes movies:
FAQ 1: Do I need to watch the original Planet of the Apes movies from the 1960s?
No, you don’t need to watch the original films. The modern trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War) is a reboot, providing a fresh origin story that is largely self-contained. While there are thematic connections and Easter eggs that fans of the original films might appreciate, they are not essential for understanding the new films. However, watching the original 1968 movie can provide historical context and appreciation for the franchise’s enduring themes.
FAQ 2: What is the best way to catch up on the story before watching Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
The most efficient way is to watch a detailed recap of the Rise, Dawn, and War trilogy. Many reputable websites and YouTube channels offer comprehensive summaries that cover the key plot points, character developments, and overarching themes. This is a great option if you’re short on time but still want to be informed.
FAQ 3: Are there any post-credit scenes in the Planet of the Apes movies?
No, generally the modern Planet of the Apes movies do not have post-credit scenes. It’s always wise to check, but you are safe to leave the theater when the credits roll.
FAQ 4: Will Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes spoil the earlier trilogy if I watch it first?
While Kingdom is set generations after Caesar, understanding the context of his rise and the sacrifices made by the apes in the previous films significantly enriches the experience. Watching Kingdom first won’t necessarily spoil the earlier films, but it will lessen the emotional impact and historical weight of certain plot points and character references.
FAQ 5: Is the Planet of the Apes series appropriate for children?
The Planet of the Apes movies contain mature themes, violence, and intense scenes that may not be suitable for young children. Rise is generally the most accessible, while War contains darker themes and more graphic violence. Consider the age and maturity level of the child before allowing them to watch. Kingdom likely follows a similar pattern to the preceding films in terms of mature content. Check ratings and read reviews for more detailed information.
FAQ 6: Where can I find behind-the-scenes content and making-of documentaries for the Planet of the Apes movies?
Behind-the-scenes content is often included on Blu-ray and DVD releases. Additionally, YouTube is a great source for interviews, featurettes, and making-of documentaries. Official studio channels and fan-created content offer a wealth of information about the production process.
FAQ 7: Are there any books or comics that expand the Planet of the Apes universe?
Yes, there are numerous books and comics that delve deeper into the Planet of the Apes universe. These expand on the lore, characters, and historical events of both the original series and the modern reboot. Search for officially licensed novels and comic books to find expanded content.
FAQ 8: How does the new movie Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes connect to the earlier films?
Kingdom builds upon the foundation laid by the Rise, Dawn, and War trilogy. It takes place hundreds of years after Caesar’s death and explores how his legacy has evolved and been interpreted by different ape factions. Expect references to key events and characters from the previous films, as well as new themes and conflicts that emerge from the evolving ape society.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the ALZ-113 virus in the Planet of the Apes storyline?
The ALZ-113 virus is a crucial element in the Planet of the Apes narrative. In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, it was developed as a potential cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, it had the unintended side effect of dramatically increasing intelligence in apes while proving fatal to many humans. This virus is the catalyst for the ape uprising and the subsequent decline of human civilization.
FAQ 10: What are some of the key themes explored in the Planet of the Apes movies?
The Planet of the Apes movies explore a range of complex themes, including:
- Evolution and intelligence: The films examine the nature of intelligence and how it shapes societies.
- Humanity vs. Animality: The blurring lines between humans and apes raise questions about what defines humanity.
- Survival and conflict: The struggle for survival in a world dominated by apes leads to brutal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
- Legacy and leadership: The films explore the impact of leaders and the burden of legacy on future generations.
- Prejudice and discrimination: The power dynamics between humans and apes often reflect real-world issues of prejudice and discrimination.
FAQ 11: Is there a potential for more Planet of the Apes movies after Kingdom?
The ending of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes clearly sets the stage for future installments. The franchise has proven to be commercially successful, and the world created offers a wealth of storytelling potential. Assuming Kingdom is well-received, it’s highly likely that more Planet of the Apes movies will be made. The producers have indicated a desire to explore new characters and storylines within this universe.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to watch Planet of the Apes if I only have time for one movie before seeing Kingdom?
If you only have time for one movie, watch War for the Planet of the Apes. This film provides the most direct context for the world in which Kingdom is set, showcasing the evolution of ape society and the lasting impact of Caesar’s leadership. It also best establishes the themes of survival and the complexities of ape-human relations which are sure to be present in the latest installment.