This global conflict pitting humans against intelligent humanoid apes thrilled the imagination while also touching on social issues like racism, animal cruelty, and the Cold War, making it one of the best sci-fi movie franchises of all time.
It would take three decades before a reboot landed in our laps, but Tim Burton's 2001 reworking of the original movie wasn't enough to revitalize the dormant franchise.
It wouldn't be until 2011's reboot prequel, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, that 20th Century Fox would find success once again, this time with a full new trilogy - and an actual fourth in the series, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, was released in 2024.
The prequel films in the Planet of the Apes franchise effectively bridge the gap between the human-dominated world of modern society and the ape-dominated dystopia seen in the original 1968 film and its sequels.
These prequels explore the origins of the intelligent apes, tracing their evolution from experimental subjects in scientific research to a thriving, organized society.
They also delve into the complex relationships between humans and apes, highlighting themes of survival, conflict, and ultimately, the downfall of humanity as the dominant species.
By the end of the prequel trilogy and Kingdom for the Planet of Apes, the stage is set for the events of the original films, offering a seamless and compelling narrative that enriches the overall mythology of the franchise.
The Planet of the Apes films, both the original series and the reboot/prequels, tackle a range of complex and thought-provoking themes. At their core, these films explore the essence of humanity and civilization, often contrasting human behavior with that of the intelligent apes.
Chronological order of the Planet of the Apes films:
| Year | Film | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Planet of the Apes | Franklin J. Schaffner |
| 1970 | Beneath the Planet of the Apes | Ted Post |
| 1971 | Escape From the Planet of the Apes | Don Taylor |
| 1972 | Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | J. Lee Thompson |
| 1973 | Battle for the Planet of the Apes | J. Lee Thompson |
| 2001 | Planet of the Apes (Reboot) | Tim Burton |
| 2011 | Rise of the Planet of the Apes | Rupert Wyatt |
| 2014 | Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | Matt Reeves |
| 2017 | War for the Planet of the Apes | Matt Reeves |
| 2024 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | Wes Bal |
Release order of the Planet of the Apes movies:
| Release Year | Film Title | In Universe Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Planet of the Apes | ~3900 AD |
| 1970 | Beneath the Planet of the Apes | ~3950 AD |
| 1971 | Escape From the Planet of the Apes | 1973 |
| 1972 | Conquest of the Planet of the Apes | 1991 |
| 1973 | Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 2000 |
| 2001 | Planet of the Apes - Reboot | ~5021 AD |
| 2011 | Rise of the Planet of the Apes | Early 2010s |
| 2014 | Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | 2020s |
| 2017 | War for the Planet of the Apes | 2029 |
| 2024 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | 2300 approximately |
Themes of power, control, and oppression are prevalent, as the films depict societies where one group seeks to dominate or subjugate another.
Additionally, issues of morality and ethics are prominent, especially in the context of scientific experimentation and the treatment of sentient beings.
The films also touch on concepts of identity and belonging, as characters grapple with their place in a world that is rapidly changing.
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