How Many Original Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?

Hello, movie buffs! Today, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of the Planet of the Apes franchise and answer a question that's been on many of your minds: How many original Planet of the Apes movies are there? So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and let's swing into action! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how many original planet of the apes movies are there.

The Original Series: A Trilogy that Launched a Franchise

Planet of the Apes (1968) - The One That Started It All

Kicking off our journey is the film that started it all, the original Planet of the Apes movie released in 1968. Directed by the legendary Franklin J. Schaffner, this movie is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. Starring Charlton Heston as George Taylor, an astronaut who crash-lands on a strange planet inhabited by intelligent apes, this film is a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.

The movie explores themes of racism, prejudice, and the human condition, all wrapped up in a thrilling adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its groundbreaking makeup effects and thought-provoking story, it's no wonder that this film spawned a franchise.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) - The Direct Sequel

Just two years after the original film's release, we were treated to a direct sequel, Beneath the Planet of the Apes. This time around, astronauts Brent (James Franciscus) and Dodge (Jess Conrad) follow Taylor's trajectory to the mysterious planet, only to find themselves in a world of trouble.

This film delves deeper into the politics and religious aspects of the ape society, introducing us to the mute humans who live underground and worship an ancient doomsday weapon. With its bleak atmosphere and intense climax, Beneath the Planet of the Apes is a gripping continuation of the story that leaves a lasting impression.

Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) - The Time-Traveling Adventure

In the third installment of the original series, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, we take a leap back in time with our ape protagonists, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter). After their spaceship is shot down over the Pacific Ocean in 1973, the intelligent apes find themselves in the one place they never expected to be – 20th century America.

This film explores themes of prejudice, racism, and the potential consequences of humanity's actions, all while providing plenty of thrills and suspense. As Cornelius and Zira navigate the complex world of humans, they must also grapple with the knowledge that their presence in the past could have catastrophic repercussions for the future.

The Franchise Expands: Prequels, Reboots, and Sequels

While the original series consisted of just three films, the Planet of the Apes franchise has since grown to include several more movies, TV shows, and even a popular video game series. In 2001, Tim Burton directed a big-budget Planet of the Apes remake, which starred Mark Wahlberg and Helena Bonham Carter. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, it did introduce a new generation of moviegoers to the classic story.

In 2011, 20th Century Fox began developing a new series of prequel films that would explore the origins of the ape society and the rise of intelligent apes. The first film in this new series, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, was released in 2011 and received critical acclaim for its compelling story, impressive visual effects, and outstanding performances from its cast, including Andy Serkis as Caesar, the leader of the apes.

The success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes led to two sequels, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), which together formed a trilogy that expanded upon the story of Caesar and his fellow apes as they fought for survival and freedom in a world dominated by humans. These films are widely regarded as some of the best in the entire franchise, thanks to their powerful storytelling, stunning visual effects, and memorable performances.

So, How Many Original Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?

Now that we've taken a whirlwind tour through the Planet of the Apes franchise, you might be wondering, "Okay, but how many original Planet of the Apes movies are there?" Well, if you're only counting the films that were part of the original series released between 1968 and 1971, the answer is three.

However, if you're including the more recent prequel films that were released between 2011 and 2017, the number increases to six. And if you want to get really technical, you could also count the 2001 remake and the 1974 live-action TV series, bringing the total up to eight films in the Planet of the Apes franchise.

But regardless of how you choose to define "original," there's no denying that the Planet of the Apes franchise has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. From its thought-provoking storytelling to its groundbreaking visual effects, this series has captivated audiences for decades and shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Conclusion: A Franchise Like No Other

In conclusion, the Planet of the Apes franchise is a unique and captivating cinematic universe that has entertained and challenged audiences for over five decades. With its compelling storytelling, impressive visual effects, and memorable performances, it's no wonder that this franchise has become a beloved classic among sci-fi fans and casual moviegoers alike.

So, whether you're a longtime fan of the original series or a newcomer to the world of the Planet of the Apes, there's something in this franchise for everyone. And who knows? With the way things are going, we might just see even more films set in this incredible universe in the years to come.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the Planet of the Apes franchise! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about this iconic series and that you'll continue to explore the many films, TV shows, and other media that make up this unforgettable world. Until next time, guys – keep exploring, and remember: Ape shall never kill ape!