Planet of the Apes: The Order of the Sequels
Hello, movie buffs! Today, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of the Planet of the Apes franchise. If you're a fan, you might be wondering, "What's the best order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies?" Well, grab your popcorn, because we're about to embark on a chronological, story-driven journey through this iconic series. So, let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and planet of the apes order.
The Original Series (1968-1973)
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Kicking off our list is the film that started it all, Planet of the Apes. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, this science fiction classic stars Charlton Heston as an astronaut, George Taylor, who crash-lands on a distant planet ruled by intelligent apes. The film is a thought-provoking exploration of society, evolution, and the human condition. It's a must-watch, and the perfect starting point for your Planet of the Apes marathon.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Picking up where the first film left off, Beneath the Planet of the Apes finds Taylor's fellow astronaut, John Landon (James Franciscus), searching for him on the mysterious planet. This sequel delves deeper into the planet's history and politics, revealing a shocking secret that ties into the first film's ending. It's a thrilling continuation of the story, and a crucial watch for understanding the broader context of the franchise.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
In Escape from the Planet of the Apes, we're treated to a prequel of sorts, as we follow Taylor and Landon's chimpanzee companions, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter), as they travel back in time to 1970s America. This film offers a unique take on the franchise, exploring themes of discrimination, prejudice, and the dangers of scientific advancement. It's a fascinating detour from the main storyline, but an essential one nonetheless.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes brings us back to the main timeline, picking up where the first film left off. This time, we follow a new human protagonist, MacDonald (Mark Lester), as he leads a rebellion against the ape rulers. This film sets the stage for the final chapter in the original series, and is a crucial watch for understanding the events that lead to the apes' eventual downfall.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The final film in the original series, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, sees the apes' once-peaceful society crumbling into chaos. With the humans mounting a rebellion, it's up to MacDonald and the loyal apes to defend their home and prevent a full-scale war. This film offers a satisfying conclusion to the original series, tying up loose ends and offering a glimpse into the future of the franchise.
The Tim Burton Reboot (2001)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
In 2001, director Tim Burton gave the franchise a fresh coat of paint with his Planet of the Apes remake. Starring Mark Wahlberg as an astronaut who crash-lands on a distant planet, this film is a loose adaptation of the original, with a few key differences. While it's not strictly necessary to watch this film before the original series, it's an interesting alternative take on the story that's worth checking out.
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trilogy (2011-2017)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Kicking off the modern Planet of the Apes trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes serves as a prequel to the original series. This film follows a scientist, Will Rodman (James Franco), as he develops a cure for Alzheimer's disease that has unexpected consequences for the ape population. The film introduces us to Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who becomes the leader of the ape revolution, and sets the stage for the next two films in the trilogy.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, we catch up with Caesar and his fellow apes a decade after the events of the previous film. The apes have established a thriving society in the redwood forest, but their peaceful existence is threatened when a group of human survivors stumble upon their hiding place. This film offers a gripping exploration of the conflict between the apes and the humans, and is a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The final film in the modern trilogy, War for the Planet of the Apes, sees Caesar and his fellow apes facing their greatest challenge yet. With the human population on the brink of extinction, a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson) will stop at nothing to wipe them out. This film offers a thrilling conclusion to Caesar's story, and a satisfying end to the modern Planet of the Apes saga.
The Planet of the Apes Order: A Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! Whether you're a die-hard Planet of the Apes fan or a newcomer to the franchise, we hope this guide has helped you navigate the complex world of the apes. The best order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies ultimately depends on what you're looking for in your viewing experience. If you want to follow the story chronologically, we recommend watching the original series, the Tim Burton reboot, and the modern trilogy in order. But if you prefer to watch the films in release order, you can start with the original series, then move on to the reboot and the modern trilogy. No matter how you choose to watch, one thing is for sure: the Planet of the Apes franchise is a cinematic journey you won't soon forget. Happy viewing!