The Planet of the Apes Movies: A Comprehensive Guide - How Many Are There?
Hello, movie buffs! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of the Planet of the Apes movies. If you're wondering, "How many Planet of the Apes movies are there?", you've come to the right place. We're going to explore the entire franchise, from the original to the latest installment, and give you a breakdown of each movie. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and planet of the apes movies how many.
The Original Series (1968-1973)
The Planet of the Apes franchise began with a bang, or rather, a splash, with the release of the original movie in 1968. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on Pierre Boulle's novel, the movie was an instant classic.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Kicking off our list is the movie that started it all. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, "Planet of the Apes" follows astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) as he crash-lands on a strange planet and discovers a world dominated by intelligent apes.
The movie was a massive success, grossing over $32 million at the box office and receiving critical acclaim. It also won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The movie's iconic ending, with Taylor's famous line, "You maniacs! You blew it up!", is one of the most memorable in cinema history.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Following the success of the first movie, "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" was released in 1970. Directed by Ted Post, the movie sees astronauts Brent (James Franciscus) and Dodge (Jeff Corey) landing on the same planet as Taylor, only to find themselves in a war between the apes and a human society that worships a mysterious object.
While not as well-received as its predecessor, "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" was still a commercial success, grossing over $19 million at the box office.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
In "Escape from the Planet of the Apes", directed by Don Taylor, the tables turn as three intelligent apes - Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), Zira (Kim Hunter), and Dr. Milo (Sal Mineo) - travel back in time to 1970s California.
The movie explores themes of racism and prejudice, with the apes facing discrimination and violence from humans. Despite its serious themes, "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" is also a comedy, with many humorous moments.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Directed by J. Lee Thompson, "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" is set in a dystopian 1991 where apes are kept as pets. When Caesar (Roddy McDowall), the son of Cornelius and Zira, arrives in this future, he witnesses the brutal treatment of apes and decides to lead a revolt.
"Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" is a darker, more political movie than its predecessors, with themes of slavery and rebellion. It also features a memorable performance from McDowall as Caesar.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
Rounding out the original series is "Battle for the Planet of the Apes", directed by J. Lee Thompson. Set two years after the events of "Conquest", the movie sees Caesar leading a peaceful ape colony, but a group of humans, led by the ruthless Colonel McGregor (Don Murray), threaten their way of life.
The movie serves as a conclusion to the original series, with a bittersweet ending that leaves the fate of the planet uncertain.
The Tim Burton Remake (2001)
After a nearly 30-year hiatus, the Planet of the Apes franchise was rebooted with a new take on the original movie, directed by Tim Burton.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Directed by Tim Burton, this remake of the original movie follows astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) as he crash-lands on a planet dominated by intelligent apes. While it shares the same basic premise as the original, Burton's version takes a different approach, with a darker, more action-packed story.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $362 million at the box office. However, it received mixed reviews from critics and fans of the original series.
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trilogy (2011-2017)
In 2011, a new Planet of the Apes trilogy began with a prequel to the original movie, focusing on the rise of the intelligent apes.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Directed by Rupert Wyatt, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" tells the story of Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee raised by scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) after he's infected with an experimental intelligence-boosting virus. When Caesar is taken from his home and sent to a sanctuary, he rallies the other apes to rebel against their human captors.
The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $481 million at the box office. It also received widespread acclaim for its use of motion capture technology to create the apes.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", directed by Matt Reeves, Caesar and his fellow apes have established a thriving colony in the Muir Woods, while the human race has been decimated by the simian flu. When a group of human survivors stumble upon the ape colony, tensions rise, and a war erupts.
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" was another critical and commercial success, grossing over $710 million at the box office. It also received praise for its exploration of themes like racism, violence, and the consequences of war.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Concluding the trilogy is "War for the Planet of the Apes", also directed by Matt Reeves. The movie sees Caesar leading his people against a ruthless human colonel (Woody Harrelson) who's determined to wipe out the apes once and for all. Along the way, Caesar faces a moral crisis that tests his beliefs and challenges his leadership.
"War for the Planet of the Apes" was the highest-grossing movie in the franchise, earning over $499 million at the box office. It also received critical acclaim for its themes, performances, and visual effects.
How Many Planet of the Apes Movies Are There?
So, how many Planet of the Apes movies are there? In total, there are 10 movies in the franchise. This includes the original series, the Tim Burton remake, and the Rise of the Planet of the Apes trilogy. Each movie offers a unique take on the Planet of the Apes story, exploring different themes and aspects of the franchise.
The Future of the Planet of the Apes Movies
As of now, there are no official plans for any new Planet of the Apes movies. However, given the success of the Rise of the Planet of the Apes trilogy, it's not out of the question that we could see more movies in the future. Whether they'll be prequels, sequels, or reboots remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The Planet of the Apes franchise is a complex, thought-provoking exploration of what happens when humans and apes collide. From the original series to the Tim Burton remake to the Rise of the Planet of the Apes trilogy, each movie offers a unique take on the story. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard ape enthusiast, there's plenty to love in the Planet of the Apes movies. So, grab your bananas and get ready to explore the fascinating world of the Planet of the Apes!
And there you have it, folks! That's the complete guide to the Planet of the Apes movies. We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the franchise. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for more movie-related content!