The Ultimate Guide: Watching Planet of the Apes Movies in Order

Hello there, movie buffs! If you're here, you're probably a fan of the epic Planet of the Apes franchise, or maybe you're just curious about where to start. Either way, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore the Planet of the Apes movies in order, so you can enjoy this thrilling series to the fullest. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and planet of apes movies in order to watch.

The Original Series (1968-1973)

Kicking off our list is the classic original series, starting with the groundbreaking Planet of the Apes (1968). Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston, this film is a timeless masterpiece that sparked a cultural phenomenon. The story follows an astronaut, George Taylor, who crash-lands on a strange planet dominated by intelligent apes. This film is a must-watch, as it's the foundation upon which the entire franchise is built.

The success of the first film led to four sequels, each offering a unique perspective on this fascinating world:

- Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): In this sequel, Taylor returns to the planet of the apes, only to find that humans have taken refuge underground and are worshipping a doomsday device. - Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): The story jumps back in time as three apes – Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Milo – travel back to 1970s Earth, where they must navigate a world that's both familiar and foreign. - Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Set in a dystopian 1991, this film follows Caesar, the son of Cornelius and Zira, as he leads a slave rebellion against humanity. - Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): The final film in the original series sees Caesar struggling to maintain peace between the apes and the surviving humans, as a group of rogue apes threatens to destroy both societies.

The Reboot Trilogy (2011-2017)

After a long hiatus, the Planet of the Apes franchise was rebooted with a new trilogy that focuses on the origins of the simian society. These films are known for their stunning visual effects, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking themes:

- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): Directed by Rupert Wyatt, this film serves as a prequel to the original series, exploring the origins of the simian flu that led to the rise of the apes. James Franco stars as Will Rodman, a scientist who accidentally creates a highly intelligent chimp named Caesar. - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Set a decade after the events of "Rise," this film follows Caesar as he leads his growing ape colony, which is now threatened by a group of surviving humans. Matt Reeves takes over directing duties, and Andy Serkis delivers a powerful performance as Caesar through motion-capture technology. - War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): In the thrilling conclusion to the reboot trilogy, Caesar and his apes are pursued by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson) who seeks to wipe them out. As Caesar embarks on a journey to avenge his fallen comrades, he must confront his own dark side and decide the fate of both species.

The Planet of the Apes (2001) TV Series

Although not part of the main film series, it's worth mentioning the short-lived Planet of the Apes (2001) TV series. This live-action show was a reimagining of the original film, with Tim Burton serving as an executive producer. The series lasted for just one season, but it offered an interesting take on the classic story and featured some impressive practical effects.

The Planet of the Apes (2018) TV Series

Another attempted reboot of the franchise, The Planet of the Apes (2018) TV series was an animated show that aired on Fox. The series was set in an alternate timeline, where a group of astronauts crash-land on a planet where intelligent apes have taken over. While the show received mixed reviews, it was praised for its unique take on the franchise and its exploration of themes like colonialism and exploitation.

Watching Planet of the Apes Movies in Order: The Best Way to Enjoy the Franchise

Now that you have a comprehensive list of Planet of the Apes movies in order, you might be wondering which way to watch them for the best experience. Here are a few options to consider:

1. 1. Chronological Order: Watching the movies in the order they were released can be a fun way to experience the evolution of the franchise. This approach allows you to see how the storylines and themes develop over time.
2. 2. Storyline Order: If you prefer to follow the events of the story as they unfold, you can watch the movies in the order they take place. This approach can be a bit confusing, as the original series and the reboot trilogy don't directly connect, but it can also be an interesting way to compare and contrast the two timelines.
3. 3. Reboot Trilogy First: For some fans, it might be helpful to watch the reboot trilogy first, as it provides valuable context for the original series. This approach can also help you appreciate the visual and thematic improvements made in the more recent films.

No matter which order you choose, watching the Planet of the Apes movies in order is an unforgettable cinematic journey. So grab your favorite snacks, get comfortable, and prepare to be immersed in a world where the apes rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Planet of the Apes movie should I watch first?

A: If you're new to the franchise, we recommend starting with the original Planet of the Apes (1968) film. This classic movie is a groundbreaking masterpiece that sets the stage for the entire franchise.

Q: Are the Planet of the Apes movies connected?

A: The original series and the reboot trilogy are not directly connected, as they take place in separate timelines. However, they both explore similar themes and share some visual elements. The TV series are also not connected to the main film series.

Q: Which Planet of the Apes movie is the best?

A: Opinions vary among fans, but many consider Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) to be the strongest entries in the franchise. The original Planet of the Apes (1968) film is also widely regarded as a classic.

Q: Are there any Planet of the Apes movies on Netflix?

A: The availability of Planet of the Apes movies on Netflix varies depending on your region. To check if any of the films are available to stream in your area, you can visit the Netflix website or use a streaming service search engine like JustWatch.

Q: Will there be more Planet of the Apes movies?

A: As of now, there are no official announcements regarding any new Planet of the Apes movies. However, given the success of the reboot trilogy, it's possible that the franchise could continue in the future.

Conclusion

Watching Planet of the Apes movies in order is an exciting adventure that takes you from the original classic to the visually stunning reboot trilogy. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the franchise, there's a wealth of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling to explore. So grab your bananas, and let's get started!