Apes Movies In Order: A Comprehensive Guide To The Planet Of The Apes Franchise

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is one of the most iconic and enduring series in the history of cinema. Beginning in the 1960s, this remarkable saga has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking themes, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable characters. In this article, we will explore the "apes movies in order," providing you with a detailed timeline of the films, insights into their impact on pop culture, and a closer look at the evolution of the franchise over the decades.

The original series began with the groundbreaking film "Planet of the Apes" in 1968, which not only set the stage for a new genre of science fiction but also challenged societal norms by addressing issues like racism, environmentalism, and what it means to be human. As the franchise has evolved, it has expanded to include reboots, sequels, and spin-offs that have often redefined the way we think about storytelling in cinema.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with a complete list of the "apes movies in order," along with essential information about each film, including their release dates, directors, and critical reception. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this article will serve as your go-to resource for all things related to the "Planet of the Apes."

Table of Contents

• 1. Planet of the Apes (1968)
• 2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
• 3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
• 4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
• 5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
• 6. Planet of the Apes (2001)
• 7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
• 8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
• 9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
• 10. Conclusion

1. Planet of the Apes (1968)

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on Pierre Boulle's novel, "Planet of the Apes" introduces us to astronaut George Taylor, played by Charlton Heston, who crash-lands on a distant planet where apes rule over humans. The film explores themes of identity and societal roles, leading to one of the most famous plot twists in cinematic history.

Key Information

• Release Date: April 3, 1968
• Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
• Box Office: $33 million (domestic)

2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

The sequel, directed by Ted Post, follows the story of another astronaut, Brent, who searches for Taylor. This film expands on the themes of humanity and power, introducing the underground society of mutants and their worship of the "bomb." It deepens the narrative established in the original film.

Key Information

• Release Date: May 27, 1970
• Director: Ted Post
• Box Office: $18 million (domestic)

3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

This third installment, directed by Don Taylor, takes a unique turn as it explores time travel. Two apes, Zira and Cornelius, travel back to 20th-century America, where they must navigate human society while facing the consequences of their knowledge of the future.

Key Information

• Release Date: May 14, 1971
• Director: Don Taylor
• Box Office: $20 million (domestic)

4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

In this fourth film, directed by J. Lee Thompson, we witness the rise of the apes as they revolt against their human oppressors. This film addresses significant social issues, including civil rights and rebellion, making it one of the more politically charged entries in the series.

Key Information

• Release Date: June 30, 1972
• Director: J. Lee Thompson
• Box Office: $18 million (domestic)

5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

The concluding chapter of the original series, directed by J. Lee Thompson, explores the aftermath of the ape revolution. The film addresses themes of peace and coexistence as Caesar, the leader of the apes, attempts to create harmony between humans and apes.

Key Information

• Release Date: May 14, 1973
• Director: J. Lee Thompson
• Box Office: $9 million (domestic)

6. Planet of the Apes (2001)

Tim Burton's 2001 remake attempts to breathe new life into the franchise. While it features stunning visuals and a talented cast, it faced mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. The film reimagines the original story with unique twists and a different ending.

Key Information

• Release Date: July 27, 2001
• Director: Tim Burton
• Box Office: $362 million (worldwide)

7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

This reboot, directed by Rupert Wyatt, reintroduces the franchise with a modern twist. Focusing on the origin of the apes, particularly Caesar, the film explores themes of intelligence, freedom, and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation.

Key Information

• Release Date: August 5, 2011
• Director: Rupert Wyatt
• Box Office: $481 million (worldwide)

8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Directed by Matt Reeves, this sequel continues the story of Caesar as he leads a growing population of intelligent apes amidst rising tensions with surviving humans. The film delves deeper into themes of leadership, fear, and coexistence.

Key Information

• Release Date: July 11, 2014
• Director: Matt Reeves
• Box Office: $710 million (worldwide)

9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The final installment of the reboot trilogy, also directed by Matt Reeves, explores the epic conflict between humans and apes. The film is a powerful commentary on war, loss, and sacrifice, concluding Caesar's journey with emotional depth and complexity.

Key Information

• Release Date: July 14, 2017
• Director: Matt Reeves
• Box Office: $490 million (worldwide)

Conclusion

In summary, the "apes movies in order" showcase a rich tapestry of storytelling that has evolved significantly over the decades. From the original films that sparked a cultural phenomenon to the modern reboots that have reinvigorated interest in the franchise, the "Planet of the Apes" has continued to resonate with audiences around the world. We encourage you to dive into this extraordinary series, share your thoughts in the comments, and explore more articles on our site for further insights into your favorite films.