A Complete Guide To Watching The "Planet Of The Apes" Movies In Chronological Order

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a collection of films, television shows, and other media set in a world where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient. The franchise began with the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes", which was based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle. The film was a critical and commercial success, and spawned four sequels, two television series, and numerous other spin-offs.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has been praised for its social commentary, its exploration of themes such as racism and animal rights, and its groundbreaking special effects. The franchise has also been criticized for its violence and its portrayal of women. However, it remains one of the most popular and enduring science fiction franchises of all time.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has been rebooted twice, once in 2001 and again in 2011. The 2011 reboot, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", was a critical and commercial success, and spawned two sequels, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014) and "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017). The reboot series has been praised for its stunning visual effects, its complex characters, and its exploration of timely social issues.

Planets of the Apes in Order

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a vast and complex one, with a rich history and a wide range of characters and stories. Here are eight key aspects of the franchise that help to make it so unique and enduring:

• Science fiction: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is set in a science fiction world, where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient. This setting allows the franchise to explore a variety of social and political issues, such as racism, animal rights, and the nature of humanity.
• Social commentary: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has always been known for its social commentary. The films and television shows have explored a variety of social and political issues, such as racism, sexism, and the dangers of nuclear war.
• Special effects: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has always been known for its groundbreaking special effects. The makeup and prosthetics used to create the ape characters have been praised for their realism and their ability to bring the characters to life.
• Characters: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is full of memorable characters, both human and ape. From the iconic Caesar to the tragic Dr. Zaius, the characters in the franchise are complex and well-developed.
• Storytelling: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has a rich and complex mythology. The films and television shows have explored a variety of different storylines, from the original to the recent reboot trilogy.
• Cultural impact: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has had a significant cultural impact. The films and television shows have been parodied and imitated, and the characters have become iconic symbols of science fiction.
• Relevancy: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise remains relevant today, as it continues to explore social and political issues that are relevant to our world. The franchise is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
• Legacy: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a legacy that will continue to entertain and challenge audiences for years to come.

These eight key aspects are just a few of the things that make the "Planet of the Apes" franchise so unique and enduring. The franchise is a complex and thought-provoking one, and it continues to offer new insights into the human condition.

1. Science fiction

The science fiction setting of the "Planet of the Apes" franchise is essential to its ability to explore social and political issues. By setting the story in a world where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient, the franchise is able to challenge our assumptions about race, power, and intelligence. The franchise also explores the nature of humanity, asking questions about what it means to be human and what makes us different from other animals.

• Racism: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has often been interpreted as an allegory for racism. The apes in the franchise represent the dominant white race, while the humans represent the oppressed black race. The franchise explores the ways in which racism can dehumanize both the oppressor and the oppressed.
• Animal rights: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise also explores the issue of animal rights. The apes in the franchise are often seen as being more intelligent and compassionate than the humans. This raises questions about whether or not animals deserve the same rights as humans.
• The nature of humanity: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise also explores the nature of humanity. The franchise asks questions about what it means to be human and what makes us different from other animals. The franchise also explores the dark side of human nature, such as our capacity for violence and cruelty.

The science fiction setting of the "Planet of the Apes" franchise allows the franchise to explore these complex issues in a thought-provoking and entertaining way. The franchise is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

2. Social commentary

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a unique and enduring science fiction franchise that has been exploring social and political issues since its inception in 1968. The franchise has used its setting, characters, and stories to explore a wide range of issues, including racism, sexism, animal rights, and the dangers of nuclear war. The franchise's social commentary has been praised by critics and audiences alike, and it is one of the reasons why the franchise has remained popular for so long.

One of the most important aspects of the "Planet of the Apes" franchise's social commentary is its exploration of racism. The franchise has often been interpreted as an allegory for racism, with the apes representing the dominant white race and the humans representing the oppressed black race. The franchise has explored the ways in which racism can dehumanize both the oppressor and the oppressed, and it has also shown the importance of fighting against racism.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has also explored other social and political issues, such as sexism, animal rights, and the dangers of nuclear war. The franchise has shown how these issues can have a devastating impact on society, and it has also shown the importance of working together to overcome these challenges.

The social commentary in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise is not always subtle, but it is always effective. The franchise has used its storytelling to raise awareness of important social and political issues, and it has helped to change the way we think about these issues.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a powerful example of how science fiction can be used to explore social and political issues. The franchise has used its unique setting, characters, and stories to raise awareness of important issues and to challenge our assumptions about the world. The franchise is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about social and political issues, and it is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

3. Special effects

The special effects in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise have played a vital role in the success of the franchise. The realistic makeup and prosthetics have helped to bring the ape characters to life and create a sense of immersion for the audience. This has allowed the franchise to explore complex social and political issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The special effects in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise have also helped to push the boundaries of filmmaking. The makeup and prosthetics used in the original 1968 film were groundbreaking for their time, and they continue to be praised for their realism today. The special effects in the recent reboot trilogy have also been highly praised, with the 2011 film "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

The special effects in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise are a key component of the franchise's success. They have helped to bring the ape characters to life, create a sense of immersion for the audience, and explore complex social and political issues. The special effects in the franchise have also helped to push the boundaries of filmmaking, and they continue to be praised for their realism and innovation.

4. Characters

The characters in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise are one of the most important aspects of the franchise's success. The characters are complex and well-developed, and they help to bring the franchise's social and political themes to life.

• Caesar: Caesar is the iconic leader of the apes in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. He is a complex and tragic character, and he has been portrayed by a variety of actors over the years, including Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, and Andy Serkis. Caesar is a powerful and intelligent leader, but he is also compassionate and just. He is a symbol of hope for the apes, and he represents the possibility of a better future for both apes and humans.
• Dr. Zaius: Dr. Zaius is the leader of the human colony in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. He is a complex and tragic character, and he has been portrayed by a variety of actors over the years, including Maurice Evans, David Watson, and Christopher Lee. Dr. Zaius is a brilliant scientist, but he is also deeply flawed. He is blinded by his own prejudice, and he is unable to see the truth about the apes. Dr. Zaius is a symbol of the dangers of prejudice and intolerance, and he represents the obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve a better future for both apes and humans.
• Cornelius and Zira: Cornelius and Zira are two chimpanzee scientists who help Caesar in his quest for a better future for apes and humans. They are brilliant scientists, and they are also compassionate and understanding. Cornelius and Zira represent the hope for a better future, and they show that it is possible for apes and humans to live together in peace and harmony.
• Nova: Nova is a human woman who helps Caesar in his quest for a better future for apes and humans. She is a skilled healer, and she is also compassionate and understanding. Nova represents the hope for a better future, and she shows that it is possible for apes and humans to live together in peace and harmony.

The characters in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise are complex and well-developed. They represent a variety of social and political themes, and they help to bring the franchise's message to life. The characters are one of the most important aspects of the franchise's success, and they are a key reason why the franchise continues to be popular today.

5. Storytelling

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is known for its rich and complex mythology. The films and television shows have explored a variety of different storylines, from the original 1968 film to the recent reboot trilogy. This storytelling has helped to create a deep and immersive world that has captivated audiences for generations.

• Origins: The original "Planet of the Apes" film introduced the world to the concept of a planet where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient. This concept has been explored in a variety of different ways in the subsequent films and television shows, but it remains the core of the franchise's mythology.
• Characters: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is also known for its memorable characters. From the iconic Caesar to the tragic Dr. Zaius, the characters in the franchise are complex and well-developed. They help to bring the franchise's mythology to life and make it relatable to audiences.
• Themes: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has also explored a variety of different themes, such as racism, animal rights, and the nature of humanity. These themes have helped to give the franchise a depth and resonance that has made it popular with audiences of all ages.
• Reboots: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has been rebooted twice, once in 2001 and again in 2011. The reboots have helped to introduce the franchise to a new generation of audiences and have also allowed the franchise to explore new storylines and themes.

The storytelling in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise is one of the key reasons for its success. The franchise has created a rich and complex world that has captivated audiences for generations. The storytelling has also helped to explore important themes and issues, making the franchise relevant to audiences of all ages.

6. Cultural impact

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has had a significant cultural impact. The films and television shows have been parodied and imitated, and the characters have become iconic symbols of science fiction. This cultural impact is due in part to the franchise's unique and enduring premise: a world where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient. This premise has allowed the franchise to explore a variety of social and political issues, such as racism, animal rights, and the nature of humanity.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has also had a significant impact on popular culture. The films and television shows have been parodied and imitated in a variety of ways, from Saturday Night Live sketches to video games. The characters have also become iconic symbols of science fiction, appearing on everything from T-shirts to lunchboxes. The franchise's cultural impact is a testament to its enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.

The cultural impact of the "Planet of the Apes" franchise is also due to its high quality. The films and television shows are well-made and entertaining, with strong characters and stories. The franchise has also been praised for its groundbreaking special effects, which have helped to bring the ape characters to life. The combination of quality and entertainment value has made the "Planet of the Apes" franchise a popular and enduring part of popular culture.

7. Relevancy

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has always been relevant to the real world, but it is particularly resonant today. The franchise's themes of racism, sexism, and discrimination are all too relevant in our own world. The franchise is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against these evils.

One of the most important ways that the "Planet of the Apes" franchise remains relevant is through its exploration of racism. The franchise has been praised for its nuanced and unflinching portrayal of racism, and it has helped to raise awareness of the issue. The franchise has also shown how racism can have devastating consequences, both for individuals and for society as a whole.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is also relevant today because of its exploration of sexism. The franchise has shown how sexism can limit women's opportunities and how it can lead to violence against women. The franchise has also shown how sexism can damage men, by preventing them from fully expressing their emotions and by limiting their opportunities.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a powerful reminder that we must always be vigilant against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. The franchise is a valuable tool for teaching about these issues and for inspiring people to fight against them.

In conclusion, the "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a relevant and important part of our culture. The franchise's exploration of social and political issues is essential for understanding the world around us and for fighting against injustice.

8. Legacy

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a significant and enduring part of popular culture. The films and television shows have been praised for their social commentary, their exploration of complex themes, and their groundbreaking special effects. The franchise has also had a significant cultural impact, with the characters and stories becoming iconic symbols of science fiction. The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a legacy that will continue to entertain and challenge audiences for years to come.

• Cultural Impact: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has had a significant cultural impact. The characters and stories have become iconic symbols of science fiction, and the franchise has been parodied and imitated in a variety of ways. The franchise has also inspired a variety of other works of art, including books, comics, and video games.
• Social Commentary: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has always been known for its social commentary. The films and television shows have explored a variety of social and political issues, such as racism, sexism, and the dangers of nuclear war. The franchise has been praised for its nuanced and unflinching portrayal of these issues, and it has helped to raise awareness of these issues.
• Exploration of Complex Themes: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has also been praised for its exploration of complex themes. The films and television shows have explored themes such as the nature of humanity, the dangers of prejudice, and the importance of compassion. The franchise has done this in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
• Groundbreaking Special Effects: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has always been known for its groundbreaking special effects. The makeup and prosthetics used to create the ape characters have been praised for their realism and their ability to bring the characters to life. The special effects in the franchise have also helped to push the boundaries of filmmaking, and they have been used to create some of the most memorable scenes in science fiction history.

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a legacy that will continue to entertain and challenge audiences for years to come. The franchise's exploration of social and political issues, its exploration of complex themes, and its groundbreaking special effects have all contributed to its enduring popularity. The franchise is a reminder that science fiction can be used to explore important issues and to challenge our assumptions about the world.

FAQs on "Planets of the Apes" Movie Series

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise is a collection of films, television shows, and other media set in a world where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient. The franchise began with the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes", which was based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle.

Answer: There are two main ways to watch the "Planet of the Apes" movies: in the order they were released or in the chronological order of the story. The release order is as follows:

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)

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

Answer: The "Planet of the Apes" movies explore a variety of themes, including:

• Racism and prejudice
• The nature of humanity
• The dangers of technology
• The importance of compassion
• The power of hope

Answer: Some of the most iconic characters in the "Planet of the Apes" movies include:

• Caesar
• Dr. Zaius
• Cornelius
• Zira
• Nova

Answer: Some of the most memorable scenes in the "Planet of the Apes" movies include:

• The reveal of the Statue of Liberty in the 1968 film
• The trial scene in the 1971 film
• The battle scene in the 1973 film
• The ending of the 2011 film
• The opening scene of the 2014 film

Answer: The "Planet of the Apes" movies are significant because they:

• Explore important social and political issues
• Have had a major impact on popular culture
• Are visually stunning
• Feature memorable characters
• Are thought-provoking and entertaining

Answer: You should watch the "Planet of the Apes" movies because they are:

• Entertaining
• Thought-provoking
• Visually stunning
• Important

Summary: The "Planet of the Apes" movies are a classic science fiction franchise that explores important social and political issues. The movies are visually stunning, feature memorable characters, and are thought-provoking and entertaining.

Transition to the next article section: The "Planet of the Apes" movies have had a significant impact on popular culture. The movies have been parodied, imitated, and referenced in other works of art. The movies have also inspired a variety of toys, games, and other merchandise.

Tips on Exploring "Planets of the Apes" in Order

Watching the "Planet of the Apes" movies in order can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the franchise's complex storyline and social commentary. Here are some tips to guide you through the chronological sequence of the films:

Tip 1: Start with the Original Classic

Begin your journey with the groundbreaking 1968 film "Planet of the Apes." This iconic movie sets the stage for the franchise's central premise and introduces unforgettable characters like George Taylor and Dr. Zaius.

Tip 2: Follow the Chronological Timeline

To fully grasp the evolution of the ape-human conflict, watch the films in chronological order. This sequence includes "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014), "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017), and the original 1968 film.

Tip 3: Explore the Reboot Trilogy

The recent reboot trilogy, starting with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," offers a fresh perspective on the franchise's origins. These films delve into the rise of ape intelligence and the struggle for coexistence between humans and apes.

Tip 4: Don't Miss the Original Sequels

While not essential for understanding the main storyline, the original sequels "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970), "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971), "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972), and "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973) provide additional insights into the ape society and the complexities of human-ape relationships.

Tip 5: Enjoy the Tim Burton Remake

The 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes" by Tim Burton offers a unique interpretation of the classic story. While not directly connected to the other films, it presents an alternative take on the themes of prejudice, identity, and the nature of humanity.

Summary: By following these tips, you can embark on a chronological journey through the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, gaining a deeper understanding of its social commentary, character arcs, and the evolution of the ape-human conflict. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, watching the films in order will enhance your viewing experience and provide valuable insights into one of science fiction's most enduring and thought-provoking franchises.

Transition to the article's conclusion: The "Planet of the Apes" franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless homages, parodies, and adaptations. Its themes of prejudice, power dynamics, and the search for identity continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

The "Planet of the Apes" franchise, spanning films and television shows, has captivated audiences for decades with its compelling exploration of social and political issues. Through the lens of a world where apes are the dominant species and humans are subservient, the franchise has delved into themes of racism, prejudice, and the nature of humanity.

Watching the "Planet of the Apes" films in order allows viewers to trace the evolution of these themes and witness the complex relationships between the ape and human characters. The franchise's enduring legacy lies in its ability to provoke thought, challenge societal norms, and inspire discussions about equality, tolerance, and the potential consequences of prejudice.