Before Star Wars, the Planet of the Apes laid the groundwork for what could be achieved with a cinematic science fiction franchise. It all began with the novel La Planète des Singes written by Pierre Boulle in 1963. This thought-provoking tale of a world ruled by intelligent apes captivated readers worldwide, and quickly caught Hollywood’s eye. It made its leap to the big screen in 1968 with the release of the iconic film Planet of the Apes, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston. This ground-breaking sci-fi adventure caught audiences imaginations with its gripping story, astonishing makeup effects, underlying commentary on societal issues, and an ending that is still talked about today.
Following the initial film’s success, the franchise expanded to include sequels, television series, animated shows, and two reboots, solidifying its position as a cultural phenomenon. While the franchise never slipped from the public consciousness, it was the second reboot, starring Andy Serkis, that elevated it to greater heights, not only delving deeper into the themes but making audiences rethink what can be achieved with digital characters.
Over the years, the Planet of the Apes franchise has not only left an indelible impact on popular culture but also provided a platform for introspective storytelling, exploring themes of humanity, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. With ten films already released, the franchise shows no signs of fading away.
Below is our rankings for the Apes films.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes is out now.
10. Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973)
9. Planet Of The Apes (2001)
8. Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972)
7. Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970)
6. Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)
5. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011)
4. Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
3. Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
2. Planet Of The Apes
1. War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017)
What’s your rankings for the Apes films? Comment below.
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