Planet Of Apes In Order : A Chronological Journey Through a Sci-Fi Saga

The Planet of the Apes franchise has captivated audiences for over five decades, exploring themes of humanity, intelligence, and the struggle for dominance.  Spanning multiple films and television shows, the series presents a captivating world where the roles of humans and apes are reversed.  However, with multiple films released over a large time span,  determining the proper order to watch them can be confusing.  This guide delves into the “Planet of the Apes” universe, exploring the films in chronological order and highlighting key plot points and themes.

The Original Series (1968-1973): A Shocking Discovery

The “Planet of the Apes” saga began in 1968 with the iconic film simply titled  Planet of the Apes.  This science fiction masterpiece follows astronauts Taylor (Charlton Heston) and his crew who crash-land on a mysterious planet.  To their horror, they discover a world dominated by intelligent apes, with humans reduced to primitive, speechless beings.  The film explores themes of prejudice, societal collapse, and the nature of humanity  through Taylor’s struggle to survive and potentially escape this bizarre world.

The success of the original film spawned a series of sequels that continued the story, each offering a unique perspective on the ape-human conflict.  Here’s a breakdown of the sequels in chronological order:

• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): Taylor ventures further into the forbidden zone beneath the ape city, encountering a society of telepathic humans and uncovering the truth about the planet’s history.
• Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): Taylor escapes the ape planet with a group of intelligent chimpanzees, returning to Earth only to discover a shocking truth about the timeline.
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): The conflict between humans and apes escalates on Earth, with Caesar, a chimpanzee raised by humans, leading the ape rebellion against a tyrannical human governor.
• Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): Years after the ape revolution, a fragile peace exists between humans and apes. However, a mutant human child with telepathic abilities threatens this peace, forcing Caesar to make a difficult decision.

A Reboot and Reimagining (2001):

In 2001, Tim Burton directed a remake of the original Planet of the Apes.  This film offered a new take on the story, featuring Mark Wahlberg as an astronaut crash-landing on a planet dominated by intelligent apes.  While visually stunning, the Burton film received mixed reviews,  and it doesn’t directly connect to the original series timeline.

A New Dawn: The Prequel Trilogy (2011-2017)

This prequel film explores the origins of the ape uprising.  We see Caesar, a chimpanzee enhanced with intelligence by a scientific experiment, lead a rebellion against his human oppressors.  The film explores themes of animal rights, scientific ethics, and the potential for co-existence.

The success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes led to two sequels:

• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): A decade after the events of the first film, Caesar leads a growing ape civilization while a dwindling human population struggles to survive. The film explores the complexities of war, leadership, and the search for peace between the two species.
• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Caesar grapples with a ruthless human colonel, leading to a final confrontation that will determine the fate of both species. This film explores themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the enduring struggle for survival.

The Planet of the Apes Universe: Beyond the Films

The “Planet of the Apes” universe extends beyond the big screen.  A television series  Planet of the Apes aired from 1974 to 1976, following an astronaut stranded on the ape planet.  Additionally, various comic book series, animated shows, and video games have further explored this captivating world.

A Legacy of Social Commentary and Action-Packed Adventure

The “Planet of the Apes” franchise continues to resonate with audiences due to its thought-provoking themes and thrilling action sequences. The series challenges viewers to consider the nature of humanity, the consequences of scientific advancement, and the potential for understanding and co-existence between different species.  Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering this sci-fi universe, there’s a “Planet of the Apes” film or series waiting to transport you to a world where the roles of humans and apes are forever changed.

FAQ’s

Q: In what order should I watch the Planet of the Apes movies?

There are two main ways to approach the franchise:

Release Order:

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)

• Planet of the Apes (2001): This is a remake of the 1968 film and doesn’t directly connect to the other films.

Chronological Order:

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) (This is where the timeline diverges)
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)

Q:  What’s the difference between the two orders?

The release order offers a sense of mystery as the world of the apes unfolds for the audience alongside the characters.  The chronological order provides a more cohesive narrative of ape evolution and the eventual rise of their civilization.

Q:  Are there any TV shows?

A:  Yes, there are two live-action television series:

• Planet of the Apes (1974): This short-lived series follows astronauts stranded on the ape-dominated planet.
• Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975): This animated series features a human boy raised by chimpanzees. These shows are not considered canon to either film order.

Q:  Where can I find these movies and shows?

A:  Availability can vary depending on your location and streaming service.  Here are some suggestions for finding the films:

• Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max (availability may change)
• Digital rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or YouTube
• Physical media like Blu-ray or DVD

Q:  On YouTube, I saw people talking about a new “Planet of the Apes” movie. Is that true?

A:  There have been rumors and discussions about a potential reboot or continuation of the franchise, but no official announcements have been made as of May 2024. Keep an eye on movie news websites for updates.

Remember: No matter which order you choose, the Planet of the Apes franchise offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity, intelligence, and the struggle for survival. So buckle up, grab some bananas (figuratively), and embark on your simian cinematic adventure!

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