Planet of the Apes, franchise has captivated audiences for over five decades, posing profound questions about humanity, intelligence, and the struggle for dominance. But with multiple films, a television series, and even a remake, the order in which to experience this rich universe can be confusing. Fear not, fellow explorers! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the films and shows in a way that maximizes your enjoyment.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order: A Fork in the Road
There are two main ways to approach the “Planet of the Apes” series: release order and chronological order. Each has its merits:
Release Order (1968-2017): This is the order the films were originally released in theaters. It allows you to experience the franchise as audiences did at the time, witnessing the evolution of themes and special effects firsthand.
Chronological Order (2011-2074): This order presents the story in its internal timeline, starting with the rise of ape intelligence and culminating in a post-apocalyptic future. It provides a smoother narrative flow, but requires jumping between release dates.
Here’s a breakdown of both orders to help you decide which path to take:
Release Order:
Planet of the Apes (1968): This iconic film introduces us to a world where apes rule and humans are primitive slaves. Astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) stumbles upon this shocking reality, uttering the now-legendary line, “Damn you all to hell!”
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970): Taylor ventures underground to find a society of telepathic mutants beneath the ape-dominated world.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971): This film throws a time-traveling wrench into the works, as Taylor and a group of apes arrive in 1973, posing a threat to the future of humanity.
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): The conflict between humans and apes escalates as a mute human child raised by apes becomes a symbol of hope for coexistence.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973): A war for survival erupts between a growing human faction and the ape city ruled by Caesar.
Planet of the Apes (2001): This Tim Burton-directed remake of the original film offers a visually stunning but tonally different take on the classic story. (Consider this a detour from the main narrative.)
Chronological Order:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011): This reboot origin story introduces Caesar, a chimpanzee who gains intelligence due to a scientific experiment gone wrong. Caesar leads a rebellion against his human oppressors.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): A decade after the events of “Rise,” Caesar and his growing ape community clash with a band of human survivors struggling to rebuild society.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Caesar grapples with the consequences of a violent conflict with a ruthless human colonel, leading his apes on a desperate journey for survival.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): (The newest entry, not yet released) Set many years after the events of “War,” this film will explore a society where apes have become the dominant species and encounter a new human threat.
Planet of the Apes (1968): Following the chronological narrative, here’s where the original film slots in, revealing the future humanity created.
Beyond the Big Screen: The Television Frontier
The “Planet of the Apes” universe extends beyond the silver screen. “Return to the Planet of the Apes” (1975-1976) was a live-action television series set after the events of “Conquest.” It followed a human astronaut who crash-lands on the ape-dominated planet and joins forces with a talking chimpanzee.
FAQ’S
Are there different Planet of the Apes movie timelines?
Yes! There are two main continuities:
The Original Series (1968-1973): This iconic series starts with astronauts crash-landing on a planet ruled by intelligent apes.
The Reboot Series (2011-present): This trilogy explores how apes gain intelligence due to a genetically modified virus and the resulting conflict with humans.
What’s the best order to watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
There are two main approaches:
Release Order: This lets you experience the films as audiences did originally.
Chronological Order: This follows the overall story across both timelines.
What’s the release order for the Planet of the Apes movies?
Here’s the release order:
Original Series:
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
Reboot Series:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
What’s the chronological order for the Planet of the Apes movies?
For a timeline view:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Kingdom of the Apes (2024)
Then the Original Series (1968-1973)
Is there a Planet of the Apes TV show?
Yes! “Return to the Planet of the Apes” (1975-1976) is a live-action show set after the original series. It follows astronauts landing on the same ape-dominated planet.
Is the 2001 Mark Wahlberg film connected to the other movies?
No. Tim Burton’s 2001 “Planet of the Apes” is a remake of the 1968 film and isn’t part of either main continuity.
Where does “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024) fit in?
This recently released film follows the reboot series timeline, taking place several years after “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017).
Should I watch the original series before the reboot series?
It’s entirely up to you! The reboot series is a separate story, so you can jump right in. However, if you’re a fan of classic sci-fi, the original series is worth a watch.
Are there any other Planet of the Apes media?
Yes! There are comics, video games, and animated series based on the franchise.
Where can I watch the Planet of the Apes movies?
Availability varies depending on streaming services and VOD platforms. Check your preferred platform for titles and subscription options.
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