Top 5 'Planet of the Apes' movies you need to watch before 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' hits theaters
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With over $2 billion in worldwide earnings since its start in 1968, the Planet of the Apes series is a Hollywood powerhouse. Adapted from French writer Pierre Boulle’s 1963 book La Planète des singes, it has spawned nine films, each expanding its universe.
The tenth installment, 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes', features Freya Allan from 'The Witcher' and is set 300 years after the last movie. The franchise revolves around humans, intelligent apes, and conflict in various dystopian settings.
While the order of events differs across iterations, newcomers or those looking for a refresher need not watch all nine films. Here are our top five picks (in no particular order) for the best Planet of the Apes movies to watch before 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, 'Planet of the Apes' marked the start of the franchise and a big moment in sci-fi cinema, earning its place as a classic.
Unlike its 21st-century reboot, the film depicted a spaceship crashing on a barren planet, revealing a world where apes ruled and humans were primitive. This twist captivated audiences, drawing them to the theaters.
The story then delved into the discovery of an ape society with human-like intelligence and speech, exploring power dynamics and prejudices.
But the real shock came at the climax when the planet was revealed to be Earth in the future, ravaged by human conflicts and neglect.
'Planet of the Apes' can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
The third movie in the original series, 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes', served as a sequel, prequel, and reboot simultaneously. It was a significant achievement for its time, raising deep moral questions that challenged both characters and viewers.
The story followed chimpanzees Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Milo as they repaired a crashed spaceship. Set just before Earth's destruction, the narrative focused on a team of humans and apes working together to flee the planet.
However, a blast from the explosion propelled them through a time warp, landing them on Earth in 1973. Ironically, they ended up in the Los Angeles Zoo, observed by sympathetic scientists who learned of humanity's impending doom.
'Escape From the Planet of the Apes' can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
A complete reboot of the 'Planet of the Apes' franchise, the new film directed by Rupert Wyatt shifts the story to present-day Earth instead of a distant, bleak planet. It focuses on a chimpanzee named Caesar, portrayed by Andy Serkis.
An experimental drug called ALZ-112, intended to treat Alzheimer’s, boosts Caesar’s intelligence, sparking his mission to liberate his fellow apes from human cruelty.
Separated from his caregiver and the scientist behind the drug, Will Rodman, Caesar is confined in a sanctuary in San Bruno.
Witnessing the mistreatment of apes by human overseers, he orchestrates an escape and steals the drug to empower his fellow apes. This leads to a rebellion against humanity.
'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' can be streamed on Peacock Premium and Fubo, and rented on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Set nearly ten years after the events of the first film, 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' continues the story in a post-apocalyptic world.
Human survivors struggle to survive after a deadly pandemic while Caesar expands his leadership among the apes, preparing them for potential conflict.
Tensions rise as the fragile peace between humans and apes is threatened by mutual distrust.
Andy Serkis' portrayal of Caesar, combined with Matt Reeves' direction, creates a compelling narrative as both sides teeter on the brink of an all-out war for dominance.
'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' can be streamed on Hulu, Max, and the Max Amazon Channel, and rented on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
The concluding film in the reboot trilogy, 'War for the Planet of the Apes', unfolds approximately two years after the events of the second installment.
It delves deep into the conflict between humans and apes, with Caesar leading the charge against a ruthless human army commanded by a colonel. Amidst staggering losses, Caesar grapples with his inner demons and embarks on a quest for vengeance while facing tough choices.
Directed once again by Matt Reeves, the film grossed over $490 million worldwide and garnered praise for its emotional and morally complex storyline, resonating strongly with audiences.
The conclusion sets the stage for the upcoming 2024 film, which will reshape Earth's landscape with apes as the dominant species and humans as a secluded and primitive tribe.
'War for the Planet of the Apes' can be streamed on Hulu, Max, Max Amazon Channel, TNT, TBS, and truTV, and rented on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.
'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' is set to hit theatres on Friday, May 10
