The Ultimate Guide to Watching the Planet of the Apes Movies: The Perfect Order
Hey there, movie buffs! If you're ready to embark on a thrilling journey through time and evolution, you've come to the right place. Today, we're going to dive into the fascinating world of the Planet of the Apes franchise and figure out the best order to watch Planet of the Apes movies. So, grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and planet of the apes movie order to watch.
The Original Series: The Classic Watch Order
Alright, guys, let's kick things off with the original Planet of the Apes series. These movies laid the groundwork for the entire franchise and are a must-watch for any fan. Here's the classic watch order for the original series:
1. Planet of the Apes (1968) - Directed by the legendary Franklin J. Schaffner, this film follows astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) as he crash-lands on a strange planet dominated by intelligent apes. It's a classic for a reason, and it's the perfect starting point for your Planet of the Apes marathon.
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) - In this sequel, Taylor's friend, Brent (James Franciscus), follows him to the planet and teams up with a group of human survivors. Together, they fight against the apes and uncover a shocking secret about the planet's true power.
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) - The third installment sees Taylor's pregnant wife, Nova (Linda Harrison), and their ape friends, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter), traveling back in time to 1970s California. They must navigate a world filled with both wonder and danger as they try to find a safe haven for their unborn child.
4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) - Set in a dystopian 1991, this film follows the rise of Caesar (Roddy McDowall), the son of Cornelius and Zira, as he leads a rebellion against humanity. It's a gripping tale of revolution and the power of love and unity.
5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) - The final film in the original series takes place ten years after the events of "Conquest" and follows Caesar's son, Cornelius (Clint Eastwood), as he tries to maintain peace between the apes and the remaining humans. However, a group of rogue humans threatens to destroy the fragile balance, leading to an epic battle for the future of the planet.
The Tim Burton Remake: A Controversial Watch
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - the 2001 Planet of the Apes remake directed by Tim Burton. While it's not part of the main series, it's worth a watch for completionists and fans of the original films. Here's where it fits in:
6. Planet of the Apes (2001) - This remake follows the basic plot of the original film, with some notable changes and additions. It's a visually stunning movie with impressive makeup effects, but it's also a controversial entry in the franchise. Whether you love it or hate it, it's worth watching to form your own opinion.
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes: The Reboot Trilogy
In 2011, 20th Century Fox decided to reboot the Planet of the Apes franchise with a new trilogy of films. These movies are a breath of fresh air, featuring stunning visual effects, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Here's the best order to watch them:
7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - The first film in the reboot trilogy focuses on the origins of the intelligent apes and the rise of their leader, Caesar (Andy Serkis). It's a gripping tale of revolution and the power of friendship, with a stunning performance by Serkis that brings Caesar to life like never before.
8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) - Set ten years after the events of "Rise," this film follows Caesar and his fellow apes as they struggle to build a new society in the wake of the Simian Flu, which has decimated humanity. However, when a group of surviving humans threatens their peace, Caesar must choose between his loyalty to his people and his desire for peace.
9. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) - The final film in the reboot trilogy is an epic conclusion to Caesar's story. As the apes and humans engage in a brutal war, Caesar must confront his own dark side and make the ultimate sacrifice for the future of his people. It's a powerful and emotional ending to a fantastic trilogy.
The Planet of the Apes TV Series: A New Adventure
In 2021, it was announced that a new Planet of the Apes TV series is in development, with a planned release on Hulu. While there's not much information available yet, it's worth keeping an eye on this project if you're a fan of the franchise. Once it's released, we'll be sure to update this guide with the best way to incorporate it into your Planet of the Apes watch order.
So there you have it, guys - the ultimate guide to watching the Planet of the Apes movies in the perfect order. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there's something here for everyone. So grab your remote, crank up the volume, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through time and evolution. See you on the other side!
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