How Many Planet Of The Ape Movies Are There
Ever wondered how many times those darn dirty apes have taken over the big screen? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the jungle of Planet of the Apes movies!
The Original Bunch (and a Reboot!)
The original series started way back in 1968 with the iconic Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston landed on a planet where apes ruled and humans drooled. It was a real game-changer!
The First Five (and Beyond!)
Following the groundbreaking original, we got a whole bunch more movies in the early 70s. These sequels really went bananas, exploring the origins and societal structures of those intelligent primates.
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Next up was Beneath the Planet of the Apes in 1970. This one got a bit…nuclear. Let's just say it involved a doomsday cult!
In 1971, we saw Escape from the Planet of the Apes. Two chimpanzee scientists, Zira and Cornelius, travel back in time to our present day.
Then, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) showed us how Caesar, the ape revolutionary, rose to power. Things started getting seriously ape-tastic at this point.
Finally, Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) wrapped up the original saga. It tried to offer a glimmer of hope for humans and apes coexisting, but... well, you know how these things go.
That Tim Burton Detour
In 2001, Tim Burton, the master of quirky and dark, took a swing at the franchise. His version of Planet of the Apes had a distinctive visual style, and Mark Wahlberg took the lead.
While visually interesting, it was a divisive film. Some loved its unique approach, while others preferred the classic feel.
The Modern Trilogy: Apes Rise Again!
Fast forward a few years, and the apes were back, bigger and more emotionally complex than ever! This time with some seriously impressive CGI!
In 2011, Rise of the Planet of the Apes rebooted the series with a focus on Caesar's early life. We watched him evolve from a lab chimp to a brilliant leader.
Then came Dawn of the Planet of the Apes in 2014. Apes and humans teetered on the brink of war, showcasing some intense primate-on-human drama.
The trilogy concluded with War for the Planet of the Apes in 2017. Caesar led his ape colony in a final, desperate battle for survival.
The Grand Total: How Many Ape Flicks Are We Talking?
So, let's do the math! Five original films, one Tim Burton reboot, and a modern trilogy. That gives us a whopping nine Planet of the Apes movies!
But wait, there's more! Don't forget the TV series from 1974. Although not a movie, it adds to the Planet of the Apes legacy!
With a brand new movie on the horizon, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), the ape saga continues. Clearly, the apes are here to stay and will soon number a mighty ten on the silver screen.
Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps a musical adaptation? Ape-arella, anyone?
One thing is certain, the Planet of the Apes franchise has given us plenty to think about. From social commentary to thrilling action, these films have earned their place in cinematic history.
So, go forth and enjoy the ape-ocalypse! Just remember to be nice to your primate friends.
