How many Planet of the Apes movies are there? This question often arises among fans of the iconic franchise. The Planet of the Apes series, which began with the 1968 film, has evolved into a sprawling collection of films, television shows, and animated series. In this article, we will explore the various iterations of the Planet of the Apes movies and provide an answer to the age-old question of how many films are part of this enduring saga.
The original Planet of the Apes film, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, introduced audiences to a dystopian future where humans have become subservient to intelligent apes. This groundbreaking movie spawned several sequels, including “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970), “Escape from the Planet of the Apes” (1971), and “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” (1972). These films, collectively known as the “original series,” were produced by Arthur P. Jacobs and directed by J. Lee Thompson.
In the 2001 reboot, directed by Tim Burton, the story was reimagined with a fresh cast and a new take on the classic tale. This version introduced us to the character of Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, who led a revolution against the oppressive apes. The rebooted series includes the following films:
1. “Planet of the Apes” (2001)
2. “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” (2001)
3. “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” (1973) – A lesser-known film, this is often considered part of the original series.
4. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
5. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014)
6. “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017)
Following the success of the rebooted series, a spin-off prequel titled “Apes Origins” was released in 2017. This film, directed by Matt Reeves, focuses on the early life of Caesar and his rise to power.
In addition to the live-action films, the Planet of the Apes universe has been explored in animated series, including “The Planet of the Apes” (1974-1975), “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” (1973), and “Planet of the Apes: The Series” (1975-1977). Furthermore, there have been several television movies and a short-lived animated series called “The Legend of Tarzan” (1972-1973), which is considered part of the Apes universe.
Taking all of these films, television series, and other adaptations into account, the total number of Planet of the Apes movies is at least 12. However, this number may increase as new projects continue to be developed within the franchise. The enduring popularity of the Planet of the Apes series is a testament to its timeless storytelling and the captivating world it has created.
