Planet of the Apes

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2:17

Planet of the Apes

G

1968

1h 52m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

96 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes.

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Critics Consensus

Planet of the Apes raises thought-provoking questions about our culture without letting social commentary get in the way of the drama and action.

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Stewart Allen

Arizona Republic

05/02/2024

Sci-fi is no longer crawling. In this movie, it stands up and walks, stumbles, stumbles again, but stays on its feet.

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Martin Knelman

Toronto Star

05/02/2024

An old-fashioned anything-goes hair-raiser that takes us back to the Saturday afternoon of childhood, when we could like movies without feeling compelled to explain why. As black comedy, it's an elbow-in-the-ribs triumph of excess.

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

05/02/2024

A triumph of artistry and imagination, it is at once a timely parable and a grand adventure on an epic scale. Provocative as it is entertaining, it is a true screen odyssey.

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

07/06/2025

3.5/4

More compelling are the actors playing the various apes. Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, and Evans are all convincing in spite of hefty makeup minimizing their ability for facial expressions.

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Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

05/10/2024

5/5

The movie, adapted from Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel by Michael Wilson and Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling, effectively explored class divides and slavery, all wrapped up in an intriguing high-concept mix of sci-fi and fantasy.

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

05/05/2024

7/10

It draws its best cards in a dystopian plot that, in its clash of civilizations, questions the self-destructive human nature without losing sight of the visual sense that creates a world of intelligent apes with prosthetic makeup. [Full review in Spanish]

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Chris S

@Janomi Jun 14

The original Planet of the Apes remains one of the most influential science fiction films ever made. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the film succeeds because of a premise that is every bit as fascinating today as it was nearly sixty years ago. Beneath the adventure story is a thoughtful examination of racism, religion, class structures, and humanity's tendency to repeat its mistakes. The film explores these ideas without lecturing the audience, allowing the themes to emerge naturally through the world and its characters. Charlton Heston delivers an iconic lead performance, while Roddy McDowall brings warmth and intelligence to Cornelius. The makeup effects were impressive considering the era, helping sell an ambitious world on a limited budget. Some pacing issues and dated production elements occasionally show their age, but the film's legendary ending and enduring ideas more than compensate. Few science fiction movies have left such a lasting mark on popular culture.

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Brighton N

@RT09904023 May 30

Planet of the Apes is an endlessly entertaining movie with brilliant blockbuster action, rich themes, and life lessons that anybody can benefit anybody. While I was originally skeptical of this movie, don't be an idiot like me: do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece... you won't regret it! Check out my more in-depth review at The Reel Ranker by searching "Planet of the Apes" ;)

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Jedi C

@Connor317 Mar 2

One of the best movies I’ve ever seen! What a surprise ending with the Statue of Liberty washing up on shore.

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Bob Z

@Bobzacamano76 Jan 23

Reminded me of walking through downtown Baltimore

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Lindsay G

@RT38134263 Nov 26

One of the most shocking ends to a movie of all time!

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Zach K

@ZacharyKing Oct 31

Planet of the Apes came out 57 years ago, it touches on classism, human nature, religion, and slavery, and somehow manages to hold up, and still mirror our world in 2025. Charlton Heston was good, but Roddy McDowall was a clear stand out. 9/10

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Franklin J. Schaffner

Director

Charlton Heston

Col. George Taylor

Roddy McDowall

Dr. Cornelius

Kim Hunter

Dr. Zira

Maurice Evans

Dr. Zaius

James Whitmore

President of the Assembly

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Planet of the Apes: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes.

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer: Arthur P. Jacobs
Screenwriter: Michael Wilson, Rod Serling
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: APJAC Productions, Buena Vista Television, Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: G
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 8, 1968, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 12, 2014
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Mono
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)