>
Planet of the Apes raises thought-provoking questions about our culture without letting social commentary get in the way of the drama and action. Read critic reviews
What to know
You might also like
See More
Escape From the Planet of the Apes
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
2001: A Space Odyssey
Where to watch Planet of the Apes
Rent Planet of the Apes on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or buy it on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home.
Rate And Review
-
What did you think of the movie? (optional)
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
What did you think of the movie? (optional)
How did you buy your ticket?
-
Fandango
-
AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew
-
Cinemark Coming Soon
We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.
-
Regal Coming Soon
We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.
-
Theater box office or somewhere else
Planet of the Apes videos
Planet of the Apes: Trailer 1
Planet of the Apes Photos
Movie Info
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.
-
Rating: G
-
Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure
-
Original Language: English
-
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
-
Producer: Arthur P. Jacobs
-
Writer: Michael Wilson, Rod Serling
-
Release Date (Theaters): wide
-
Release Date (Streaming):
-
Runtime:
-
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
-
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, APJAC Productions
-
Sound Mix: Stereo, Mono
-
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)
-
View the collection: Planet of the Apes
Cast & Crew
News & Interviews for Planet of the Apes
Critic Reviews for Planet of the Apes
Audience Reviews for Planet of the Apes
-
Even after all of the sequels, parodies, reboots, and even with full knowledge of the ending it remains a compelling and iconic science fiction epic. Credit must go to Schaffner's direction and the stellar screenplay.
-
Possibly the most intellectual film of its time, Planet of the Apes is filled with almost ambiguous social and political commentary.
-
Watching Planet of the Apes, I found I much enjoyed the elements surrounding the movie more than the progression of the film itself. We are introduced to the film by the spaceship landing where I assume we are supposed to care about these characters. George Taylor and his merry men of space explorers survive their sinking spacecraft and land on a seemingly deserted planet where they at first take a liking to finally being on land with fresh water. They come across a tribe of apes representing a sort of medieval society in an alternate world, and soon they are taken prisoner. Heston's character gets cut in the throat, which renders him mute through most of the first quarter. Finally, he breaks his silence with the trademark line "Get your hands off me, you damn dirty ape!". The rest takes on this scientific debate whether man or ape first existed through cracks at religion, science, evolution, and many controversial arousing subjects that would make today's filmgoers cringe with emotional defenses slowly rising. First off, the visuals here are quite well captured and the landscapes and backdrops, much like The Ten Commandments, enhance the set to where the supernatural surrealism of the picture feels like a hands-on experience. Also astounding is the makeup done on the apes to make them look almost "evolved" into humans, which was kind of the point. But through well done design, they look like apes. A good look has to be taken to see the actor underneath. The huge flaw in my opinion is the pacing of the story, which for the first half was unbelievably slow and didn't have much detail to it. How long was Taylor in space, and what for? How did they arrive on this ape planet? Where does it exist? On another planet, on it's own planet? The film doesn't explain itself, it expects the viewer to put the pieces together. Except we are hearers of the story, not the tellers. With more detail, and perhaps a more captivating subplot, this could have had a timeless feel. But the film will grow on you, especially through Heston's flawless portrayal as a man in an unfamiliar world. His expressions, delivery, mannerisms, and straightforward personality are just perfect.
-
One of the best sci-fi films ever, Planet of the Apes is one of those movies that everybody has heard of and most of them have seen. There have been countless sequels, ripoffs and parodies that may diminish its power and hide how good the film really is. It may show its age a bit, but seeing the imagination of the film hasn't weakened in my eyes since I first watched it years ago. Everything about the film is excellent. It draws you in from the very beginning and doesn't hold back from there. I always get so involved with the film that I get to the point where I want to scream at the apes when Taylor isn't able to speak to them. Few movies have are capable of fully bringing you into their atmosphere as if you're right there in the action the way Planet of the Apes can. Even if it's ending may not pack the same punch it used to since everyone knows about it. I love the original Planet of the Apes. It's one of my 15 favorite movies ever, and I ignore any sequel, remake, or reboot that does anything to try to take something away from it.
Drew O Super Reviewer
Verified