Planet of the Apes

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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

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

May 2, 2024

Full Review

Martin Knelman

Toronto Star

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.

May 2, 2024

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

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.

May 2, 2024

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

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.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 6, 2025

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Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

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.

Rated: 5/5

May 10, 2024

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

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]

Rated: 7/10

May 5, 2024

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Riley S.

“Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” A landmark in sci-fi that still feels daring today. The world-building is unforgettable — a society of apes with their own hierarchies, laws, and prejudices is both fascinating and eerily reflective of our own. Charlton Heston chews the scenery with that mix of arrogance and desperation only he can pull off, and the practical effects and makeup are still impressive for their time. That said, the pacing drags in places, and some dialogue feels clunky by modern standards. The allegory can be a bit heavy-handed, but it’s effective enough to leave an impact. Of course, that final twist is legendary for a reason — chilling, iconic, and endlessly parodied. Not perfect, but undeniably influential. A sci-fi parable that earns its place in the canon, even if time hasn’t been entirely kind to every frame.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/08/25

Full Review

Eye C

I must say that the beginning of this film is always rough, slow, and uneventful, but then it gets better and, by the end, it becomes a classic of world cinema. I really like it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

Full Review

Jace T

Planet of the Apes is one of those films that changed movies and sci-fi for the rest of history. In it's time, the impact it made on the world was groundbreaking. This movie still holds up to this day, and is a good watch to see where we came from. The modern Planet of the Apes series is phenomenal, and the old series is really great as well.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

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D K

Immersive exploration of both an unknown land and the well-known trappings of humanity. Vigorous leading performance accompanied by delightful renditions of intelligent apes. Classic ending.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

Full Review

Jeff P.

Yes, this is the one that started the film franchise so credit where credit is due—but also blame where blame is due. I’d give this four stars but for Heston’s overacting.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

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Lance O

Takes sci-fi to a new level. One of the best movies of the 1960’s.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/09/25

Full Review

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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)

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