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Planet of the Apes

Play trailer 2:17 Poster for Planet of the Apes G Released Feb 8, 1968 1h 52m Sci-Fi Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Planet of 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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Idan Charles L Godammit, I predicted the plot twist before it was revealed! 😭 Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/30/25 Full Review Stephen C Successful in 1 hour and 52 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/30/25 Full Review Audience Member i felt rage watching this Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/20/25 Full Review Nik75 J A terrific movie that still is thought-provoking over fifty years later. The opening sequence is terrific. Very good directing and cinematography. The music score is also excellent. Far superior to the remake. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/25/25 Full Review Jennifer B Slow but it's a masterpiece Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/10/25 Full Review Crazy P Would of been 5 stars if he kept his shirt on but overall great movie! Best actor to play the role and apes were interesting Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/09/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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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

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Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (1968) View more photos

Movie Info

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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