DVD Corner

Ranking The Planet Of The Apes Films

The Apes franchise is back with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” How does it rank compared to the rest of the franchise? Read on to find out.

1. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes- Film fans and moviegoers alike may have grown tired of CGI over the years, but ‘Dawn’ is the type of film that utilizes it to full effect in that it showcases some of the best digital characters ever put to screen. Director Matt Reeves completely revitalized the Apes series in this second entry of the trilogy (Rise, Dawn and War). This is the deepest and most complex Apes film in the entire saga as it explores family, tribe, race, division, fear and hatred. It feels more timely than ever too. 

2. Planet of the Apes (1968)- What else can be said about this highly influential sci-fi film based on Pierre Boulle’s novel? It showed what sci-fi cinema could be and boasted one of the best endings of all time.

3. War For the Planet of the Apes- The Caesar trilogy came to a riveting close in this sequel involving war, a human virus, traitors, loss, revenge, and Bad Ape.  ‘War’ also has the best use of Maurice (who was one of the best characters in the entire series).

4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes- Set 20 years after ‘Escape,’ the apes are now working as slaves of humans in a police state type of environment. Milo/Caesar starts a revolution for ape freedom. Easily the most underrated sequel in the Apes franchise.

5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes- ‘Rise’ doesn’t compare to the 2 films by Matt Reeves and comes across as a bit too Hollywood at times, but the combination of Caesar’s compelling arc and the eerily prescient virus storyline elevate this one.

6. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes- The story’s exploration of Caesar’s legacy (and how it can be misconstrued) was an intriguing avenue to go down, but the sluggish pacing and excessive action spectacles hurt this good, but slightly disappointing 2024 film.

7. Escape From the Planet of the Apes- Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Milo time travel and end up in 1970’s USA. It’s very silly and of its time. It almost feels like a sitcom at times. Still, this reverse of the first film with apes in the human world comes alive in the third act (which is shockingly dark).

8. Battle For the Planet of the Apes- The fifth film isn’t as bad as its reputation suggests. John Huston as Lawgiver, the full circle plot, Paul Williams, and the action scenes are all noteworthy aspects. With that said, the story does retread too many ideas.

9. Beneath the Planet of the Apes- Picking right up where the first film leaves off, another ship has crashed with a guy who looks like a young Charlton Heston (who does appear later on). The story is less about Apes and more about another WEIRD civilization that feels like it belongs in another movie entirely. It’s a wonder this didn’t derail the entire franchise.

10. Planet of the Apes (2001)- Aside from Rick Baker award worthy make-up effects, a touching Charlton Heston cameo, the exquisite sets, a fun ending, and the performances by Tim Roth and Paul Giamatti, Tim Burton’s reimagining is a rushed mess with atrocious dialogue, pitiful humor, and dull human characters. 

May 10, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | List | Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Charlton Heston, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Escape From The Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Matt Reeves, Planet of the Apes (1968), Planet of the Apes (2001), Ranking The Planet Of The Apes Films, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Tim Burton, War For The Planet Of The Apes