Welcome Back, Ape Fans! Unraveling the New Planet of the Apes Series Order
Hello there, fellow ape enthusiasts! If you're reading this, you're probably as excited as we are about the new Planet of the Apes series. But with a franchise that spans over five decades and multiple reboots, it can be a bit daunting to figure out where to start or how it all connects. Fret not, we've got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the new Planet of the Apes series order for you, ensuring you don't miss a single beat of this thrilling saga. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and new planet of the apes series order.
The Original Trilogy: Where It All Began
Before we dive into the new series, let's quickly recap the original trilogy. Released between 1968 and 1973, these films laid the groundwork for the entire Planet of the Apes universe.
1. Planet of the Apes (1968) - Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, this classic film follows an astronaut, George Taylor (Charlton Heston), who crash-lands on a distant planet dominated by intelligent apes. It's a thought-provoking exploration of racism, science, and society, all wrapped up in a gripping adventure.
2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) - Picking up where the first film left off, Taylor returns to the ape planet, only to find a hidden underground society of mutated humans worshipping a mysterious force. This sequel delves into themes of religion and nuclear war.
3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) - In this installment, three intelligent apes – Dr. Zaius, Cornelius, and Zira – travel back in time to 1970s America. They must navigate human society while trying to prevent a future where apes rule over humans.
The Tim Burton Reboot: A Divisive Start
In 2001, director Tim Burton attempted to reboot the series with a new take on the original story. While it had its moments, it failed to capture the essence of the original films and was met with mixed reactions from fans.
Planet of the Apes (2001) - This remake follows a similar plot to the original, with astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) crash-landing on a planet dominated by intelligent apes. However, it introduces new elements and a different take on the story.
While the Burton reboot isn't essential viewing for understanding the new series order, it's worth a watch for completionists or those curious about the franchise's history.
The New Planet of the Apes Series: Rise, Dawn, War, and Beyond
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – the new Planet of the Apes series order. These films, released between 2011 and 2017, are often considered the best in the franchise and tell a compelling story of evolution, war, and the struggle for freedom.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - The Prequel That Started It All
Kicking off the new series is this prequel directed by Rupert Wyatt. Set in San Francisco, Rise of the Planet of the Apes tells the story of Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee raised by a scientist, Will Rodman (James Franco), who's working on a cure for Alzheimer's. When Caesar displays signs of enhanced intelligence, he's taken to a primate sanctuary, where he organizes a rebellion against his captors. This film sets the stage for the future ape society and introduces us to Caesar, the series' central figure.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) - The War Begins
Ten years after the events of Rise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes finds Caesar leading a thriving ape colony in the Muir Woods. Meanwhile, a group of human survivors, led by Malcolm (Jason Clarke), emerges from the ruins of San Francisco, seeking a new home. Tensions rise as the two groups come into conflict, ultimately leading to an all-out war. Directed by Matt Reeves, this film explores themes of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of mistrust.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) - The Epic Conclusion
In the thrilling conclusion to the new series, War for the Planet of the Apes, Caesar and his fellow apes face their most formidable enemy yet – the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), a ruthless human military leader determined to wipe out the ape population once and for all. As the war escalates, Caesar must grapple with his own desire for vengeance and the future of his people. This dark and emotional film brings the new series to a satisfying close, tying up loose ends and setting the stage for the potential future of the franchise.
The Future of the Planet of the Apes Series
With the release of War for the Planet of the Apes, the new series came to an end, but that doesn't mean the franchise is finished. In fact, there's been talk of a potential new trilogy set in the distant past, exploring the origins of the simian flu that decimated humanity in the original films. Only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition, but one thing's for sure – the Planet of the Apes series has left an indelible mark on cinema history, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
So there you have it, folks – the definitive new Planet of the Apes series order. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, we hope this guide has helped you make sense of this complex and captivating universe. Now grab your bananas, settle in, and enjoy the ride!