1. Original 1968 film:
- Title: "Planet of the Apes" (1968)
- Plot: A group of astronauts crash-lands on a planet dominated by intelligent apes, who treat humans as second-class citizens.
- Reception: Critically acclaimed and a box office success, often considered one of the best science fiction films. Its impact on popular culture includes the iconic line "Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!"
- Rating: Generally positive, praised for its storytelling, social commentary, and makeup effects.
2. Sequels in the original series:
- "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970)
- "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971)
- "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972)
- "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973)
- Reception: These sequels received varying degrees of critical reception and box office success, with some installments considered stronger than others. The sequels continued to explore themes of conflict, discrimination, and humanity's potential for self-destruction.
3. 2001–2003 reboot series:
- "Planet of the Apes" (2001)
- "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011)
- "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014)
- "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017)
- Reception: This rebooted series received critical acclaim across the board. Praised for its compelling stories, character development, visual effects, and motion capture technology that brought the apes to life with remarkable realism.
- Rating: Very positive, often considered one of the best modern science fiction franchises.
Overall, the "Planet of the Apes" franchise includes both classic and modern films that have left a lasting mark on cinema. Each film addresses universal themes such as power, freedom, discrimination, and human nature, resonating with audiences of different generations. The franchise blends imaginative storytelling with insightful social commentary, making it a notable staple in the science fiction genre.