• Planet of the Apes (1968)

    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...

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Planet of the Apes
79
metacriticBased on 14 Critics
87
Based on 54 Users

Release Date: February 8th, 1968

DVD Release Date: August 21st, 2001

G |1 hr 52 min

Plot Summary

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.

Cast: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison, Robert Gunner

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Genres: Science Fiction , Adventure

Production Co: APJAC Productions, Twentieth Century Fox

Distributors: 20th Century Fox

Keywords: Escape, Pursuit, Dark, Rivalry, Creative

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Cast & Crew

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 75
    Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times

    Planet of the Apes is much better than I expected it to be. It is quickly paced, completely entertaining, and its philosophical pretensions don't get in the way. If you only condescend to see an adventure thriller on rare occasions, condescend this time. You have nothing to lower but your brow. show more

  • 88
    Bill WeberSlant Magazine

    Planet of the Apes became a blockbuster because it’s cannily crafted, in part, as a ripping adventure yarn, director Franklin Schaffner staging a long desert trek for survival by Taylor and his two surviving shipmates in the opening half-hour, a brilliant “hunt” sequence with gorillas pursuing the human brutes as targets and trophies (memorably enhanced by Jerry Goldsmith’s dissonant, percussive score), and a lengthy chase sequence where the escaped spaceman leaps and dodges past hairy denizens of church, museum, and marketplace. show more

  • 90
    The Hollywood Reporter

    Planet of the Apes is that rare film that will transcend all age and social groupings. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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Awards

Nominated Music (Original Score - for a Motion Picture [not a Musical])
Oscars Academy Awards (1968)
Nominated Costume Design
Oscars Academy Awards (1968)