Planet of the Apes (1968)
Franklin J. Schaffner's landmark science fiction film that redefined the genre with its searing social commentary and one of cinema's greatest twist endings.
Planet of the Apes - Movie Information
- Original Title: Planet of the Apes
- Release Year: 1968
- Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama, Action
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 7, 1968 (Brazil - 12), February 7, 1968 (United States - G), April 19, 1968 (United Kingdom - PG), May 2, 1968 (Germany - 12), April 25, 1968 (France - 12), April 10, 1968 (Italy - T), June 14, 1968 (Spain - 12), September 25, 1969 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Planet of the Apes 1968 (CN), Planet of the Apes 1968 (US), บุกพิภพมนุษย์วานร (TH), Planeta dos Macacos (BR), El planeta dels simis (AD), Meymunlar Cəhənnəmi (AZ), El planeta de los simios (ES), 猿の惑星 (JP)
- Production Companies: APJAC Productions, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Planet of the Apes - Plot
Astronaut Taylor crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.
Planet of the Apes - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this enduring science fiction classic:
Somewhere in the Universe, there must be something better than man!
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Planet of the Apes - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Franklin J. Schaffner
Main Cast
- Charlton Heston
- Roddy McDowall
- Kim Hunter
- Maurice Evans
- James Whitmore
- James Daly
- Linda Harrison
- Robert Gunner
- Lou Wagner
- Woodrow Parfrey
Writers
- Rod Serling
- Michael Wilson
Producers
- Arthur P. Jacobs
Planet of the Apes - FAQs
What is the famous ending of Planet of the Apes?
The film ends with astronaut Taylor discovering a half-buried Statue of Liberty on the beach, revealing he never left Earth. The planet was a post-apocalyptic future version of our own world, destroyed by nuclear war. It remains one of cinema's most iconic and shocking twist endings.
Is Planet of the Apes based on a true story?
No, Planet of the Apes is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Pierre Boulle's 1963 French science fiction novel La Planète des singes. The screenplay was written by Rod Serling and Michael Wilson, who significantly reworked the source material for the screen.
Where can you stream Planet of the Apes 1968?
Planet of the Apes (1968) is available to stream on IndieFlix and can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in Planet of the Apes?
The film stars Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, Roddy McDowall as the sympathetic chimpanzee Cornelius, Kim Hunter as scientist Zira, and Maurice Evans as the antagonistic Dr. Zaius. Linda Harrison also appears as Nova, a mute human companion to Taylor.
What is the age rating for Planet of the Apes?
Planet of the Apes (1968) is rated G in the United States, meaning it was deemed suitable for general audiences. International ratings vary: it received a 12 certificate in Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, and South Korea, a PG rating in the United Kingdom, and a T rating in Italy.
Did Planet of the Apes win any awards?
Planet of the Apes received an honorary Academy Award for John Chambers, who created the groundbreaking ape makeup. The film was also nominated for Best Costume Design at the Oscars. Its innovative prosthetic makeup work set a new industry standard and remains one of its most celebrated achievements.
How long is Planet of the Apes?
Planet of the Apes has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes (112 minutes). Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and released in 1968, the film moves briskly through its science fiction premise, building steadily toward its legendary climactic revelation.
Who directed Planet of the Apes?
Planet of the Apes was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who later won the Academy Award for Best Director for Patton (1970). Schaffner brought a grounded, dramatic intensity to the film that elevated it beyond typical science fiction fare of the era.
More About Planet of the Apes
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