← Back to results
Planet of the Apes
1968 112 min United States of America G 12+
★8.2
Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Action
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
🎭 Based on
«Planet of the Apes»
byPierre Boulle
Trailers
EN
EN
Teaser
EN
Description
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.
Budget:
$5.8M
US Gross:
$32.59M
Worldwide:
$32.59M
Starring
Charlton Heston
Actor
Roddy McDowall
Actor
Kim Hunter
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Score for a Drama
Key opinion
Planet of the Apes (1968) is widely regarded as a landmark of science fiction that transcends its era through its biting social satire and philosophical ambition. While the technical execution is occasionally dated, the film’s powerful performances, immersive world-building, and iconic final twist have cemented its status as a timeless cinematic classic.
| Acting | Charlton Heston’s performance provides the necessary gravitas and physical presence to anchor the film’s existential narrative. | |
| Theme | The film succeeds as a sophisticated allegory, using the ape-ruled society to deliver a sharp critique of human dogma, racial hierarchy, and self-destruction. | |
| Ending | The final shot remains one of the most effective and emotionally resonant conclusions in cinema history, providing a haunting resolution to the story. | |
| Direction | Franklin J. Schaffner’s direction balances large-scale adventure with precise, philosophical storytelling, preventing the premise from feeling like a shallow B-movie. | |
| Production | While the ape makeup is praised for its ambition and role in defining the film’s unique aesthetic, some viewers find the facial immobility and dated mechanics distracting by modern standards. | |
| Adaptation | The film’s departure from Pierre Boulle’s source material is generally viewed as a successful refinement, with structural changes and character shifts effectively adapting the narrative for American audiences. |