The Epic Legacy of the Planet of the Apes Franchise

The Blockbuster Success of Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes franchise is a long-running sci-fi series that has consistently received critical acclaim and commercial success. The modern series, including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes, reimagined the franchise as large-scale action blockbusters, solidifying its place as a benchmark for blockbuster success.

Kingdom of the planet of the apes image with an ape on horseback riding towards an overgrown city

Directed by the talented Matt Reeves, the trilogy explored the genesis of the Simian Flu and the rise of a race of superintelligent apes, captivating audiences with its epic storytelling and breathtaking visuals. The cohesive authorial vision behind the trilogy sets it apart from other major blockbuster series, establishing a strong foundation for the franchise's continued success.

Cornelius and Lake in War For the Planet of the Apes

One of the defining factors of the Planet of the Apes franchise is its ability to take the subject matter seriously without the need to pander to the audience. The films maintain a sense of seriousness and purpose, steering clear of the common trope of self-awareness often found in blockbuster films. Additionally, the consistent overarching themes throughout the trilogy provide a depth and coherence that is often lacking in other blockbuster movies.

Freya Allan as Mae hiding in tall grass in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Distinguishing Qualities of Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes franchise stands out by avoiding the pitfalls commonly associated with other blockbuster franchises. Unlike the MCU, which faces criticism for the overwhelming amount of interconnected content, Planet of the Apes maintains a focused approach with mainline films and large gaps between releases, allowing for a more deliberate and cohesive narrative.

A ape society next to an ocean in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Furthermore, the franchise's consistent character-focused storytelling sets it apart from DC's cinematic outings, which have often been hindered by lack of planning and changes in direction. The Planet of the Apes trilogy, in contrast, presents a meticulously planned and character-driven story that remains unaffected by external factors, showcasing a level of stability and foresight rarely seen in blockbuster franchises.

An ape riding a horse and holding a spear in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The technological achievements of the Planet of the Apes franchise, particularly its groundbreaking CGI and digital character design, have garnered widespread acclaim and set a new standard for digital effects in blockbuster films. The franchise's commitment to delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant digital characters has elevated it to a level of excellence in the realm of visual effects.

An ape holds up a torch to look at the underground tunnel in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The Future of Planet of the Apes

While the Matt Reeves' trilogy has concluded, the Planet of the Apes franchise is set to continue with the upcoming release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This new film, set centuries after War for the Planet of the Apes, promises to introduce new characters and settings within the established timeline, carrying forward the rich legacy of the franchise.

An ape on a horse rides up to a dark tunnel.

With the anticipation building for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, fans eagerly await to see if it will uphold the immense legacy of the franchise, further solidifying its place as a benchmark for blockbuster success and storytelling excellence.

Apes on horseback in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes