Planet of the Apes Ranked

To celebrate the release of this summer's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and also this 56-year-old science fiction post-apocalyptic franchise, I personally rank all 10 Planet of the Apes movies. Enjoy! – Arnold At The Movies

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My Ranking

#10 Planet of the Apes (2001)

The 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes is the weakest link from this 56-year-old franchise. Incredible make-up and costumes, but Tim Burton's film lacks in every other area: writing, acting, and direction. Plus, a downright terrible ending. 2 stars out of 5.

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#09 Battle for the Planet of the Apes

Battle for the Planet of the Apes is a so-so conclusion to the original series. Battle is incredibly low-budget, but there are still some effective moments sprinkled in. However, these moments aren't enough to save this mediocre final chapter of the original series. 2.5 stars out of 5.

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#08 Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Beneath the Planet of the Apes is the ultimate anti-sequel to the original 1968 film. A movie chock-full of rehashing the same storyline as the previous film, and then halfway through, it takes a bonkers turn to lunacy. The ending to this movie is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s. 3 stars out of 5.

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#07 Conquest of the Planet of the Apes

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes is an angrier movie than its predecessors. Conquest is a darker and bleaker chapter for this dystopian franchise. It may not fully stick the landing, but it dies trying. 3.5 stars out of 5.

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#06 Escape from the Planet of the Apes

Escape from the Planet of the Apes adds a breezier tone to the Apes franchise. That is, until the incredibly dark twist presented at the end of this movie. Escape is more character-driven, backed by wonderful performances from actors Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter. 3.5 stars out of 5.

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#05 Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes rebooted and re-energized this post-apocalyptic franchise, bringing us back to the very beginning of when it all started. Impressive special effects backed by a mesmerizing performance by Andy Serkis as Caesar. 4 stars out of 5.

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#04 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a solid and wildly ambitious summer blockbuster. Continuing the Apes franchise with a brand-new storyline post the Caesar trilogy. Incredible special effects (some of the best of the franchise) are built around new, yet worthy characters. Wes Ball’s sci-fi epic deals with legacy, myths, and false messiahs. Excited for more to come. 4.5 stars out of 5.

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#03 Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes (1968) is a stone-cold classic. The original that started it all. This science fiction epic blends thought-provoking themes and criticisms of our culture with fast=paced action and courtroom drama. Provocative as it is entertaining, Charlton Heston exclaiming "Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!" will always give me chills. 5-stars. 

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#02 War for the Planet of the Apes

Dark, ambitious, and poignant. War for the Planet of the Apes is a masterful conclusion to the Caesar trilogy. Matt Reeves' craft in this movie is unmatched, while actor Andy Serkis gives the performance of a lifetime as Caesar. War might be one of the bleakest blockbusters in recent memory, but its impact will live on forever. 5-stars.

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#01 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Matt Reeves' Dawn of the Planet of the Apes completely changed the game for this franchise. Bold and emotionally powerful, Dawn switches gears to a more character-driven storyline, backed by strong visuals and blockbuster thrills. Dawn delivers in both action spectacle and character drama. Andy Serkis continues his superb reign as Caesar. Not only is Dawn a masterful sequel in every way, but it is also the magnum opus of the Planet of the Apes franchise. Nothing will ever top it. 5-stars.