Planet of the Apes (1968)

About

"Planet of the Apes" (1968) is a groundbreaking science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. The movie follows astronauts Taylor, Landon, and Dodge, who awaken from hibernation after a near-light-speed space voyage. Their spacecraft crashes on an unknown planet, which they believe is in the Orion's Bellatrix System, 300 light-years from Earth. As they explore, they encounter a society where intelligent apes have evolved into the dominant species, while humans are primitive and mute. The film's iconic twist reveals that the planet is actually a post-apocalyptic Earth, devastated by nuclear war. This revelation dramatically shifts the audience's perspective, transforming the film from a space opera into a bleak post-apocalyptic commentary. The movie explores themes of societal hierarchy, evolution, and human nature through its depiction of ape society and the desolate future of Earth. With its thought-provoking narrative and memorable characters, "Planet of the Apes" remains a classic in the science fiction genre.