Planet of the Apes (1968)
Kernel Score: 86% · 3,863 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Action
Released: 1968-02-07
Runtime: 112 minutes
Is Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Must-watch. An astronaut crash-lands on a planet where apes rule and humans are beasts. The social allegory still bites, the make-up holds up, and the final shot is one of cinema's best.
Watch it if you
- like thoughtful sci-fi with a sharp idea
- want a landmark of the genre
- enjoy the later Apes films and want the origin
Skip it if you
- want modern special effects and pacing
- dislike dated 60s dialogue and delivery
Best for: Classic sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Planet of the Apes
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Planet of the Apes is a classic sci-fi drama with themes of slavery, subjugation, and moderate action violence; rated G.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts human subjugation, hunting sequences, and authoritarian control despite its G rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Planet of the Apes
If you liked Planet of the Apes, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) — 85%: Modern reboot of the apes' rise, with a human heart.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) — 83%: Apes and humans on the edge of war, with strong drama.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) — 81%: The grim, emotional conclusion of the modern trilogy.
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) — 80%: A new chapter set far on from the modern apes saga.
- Solaris (1972) — 89%: Slow, philosophical sci-fi about humanity in alien surroundings.
- Alien (1979) — 96%: Classic sci-fi where a crew meets something beyond its control.
Director
Cast
- Charlton Heston as George Taylor
- Roddy McDowall as Cornelius
- Kim Hunter as Zira
- Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius
- James Whitmore as President of the Assembly
- James Daly as Dr. Honorious
- Linda Harrison as Nova
- Robert Gunner as Landon
- Lou Wagner as Lucius
- Woodrow Parfrey as Dr. Maximus
Planet of the Apes FAQ
Is Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Must-watch. An astronaut crash-lands on a planet where apes rule and humans are beasts. The social allegory still bites, the make-up holds up, and the final shot is one of cinema's best.
Where can I watch Planet of the Apes?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Planet of the Apes OK for kids?
Planet of the Apes is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Planet of the Apes is a classic sci-fi drama with themes of slavery, subjugation, and moderate action violence; rated G.
What movies are like Planet of the Apes?
If you liked Planet of the Apes, try Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.