Planet of the Apes (1968)

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Planet of the Apes (1968) Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Original Apes mixes smart sci-fi and fighting, sexy stuff.

G 1968 112 minutes
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 25 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Planet of the Apes is the original 1968 sci-fi movie that yielded several sequels, one remake (that became its own franchise-launcher), two TV series, as well as toys and games; it was extremely popular in its day and still has many fans. It's one of those rare sci-fi movies that's based on thoughtful ideas but also contains fighting and action. Characters fire guns, a little blood is shown, and characters die. Humans are held prisoner and mistreated, and there's violent struggling. A decomposed corpse is shown in one shocking scene. Several male astronauts are naked (nothing sensitive shown) and sex is discussed. Language is mild, but contains uses of "God," "damn" and "hell." With the success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and with the promise of new sequels coming, teen sci-fi fans may want to go back and watch this. Though the MPAA gave it a "G" when it was released, it would never receive that rating today.

Community Reviews

Mark H.
Mark H. Adult
December 29, 2021
age 15+

A hard film for younger kids to understand

You’d think a movie about people in monkey masks would be pretty black and white. Boy would you be wrong. I chose 15+ because that’s when I felt comfortable watching it with my kid. They have to understand there is no real hero in this film. The apes are religious zealots squashing the truth through inquisition like methods. But they also have reason. Humans are evil and destructive. Taylor is proof of this. He has the right to survive and not be lobotomized, but he’s also a eugenacist who looks down on the physical weaknesses of other people and left earth to create a “stronger” race. He also takes a mute, pet-like woman as a trophy. In essence, he’s as monstrous as his captors. Human beings seem to have nuked themselves to the point that the ground is radioactive and Taylor mistakes bomb craters for massive asteroid strikes. If your kids can get all this, show it to them. If not, wait a little longer. Heck, I’m not sure most adults get it.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
KillBill4EVER
KillBill4EVER Adult
June 3, 2021
age 2+

Im in love with Charleston Heston

This movie is perfect for kids of all ages. It shows how destructive human nature can be. Kids should be shown this early on since they have such an open mind and could make interesting interpretations of this movie. It dives subtly into the contradictions between science and religion. I love the movie and appreciate how it is a G rating so kids of all ages can enjoy this amazing deep and thought provoking work of art !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In PLANET OF THE APES, four astronauts travel at the speed of light, hoping to explore new galaxies. They suddenly wake up from stasis to find themselves crashing on a planet with a sustainable atmosphere. The only survivor, Taylor (Charlton Heston), discovers a race of intelligent apes and winds up their prisoner. With his throat wounded, he is unable to speak, but tries to catch the attention of a pair of ape scientists, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter). They wish to communicate with him, but unfortunately, ape leader Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) believes he's a threat and puts him on trial. Taylor escapes with the help of the scientists, seeking a cave full of artifacts that prove human intelligence. But can Taylor make his case in time?

Is It Any Good?

The direction by Franklin J. Schaffner -- who would win a Best Director Oscar two years later for Patton -- is impersonal and uninspired in this film. Charlton Heston's lead character is hard-headed and inflexible. But somehow Planet of the Apes' melding of clever science fiction ideas with old-fashioned popcorn thrills just clicked. Perhaps screenwriter Rod Serling, creator of the legendary Twilight Zone TV series, is part of the reason. Or perhaps it was the novelty of seeing apes riding horses and shooting guns.

Heston gets some memorable lines, but it's Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter as the two ape scientists that anchor the movie, embracing communication and connection between two species. Their open-mindedness and open-heartedness are key. The question of science versus faith is still relevant, but perhaps even more so is: What happened to the humans? How could they wipe themselves out? If viewers don't feel like answering those questions, then there are the good chases and battles to focus on.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Planet of the Apes' violence. In what ways are the humans mistreated? Do you notice any similarities to how humans treat animals? What is the reason for the mistreatment?

  • The movie seems to suggest that science is better than blind faith. Do you agree? Is there a way the two can go together?

  • The movie's twist ending has become fairly famous. Did you know about it before watching the movie? How did it affect the story?

  • Who is a better role model: the human astronaut, or the ape scientists? Why?

Movie Details

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