---
title: "Planet of the Apes"
year: 1968
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/planet-of-the-apes-1968"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 871
imdb_id: "tt0063442"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 112
community_rating: 7.7
vote_count: 4011
content_rating: "G"
---

# Planet of the Apes (1968) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/planet-of-the-apes-1968

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film is a science fiction story about a distant planet. On this planet, a primitive race of humans exists alongside a dominant species of apes. The apes use the humans for experimentation and sport. An astronaut, who has crash landed on the planet, finds himself among the humans. The astronaut's life is in danger, as he is hunted by the apes. However, he is aided by a chimpanzee scientist who is benevolent. The chimpanzee scientist is involved in the care and study of the humans, and his actions towards the astronaut are distinct from those of the other apes. The film explores the relationship between the two species, with the astronaut's situation serving as a catalyst for their interactions. The story unfolds as the astronaut navigates his new surroundings and confronts the societal norms of the ape-dominated world.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An astronaut crashes on a world where apes dominate and humans are hunted."

### Why Watch
- iconic sci‑fi premise
- thought‑provoking social commentary
- strong lead performance

### Caveats & Content Note
- period pacing can feel deliberate
- special effects show their age
- Tone & Suitability: The film includes violence, dystopian themes, and moral questions, making it best for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dystopian, adventurous, thoughtful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | IndieFlix | Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | Plex | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus, Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel | Plex | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | Plex | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Franklin J. Schaffner
- **Networks / Studios**: APJAC Productions, 20th Century Fox

## Key Cast Continuity

- **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*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed Planet of the Apes (1968)?
It was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner.

### Q: What is the basic premise of the movie?
An astronaut named Taylor crash‑lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes who treat primitive humans as subjects for sport and experimentation.

### Q: Is the film based on a novel?
Yes, it is loosely based on Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel of the same name.

### Q: Who stars as the astronaut Taylor?
Charlton Heston portrays astronaut Taylor.

### Q: What genres describe the film?
It is classified as science‑fiction, adventure, drama, and action.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*