Apes Together Strong | The Planet of the Apes Series

Revisiting the Modern Planet of the Apes Trilogy | Forgotten Cinema Lead Up Series

Before we ventured into Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, we knew we had to revisit the incredible trilogy that laid the foundation for this new era of storytelling. The modern Planet of the Apes films—Rise, Dawn, and War—quietly became one of the most critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant sci-fi trilogies of the 21st century.

So, as part of our Lead Up Series, Forgotten Cinema went back to explore how this rebooted franchise evolved into something far more than just CGI monkeys and dystopian battles. We examined what made each film work (or not), how the storytelling grew, and why Caesar’s journey continues to resonate today.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, these episodes will get you caught up—and ready—for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

It all starts with Caesar. We look at how Rise set the tone for the trilogy with grounded storytelling, emotional depth, and an unforgettable motion-capture performance from Andy Serkis. A reboot that had no right being this good—and yet, it’s still powerful over a decade later.

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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

The humans and apes are on the brink. In Dawn, director Matt Reeves takes the franchise into darker, more complex territory. We explore the rise of internal conflict, the tragic breakdown of trust, and why this might be the strongest entry in the trilogy.

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War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The trilogy ends with a whisper, not a roar—and it’s all the better for it. In War, Caesar faces his greatest test as he battles both external enemies and internal demons. We dive into the film’s somber tone, biblical parallels, and stunning visual storytelling.

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These films deserve to be remembered not just as blockbusters, but as deeply human stories told through the eyes of apes. And now, with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in theaters, we’re excited to see where this legacy continues.

Don’t forget to check out our Now Showing episode covering Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes for our thoughts on how the story evolves beyond Caesar’s time.

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