All 10 Planet of the Apes Movie Endings, Ranked Worst to Best

THE Planet of the Apes The franchise has delivered some of the most iconic and thought-provoking endings in science fiction cinema, becoming known for its deep dives into dystopian themes and humanity’s complex relationship with apes. Ranging from the original film’s shocking 1968 ending to the recent films’ nuanced reflections on loyalty, identity, and survival, each ending offers a unique perspective on the saga’s central conflicts. With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes bizarre ending, the conversation Planet of the Apes endings were brought to the foreground.

Some Planet of the Apes Finales challenge audiences with exciting revelations. Others leave audiences contemplating the cyclical nature of power and resistance. Some leave viewers questioning the Planet of the Apes timeline, and some leave audiences completely baffled by how mediocre they are. The franchise’s complex, layered narrative means that not all endings have the same impact, and some left the public divided over their meaning and impact. Whether these endings leave people speechless, questioning, or satisfied, they’ve all played a role in cementing the franchise as a timeless exploration of humanity’s worst tendencies and greatest aspirations.

10

War for the Planet of the Apes

This film’s disconcerting ending lacked common sense

War for the Planet of the Apes attempted to end Caesar’s journey in an epic, near-perfect final act and, for the most part, War for the Planet of the Apes was successful as a film. However, its ending was quite unsatisfactory. After an intense journey marked by battle and loss, Caesar leads his apes to a new sanctuary only to succumb to a beast wound – an exceedingly anticlimactic conclusion for such a heroic character.

Caesar’s final moments are dark, but they lack the triumphant resolution expected from this trilogy’s grand finale. While the action scenes are phenomenal and the film’s adventurous scope make it truly feel like one of the best Planet of the Apes films, the story’s conclusion undermines its success by resorting to “movie logic.” For example, although Caesar is seriously injured, none of his allies seem to notice the lightning wound – an intriguing detail, given that the apes treated a similar wound in Dawn.

This end of War for the Planet of the Apes lessens the impact of Caesar’s fate, making his death seem like a whimper when he should have died a war hero. Although the film is excellent in cinematography, action, and character work, its ending is weak. The end of War for the Planet of the Apes It completely lacks the narrative closure and heroic catharsis that would have made Caesar’s final act feel fully realized and satisfying.

9

Planet of the Apes (2001)

A misguided reimagining of the original film’s ending

Tim Burton Planet of the Apes the ending was ambitious, but so much so that it left the audience scratching their heads. After traveling to escape the oppressive ape society, astronaut Leo Davidson returns to Earth, only to discover a world that now mirrors the one he left behind, but with the apes in charge. He is greeted by an imposing statue of General Thade and a police force of monkeys who enforce the law, leaving him and the audience in a stunned confusion. While Burton’s twist was certainly bold it didn’t connect well with viewers or critics.

This ending attempted to replicate the shock factor of the original 1968 film, but it lacked thematic depth and impactful execution. Without proper development or clear logic, this twist felt more like a last-minute shock than a meaningful conclusion, leaving many dissatisfied. Instead of exploring the consequences of power and resistance like its predecessors, the film’s final moments felt like an unearned curveball, making it one of the franchise’s most controversial endings. Despite Burton’s attempt at surprise, Planet of the Apes (2001) failed to deliver an ending that resonated with the franchise’s philosophical underpinnings.

8

Battle for the Planet of the Apes

A rushed and simplistic ending

Battle for the Planet of the Apesthe final entry in the original series, tries to conclude the saga with an optimistic message about unity. After a violent confrontation between humans and apes, Caesar negotiates an attempt at peace, hoping to avoid the future of destruction envisioned in previous films. However, the ending, which shows a future statue of Caesar shedding a tear, is very sentimental and simplistic compared to the dark, existential tones of the previous films. This emotional choice doesn’t align with the harsh realism that made previous entries compelling.

Although the intention for a hopeful future was clear, the execution seemed uneven, as if the series is trying to sugarcoat its dark themes. Caesar’s vision of unity seems noble, but the weeping statue suggests a future still haunted by violence, creating a mixed message about peace and survival. As a final note to the original series, this rushed ending does not achieve the impact necessary to close such a dystopian narrative. While Battle for the Planet of the Apes offers closure, it lacks the thought-provoking weight that defines the series at its best.

7

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

A great start, but a mediocre ending

Rise of the Planet of the Apes sets the stage for the franchise’s modern trilogy with a thrilling, action-packed finale that successfully ignites the apes’ revolt, even if some say Rise of the Planet of the Apes does not hold up. After escaping captivity, Caesar leads his fellow apes to freedom in the Redwood Forest, symbolizing both the birth of a new society and the beginning of conflict with humanity. The last scenes suggest the spread of a deadly virus, foreshadowing the fall of human civilization and the rise of ape rule. This foreboding ending captures both hope and dread, setting up a thrilling start to Caesar’s journey.

However, Ascend does not provide a completely satisfactory resolution, instead, it functions more as a prologue of what’s to come. The ending leaves viewers on edge, anxious for what’s to come, but it lacks the complete emotional closure seen in later films. The narrative emphasis on Caesar’s liberation and the impending downfall of humanity is conveyed effectively, but it is still more of a beginning than a definitive ending. While it successfully establishes the stakes and depth of the modern trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes it lacks the lasting thematic weight of the franchise’s strongest conclusions.

6

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

An intriguing but rushed ending

Kingdom of the Planet of the ApesThe latest entry in the series, attempted to deepen the modern trilogy’s exploration of peace between humans and apes, combining post-apocalyptic survival with subtle character development. The film ends with a fragile but hopeful alliance, as humans and apes finally reach an understanding, leaving room for suspense and optimism about what comes next. This cautious peace contrasts with previous endings, which often suggested a grim inevitability to the conflict between apes and humans. The visual narrative in Kingdom is stunning, featuring beautifully desolate landscapes that emphasize the theme of rebirth.

Although the film’s themes resonate, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes‘The ending feels a little punny and memorable compared to other iconic endings in the franchise. Offers a satisfactory advance, but it doesn’t quite deliver the blunt conclusions that defined previous entries. As a result, Kingdom remains a solid addition to the franchise, one that balances the bleakness of the previous films with a cautiously optimistic outlook. It may not be the most memorable ending, but its depth and maturity mark a fitting continuation for the series, solidifying its place as a strong entry while hinting at even greater possibilities.

5

Escape from the Planet of the Apes

A shocking but subdued ending

Escape from the Planet of the Apes provides one of the most surprising and moving endings to the original series. After Cornelius and Zira, the beloved ape couple, travel back in time to modern Earth, humans initially embrace them, but soon face opposition when authorities realize that their offspring could lead to the emergence of intelligent apes. The ending is moving, as the two monkeys meet tragic fates.sacrificing himself to protect his son, Milo, who has the potential to carry his legacy forward.

Escape from the Planet of the Apes is an emotionally powerful film because it humanizes Cornelius and Zira, highlighting the tragedy of their circumstances and the cruelty of human paranoia, and this is shown more than ever in the end. By portraying monkeys as victims rather than aggressors, Escape turns the franchise’s usual dynamic on its head, evoking sympathy and a profound sense of loss. The dark and reflective ending shows that even with time travel and new scenarios, the monkey situation remains an unbreakable cyclemaking it one of the series’ most poignant conclusions.

4

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes

An ending limited only by age

The controversial ending of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes marks a darker turn in the original series, ending on a note that is both chilling and empowering. After enduring years of human oppression, Caesar, son of Cornelius and Zira, leads a rebellion against humanitytriggering the war that will eventually culminate in the world seen in the original film. The final scene is a fiery declaration of freedom, with Caesar calling for justice and revenge, triggering a powerful revolt.

This ending stands out for its intensity, illustrating how oppression and brutality can create monsters in even the most noble beings. Caesar’s transformation from a peaceful leader to a ruthless revolutionary reflects the franchise’s themes of cyclical violence and the darker side of human nature. As Caesar claims his place as leader of a new order, the film ends on a powerful note, one that foreshadows humanity’s inevitable downfall. Conquest does not offer a hopeful resolution, but rather a serious reflection on how quickly societies can fall apart.

3

Beneath the Planet of the Apes

A bad movie with a hardcore ending

Beneath the Planet of the Apes offers the darkest ending of the Planet of the Apes franchise. After discovering an underground society of mutant humans who worship a nuclear bomb, the film takes a nihilistic turn when Brent and Nova’s quest to rescue Taylor ends in catastrophe. Taylor, mortally wounded, triggers the bomb in a desperate act, effectively ending all life on Earth. This apocalyptic ending is one of the boldest conclusions in science fiction cinema, erasing any hope of reconciliation or redemption. With the detonation of the bomb, the cycle of violence and destruction comes to a frighteningly abrupt end.

The impact of this ending lies in its pessimismdriving home the franchise’s recurring themes of fear and self-destruction. There is no happy ending, only the grim inevitability of humanity’s self-inflicted annihilation. While controversial, this conclusion resonates with the series’ darker tones, challenging viewers to confront the potential consequences of unbridled power and prejudice. In a film that is quite generic, Beneath the Planet of the Apes the ending is bold and unflinchingly dark, defining Below apart as a bold and unforgettable chapter in the Planet of the Apes saga.

2

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

An emotionally charged ending

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is based on the tensions introduced into Ascend and ends on the most emotional note of any film in the franchise. After the betrayal of Koba, Caesar’s former ally, the apes are left divided and vulnerable as humanity’s remaining forces prepare for war. César, tired but determined, recognizes the tragic cycle they are entering. In his final moments on screen, he resigns himself to the harsh reality that peace may never be possible. This emotionally charged ending is both a rallying cry and a warning, establishing the tragic inevitability of conflict between apes and humans.

This ending is one of the most impactful in the franchise, mixing action and emotional gravitas with Caesar’s quiet realization that leadership often comes at a painful cost. His acceptance of the impending war speaks volumes to the series’ recurring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and searching for a better future even when it seems impossible. Dawn manages to create an ending that is as thought-provoking as it is dark, firmly grounding Caesar as a tragic hero who cannot escape the violent world around him.

1

Planet of the Apes (1968)

One of the best twists in cinema

The original Planet of the Apes (1968) remains relevant due to its unforgettable ending, one that has become legendary in the world of science fiction. After surviving brutal ordeals on a seemingly alien planet, astronaut George Taylor stumbles upon the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand, realizing he has been on a post-apocalyptic Earth the entire time. This shocking revelation transforms everything viewers have seen, highlighting the destructive consequences of humanity’s arrogance and arrogance in a way few films have managed to accomplish since.

The sight of the statue is frightening, underlining the theme of humanity’s self-destruction and the cyclical nature of history. This ending is as powerful today as it ever was, delivering a twist that delivers a poignant message about the dangers of unbridled ambition and war. Its impact is so profound that it is often cited as one of the greatest film endings of all time and remains the franchise’s defining moment. No other Planet of the Apes the film came close to matching the original’s emotional impact, becoming the series’ undeniable high point.