Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Year: 1970

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Ted Post

ActionAdventureSci-Fi

A lone astronaut searches for the crew of the previous film and discovers a world dominated by intelligent apes. However, a sinister secret lies beneath the apes' civilization: a subterranean realm inhabited by mutated humans, victims of radiation, condemned to a horrifying and perpetual nightmare.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Beneath the Planet of the Apes yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Year 3955

In the year 3955, Earth lies in ruins after a cataclysmic event that has drastically altered the course of civilization. The surviving inhabitants, both apes and telepathic mutants, struggle for dominance and sustainability in a world marred by chaos. This timeframe highlights the remnants of humanity's destructive legacy while characters navigate the challenges of survival in a drastically changed society.

Location

Forbidden Zone, Ape City, Queensboro Plaza station, St. Patrick's Cathedral

The Forbidden Zone is a desolate wilderness characterized by geological disturbances, offering both danger and mystery. Ape City serves as the stronghold for the ruling apes, showcasing their advanced civilization and militaristic tendencies. Queensboro Plaza station is an underground remnant of New York, filled with secrets of the past and reminders of humanity's downfall, while St. Patrick's Cathedral stands as a haunting symbol of Earth's destruction.

🏙️ City 🌄 Wilderness 🏛️ Historic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

Main Characters – Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Meet the key characters of Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Taylor

Taylor is a resilient and determined character who symbolizes humanity's struggle against oppression. He embodies the spirit of survival, continually facing the threats posed by both the apes and the remnants of civilization. His journey from confrontation to sacrifice highlights the emotional depth of his character and the weight of his consequences.

👨‍🚀 Protagonist 💪 Determined

Nova

Nova represents innocence amidst chaos, often appearing vulnerable as she navigates a world dominated by hostile forces. Her connection with Taylor underscores her resilience, as she consistently seeks to adapt and survive despite overwhelming circumstances. She ultimately becomes a symbol of tragic loss, reinforcing the film's themes of destruction and sorrow.

👩‍🚀 Survivor 💔 Innocent

Brent

Brent is a courageous and conflicted character who embodies the struggle of discovery and survival in an alien world. He faces internal and external challenges as he seeks to reconnect with Taylor while grappling with the shocking realities of his environment. His journey is one of hope and resilience as he attempts to find his place in a fractured society.

👨‍🚀 Explorer 🌍 Survivor

General Ursus

General Ursus is the embodiment of militarism within the ape society, showcasing determination and aggression in his desire to expand their territory. Driven by a fierce ideology, he aims to conquer the Forbidden Zone, often disregarding the consequences of his ambitions. His character reflects the darker aspects of leadership and the potential for tyranny in pursuit of power.

👮 Leader ⚔️ Ruthless

Dr. Zaius

Dr. Zaius serves as a voice of caution and wisdom among the apes, keenly aware of the consequences of blind aggression. He struggles between his duties as a protector of ape society and his understanding of the past. His character raises questions about morality and the responsibility of leaders in guiding their people amidst chaos.

🦧 Wise 📚 Cautious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

Major Themes – Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Explore the central themes of Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏺 Destruction

The theme of destruction is prevalent throughout the film, both in the physical and moral decay present in the world. The remnants of civilization are juxtaposed with the apes' reckless pursuit of power. Characters grapple with the consequences of humanity's self-destructive behaviors, culminating in a catastrophic explosion that symbolizes the ultimate downfall.

👥 Identity

Identity plays a crucial role as characters confront their origins and the stark realities of their existence. Brent's journey reveals the blurred lines between human and mutant, challenging notions of what it means to be human. The revelation of the telepaths' horrifying mutations serves as a poignant commentary on the effects of radiation and the loss of authentic humanity.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict arises not only between different species but also within individuals as they navigate loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for survival. The struggle for resources in Ape City escalates into a full-blown war, showcasing the violent tendencies of both the apes and the mutants. This theme underscores the chaos born from discord and the desperation that drives characters to their breaking points.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:33

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Apocalyptic descent movies like Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Characters venture deeper into a horrifying and oppressive post-apocalyptic world.If you liked the journey into the mutant underworld in Beneath the Planet of the Apes, you'll appreciate these movies. This list features similar sci-fi and horror stories where characters explore post-apocalyptic settings, uncovering deeper layers of horror and bleak truths about humanity's downfall.

desolatenightmarishoppressivegrimdystopiananxiousdesperate

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically involve a linear journey from a known, if grim, situation into an unknown, more horrifying reality. The plot structure is often a descent, either literal or metaphorical, where each new discovery raises the stakes and deepens the sense of hopelessness, culminating in a confrontation with an ultimate, often nihilistic, truth.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared structure of exploration leading to escalating horror, their bleak and oppressive tone, and their focus on the psychological impact of discovering a world beyond saving. They create a cohesive experience of unrelenting dread and thematic weight centered on annihilation.

Bleak dystopian catastrophe films like Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Stories that confront the inevitability of total societal and planetary collapse.For viewers who appreciated the nihilistic ending and heavy themes of Beneath the Planet of the Apes, this list features movies with similar bleak dystopian visions. These films explore themes of nuclear war, species conflict, and doomsday devices, often concluding with catastrophic, world-ending events.

bleakgrimdesolatehopelessdystopiancatastrophicnihilistic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern here is a steady march toward an inevitable, large-scale disaster. Characters often struggle against forces much larger than themselves, but their efforts are ultimately futile. The stories are designed to emphasize the cyclical or absolute nature of violence and destruction, leaving the audience with a profound sense of despair.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their commitment to a bleak, catastrophic ending and their exploration of heavy themes like nuclear annihilation and the folly of conflict. They share a high intensity, a steady pacing that builds toward doom, and a mood that is consistently grim, desolate, and oppressive.

Unlock the Full Story of Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Don't stop at just watching — explore Beneath the Planet of the Apes in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Beneath the Planet of the Apes is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Beneath the Planet of the Apes, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Summary

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Timeline

Track the full timeline of Beneath the Planet of the Apes with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Timeline

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Beneath the Planet of the Apes that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Beneath the Planet of the Apes: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Beneath the Planet of the Apes