Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes

Year: 2001

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Burton

ActionAdventureSci-FiThriller

A pilot crash-lands on a distant planet and finds himself in a startling world ruled by intelligent apes. The human population has fallen, and the apes have built a complex society with a strict hierarchy. He must navigate this unfamiliar and dangerous environment, encountering both threats and unexpected alliances as he tries to understand what happened to humanity and find a way home.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 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 – Planet of the Apes (2001)

Trace every key event in Planet of the Apes (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sirius's Unique Development

Ulysse Mérou and Nova are astonished to discover that their child, Sirius, begins to walk and talk at just three months old. This unusual development signifies a leap in evolution that changes their perspective on parenting and the future.

2

Plans for Space Travel

Motivated by Sirius’s remarkable abilities, Ulysse and Nova devise an audacious plan. They decide to pose as human test subjects in a scientific experiment related to space travel, showcasing their determination to protect their child’s exceptional future.

3

Infiltration of the Spacecraft

Employing their unique looks to blend in, Ulysse and Nova manage to infiltrate a spacecraft. Their cunning plan involves taking control of the spacecraft's systems, marking the first step of their bold escape from their current existence.

4

Journey Back to Earth

With remarkable skill, Ulysse piloted the spacecraft back towards Earth. As they soared through space, they were overwhelmed with hope while gazing upon breathtaking sights, including the City of Light.

City of Light
5

Returning to Familiar Sights

As they fly closer to Earth, the iconic Eiffel Tower and Orly Airport come into view. This sight stirs memories of home for Ulysse and Nova, filling them with nostalgic emotions about their past life.

Eiffel Tower, Orly Airport
6

Unexpected Encounter

In a dramatic turn, Ulysse and Nova’s joyous return is cut short by an unexpected obstacle. They come face-to-face with a field officer in a jeep, who is shockingly revealed to be a gorilla, a symbolism of the chaos that surrounds them.

7

Abandoning the Escape Plan

The revelation of the gorilla forces Ulysse and Nova to reassess their escape strategy. Overwhelmed by mixed emotions, they decide to abandon their daring plan and leave their hopes for a future behind.

8

Ulysse's Reflection

In a poignant moment, Ulysse takes time to reflect on their incredible journey. He pens down their story and seals it within a bottle, symbolically casting it into the void of space, as if reaching for an audience yet unknown.

9

Discussion Among Chimpanzees

Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds featuring Jinn and Phyllis, a couple of chimpanzees. They engage in a spirited discussion about Ulysse's extraordinary narrative, struggling to comprehend the existence of intelligent beings like humans.

10

Doubt and Dismissal

As Jinn and Phyllis debate Ulysse’s adventures, they find it difficult to believe in the tales of human civilization. Their skepticism highlights the stark contrasts in perceptions of intelligence and evolution in their world.

11

Sirius's Future

Amidst the chaos of their escape and reflection, the future of Sirius remains uncertain. Ulysse and Nova's experiences and the challenges they face will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for their rapidly evolving child.

12

Journey to Understanding

Both Ulysse and Nova must seek new ways to understand their unique situation as parents of a precocious child. They aim to ensure Sirius has the opportunities to thrive despite the adversities they encounter.

13

Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the challenges ahead, Ulysse holds onto hope for a better future. He reflects on the lessons learned from their journey while contemplating what it means to be a parent in a world filled with uncertainty.

14

The Unknown Audience

As Ulysse releases his story into space, he imagines the possibilities of who might find it. This act represents a desire for connection with others as he navigates his family's unique legacy.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 10:43

Unlock the Full Story of Planet of the Apes

Don't stop at just watching — explore 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 Planet of the Apes is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Planet of the Apes Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 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.

Planet of the Apes Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Planet of the Apes

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Planet of the Apes. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Planet of the Apes

More About Planet of the Apes

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 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 Planet of the Apes