What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRise of the Planet of the Apes
Rupert Wyatt · Film · 2011
If you loved Rise of the Planet of the Apes, start with Planet of the Apes (Pierre Boulle, 1963) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Rise of the Planet of the Apes across media.
What hooked you in Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the moral complexity of artificial consciousness rising against its creators.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Planet of the Apes
Franklin J. Schaffner · Film · 1968
Adaptation
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Ted Post · Film · 1970
Books on the same thread
The Maze Runner (Book 1)
James Dashner · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Artificial Intelligence.
Like Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the characters here face a restrictive environment and must organize a desperate rebellion to regain their lost autonomy.
Animal Farm
George Orwell · Book · 1945
Explores: Totalitarianism, Revolution, Power Corruption.
This classic mirrors the power dynamics and revolutionary struggle seen in Rise of the Planet of the Apes as oppressed beings rise up against their human masters.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Yuval Noah Harari · Book · 2015
Explores: Human Evolution, Cognitive Revolution, Agricultural Revolution.
If the scientific hubris in Rise of the Planet of the Apes fascinated you, this exploration of humanity's evolution and dominance provides the necessary historical and biological context.
Flowers for Algernon
Daniel Keyes · Book · 2004
Explores: Intelligence, Ethics of Science, Human Experimentation.
This story echoes the ethical dilemmas regarding intelligence experimentation found in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, focusing on the profound personal consequences of artificial cognitive enhancement.
Series on the same thread
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Series · 2006
Shares 2 threads with Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Rebellion, Oppression.
Much like the uprising in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this series captures the grit of a tactical rebellion led by a strategist against an oppressive empire.
Raised by Wolves
Aaron Guzikowski · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Artificial Intelligence.
This series explores the evolution of artificial beings navigating independence, reflecting the same questions about autonomy and existential purpose that defined Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Chimp Empire
Series · 2023
Explores: Animal Society, Social Hierarchy, Territorial Disputes.
To see the real-world social hierarchies and territorial politics that inspired the primate society in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, observe this authentic chimpanzee community.
Westworld
Jonathan Nolan · Series · 2016
Shares 2 threads with Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Artificial Intelligence, Rebellion.
The struggle for free will among artificial entities in this show mirrors the journey of the evolved apes in Rise of the Planet of the Apes perfectly.
Podcasts on the same thread
Revolutions
Mike Duncan · Podcast · 2025
Explores: societal collapse, power dynamics, cyclical history.
This deep dive into the mechanics of revolution provides the historical framework for the uprising depicted in Rise of the Planet of the Apes by examining power dynamics.
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Podcast
Explores: scientific discovery, astrophysics, cosmology.
If you enjoyed the scientific inquiry behind the evolution in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, this show offers an irreverent, expert-led investigation into the mysteries of life.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Rise of the Planet of the Apes based on the 1963 book?
Yes, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is part of the franchise inspired by the 1963 novel Planet of the Apes. While it serves as a modern origin story for the character Caesar, it shares the core premise of human and primate conflict established in the original book.
What order should I watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes and the original movies?
You can watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes as a standalone origin story or as a starting point for the series. If you wish to see the classic films, you should watch Planet of the Apes from 1968 followed by its sequel, Beneath the Planet of the Apes.
Is Rise of the Planet of the Apes a remake of the 1968 film?
No, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is not a remake of the 1968 movie. It is a separate production that focuses on the intelligent chimpanzee Caesar and the events leading to his revolt, whereas the 1968 film explores a different timeline involving human astronauts landing on an ape planet.
How does the story of Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes relate to the older films?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes introduces the character of Caesar and his revolt against a primate facility. This provides a distinct narrative background that differs from the plot of the 1968 Planet of the Apes and its sequel, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, which feature different settings and characters.