Planet of the Apes (1968)

USA 112m, colour
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner; Cast: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison

Planet of the Apes is the quintessential post-apocalyptic science fiction film that continues to be an important touchstone in popular culture. Its appeal and effectiveness as one of the best science fiction films ever made is largely based on a terrific screenplay, amazing make-up, excellent special effects and one of the best twist endings in movie history – making Planet of the Apes one of the most original and entertaining films of the 20th century. Filmed at the height of the cold war, it’s a dark message for the future suggests that mankind is doomed to be the author of his own destruction (Klaus Ming May 2009).