Though this seminal sci-fi gem has spawned sequels, TV shows, comics, all manner of merchandise and a re-imagining from Tim Burton in 2001, the original 1967 movie is still the yardstick by which the whole Apes saga should be judged. Charlton Heston stars as the leader of a team of astronauts who crashes on a desolate planet where the apes rule and human beings are the dumb animals. Heston is appropriately square-jawed as the rebellious human trying to make sense of this topsy-turvy world, and Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter shine through the marvellous ape make-up from John Chambers, who received an honorary Oscar for his work. But what really elevates director Franklin J Schaffner's movie to classic status is the clever script from Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling and former blacklisted writer Michael Wilson. The combination of allegory, humour, satire and excitement underpins a brilliantly conceived adventure that also benefits from stunning cinematography from veteran cameraman Leon Shamroy and an unnervingly haunting score from Jerry Goldsmith (The Omen).

Astronaut Taylor crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.