Movie

Back to the Planet of the Apes

“They're taking over.”

★ 6.0(27)19801h 32m

Action Thriller Adventure Science Fiction TV Movie

Back to the Planet of the Apes isn't available to stream, rent or buy in United States right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 25 July 2026.

Where to watch Back to the Planet of the Apes

🇺🇸 United States

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Good to know

Director: Arnold Laven, Don Weis
Release date: 1980-11-17
Runtime: 1h 32m
Language: English
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television
Part of: Planet of the Apes (TV Movie) Collection

About Back to the Planet of the Apes

Back to the Planet of the Apes is a 1980 movie in the Action, Thriller and Adventure genres, directed by Arnold Laven and Don Weis, starring Ron Harper, James Naughton and Roddy McDowall. It has a runtime of 1 hour 32 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.0/10 from 27 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Back to the Planet of the Apes in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Astronauts Pete Burke and Allan Virdon crash on Earth in the far future and are captured by the apes. The men befriend a chimp named Galen who helps them to escape. In the hopes of finding a way to get back to their own time, the astronauts search for a computer in an earthquake-threatened city, with which they will be able to access their flight records. [The first of five telefilms edited from episodes of the 1974 TV series; this film combines the episodes "Escape from Tomorrow" and "The Trap"]

Cast

Ron Harper

Alan Virdon

James Naughton

Pete Burke

Roddy McDowall

Galen

Royal Dano

Farrow

Woodrow Parfrey

Veska

Norman Alden

Zako

John Milford

Miller

Mark Lenard

Urko

Booth Colman

Zaius

Biff Elliot

Ullman

Bobby Porter

Arno

Jerome Thor

Proto

Themes & keywords

post-apocalyptic future

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Back to the Planet of the Apes in United States?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in United States. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is Back to the Planet of the Apes on Netflix?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is Back to the Planet of the Apes?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes has a runtime of 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).

Who stars in Back to the Planet of the Apes?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes stars Ron Harper, James Naughton, Roddy McDowall, Royal Dano and Woodrow Parfrey.

When did Back to the Planet of the Apes come out?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes is a 1980 movie directed by Arnold Laven and Don Weis.

What genre is Back to the Planet of the Apes?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes is Action, Thriller, Adventure, Science Fiction and TV Movie film.

Who directed Back to the Planet of the Apes?+

Back to the Planet of the Apes was directed by Arnold Laven and Don Weis.