James Gunn Reveals the Most Underrated Pop Trilogy of All Time
James Gunn, the director known for big hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, recently sat down for an interview with the French media outlet Konbini. During the chat, he shared his thoughts on movies that have stuck with him, his all-time favorites, and some that don’t get the recognition they deserve. One trilogy, in particular, stood out to him as seriously underrated.
Gunn revealed that he believes the Planet of the Apes trilogy, especially the recent reboot series, doesn’t get enough credit for how good it really is. He said, “I like all these Planet of the Apes movies. The new Planet of the Apes movies, most underrated like pop films of all. Especially the first one and then Matt Reeves’ two movies.”
James Gunn says 'THE PLANET OF THE APES' trilogy is the most underrated pop movies of all time.
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Matt Reeves directed 'DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES' and 'WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES'
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The trilogy he’s talking about includes Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). While Rupert Wyatt directed the first film, Matt Reeves took over for the second and third installments. Gunn made it clear that Reeves’ work on these movies really stood out to him.
He added, “Between Cloverfield and the two Planet of the Apes movies that Matt Reeves did, the reasons I like talking to Matt so much… I think it’s really important that there are filmmakers out there who make spectacle films that get people to theaters but still give a s*** and are doing something personal with them.”
Gunn didn’t stop there. He went on to mention a few other filmmakers who he thinks follow that same path, creating big, exciting films that still have depth and meaning. “I think, you know, Matt Reeves, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Coogler — there are some of the few people that are doing that. And so I really always respected Matt Reeves for that.”
The two Planet of the Apes films that Reeves directed both received strong critical praise. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was applauded for its smart storytelling, emotional weight, and groundbreaking visual effects. Critics praised the film for being more than just an action movie; it had real emotional stakes and tackled themes like trust, leadership, and survival.
War for the Planet of the Apes continued that trend. It was seen as a thoughtful and powerful conclusion to the trilogy. Reviewers highlighted its bold storytelling, stunning visuals, and the deep, emotional performance by Andy Serkis as Caesar. Many critics even compared it to classic war epics, praising it for blending blockbuster spectacle with serious drama.
While these films were well-received by critics and fans, they never quite reached the same pop culture status as other big franchises. That’s likely why Gunn feels they’re underrated, they did everything right, but never got the widespread recognition they deserved.
So when James Gunn calls the Planet of the Apes trilogy the most underrated pop trilogy of all time, he’s not just being nostalgic. He’s pointing to films that managed to be both entertaining and meaningful, and in his eyes, that’s something truly special.
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