15 Best Movies Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Are you a fan of the thrilling sci-fi adventure film Rise of the Planet of the Apes? This 2011 blockbuster, directed by Rupert Wyatt, tells the gripping story of Caesar, a chimpanzee who gains advanced intelligence through an experimental drug and leads an uprising of apes against their human oppressors. With its stunning visual effects, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes, Rise of the Planet of the Apes captivated audiences and spawned a successful reboot of the classic Planet of the Apes franchise.

If you loved Rise of the Planet of the Apes and are craving more movies with similar themes, thrills, and cinematic excellence, look no further. Here are 15 of the best movies like Rise of the Planet of the Apes that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat:

1. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

The direct sequel to Rise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes takes place 10 years after the events of the first film. Caesar and his growing nation of genetically evolved apes are threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes builds upon the foundation laid by Rise, exploring deeper themes of power, loyalty, and what it means to be human. Andy Serkis delivers another groundbreaking motion-capture performance as Caesar, supported by a stellar cast including Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell. With its intense action sequences, stunning visual effects, and emotional resonance, Dawn is a worthy successor to Rise and a must-see for any fan of the franchise.

2. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The third installment in the rebooted Planet of the Apes series, War for the Planet of the Apes finds Caesar and his apes forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

War for the Planet of the Apes is a fitting conclusion to Caesar’s epic journey, delving into weighty themes of vengeance, leadership, and the cost of war. Andy Serkis once again shines as Caesar, delivering a nuanced and powerful performance that anchors the film. With its stunning cinematography, pulse-pounding action, and thought-provoking storytelling, War cements the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy as one of the greatest in modern cinema.

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure that shares many similarities with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The film follows a group of scientists and visitors to a wildlife park on a remote island where dinosaurs have been brought back from extinction using advanced genetic engineering. When the park’s security systems fail, the dinosaurs break free and wreak havoc, forcing the humans to fight for survival.

Like Rise, Jurassic Park explores the dangers of playing God with nature and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects, which still hold up today, bring the dinosaurs to terrifying life, much like the apes in Rise. With its thrilling action, memorable characters, and iconic score by John Williams, Jurassic Park is a cinematic classic that any fan of Rise of the Planet of the Apes should experience.

4. King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s King Kong is a stunning remake of the 1933 classic, following a film crew to the mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter the legendary giant gorilla known as Kong. When the crew captures Kong and brings him back to New York City to be exhibited as a freak attraction, the mighty ape breaks loose and goes on a rampage, ultimately climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in an iconic showdown.

King Kong shares many thematic similarities with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, exploring the relationship between humans and primates, the exploitation of animals, and the consequences of meddling with nature. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects bring Kong to life with incredible realism, much like the apes in Rise. With its epic scale, thrilling action, and emotional depth, King Kong is a must-see for any fan of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

5. District 9 (2009)

District 9, directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a gritty and thought-provoking sci-fi film that explores themes of segregation, xenophobia, and what it means to be human. The film is set in an alternate version of Johannesburg, South Africa, where a group of alien refugees have been forced to live in a slum-like encampment called District 9. When a government agent named Wikus van de Merwe becomes infected with an alien virus that begins to transform him, he finds himself an outcast and must rely on the help of the aliens to survive.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, District 9 uses science fiction as a lens to examine real-world social and political issues. The film’s gritty, documentary-style cinematography and innovative visual effects create a sense of realism that draws the audience into its world. With its complex characters, thrilling action, and powerful social commentary, District 9 is a must-see for any fan of thought-provoking sci-fi.

6. Avatar (2009)

James Cameron’s Avatar is a visually stunning sci-fi epic that transports audiences to the lush alien world of Pandora. The film follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine who is sent to Pandora to participate in a mission to mine the planet’s valuable resources. Jake becomes torn between his loyalty to his fellow humans and his growing connection to the native Na’vi people and their way of life.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Avatar explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and the clash between nature and technology. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects, which include extensive use of motion-capture technology, create a fully realized alien world that feels both exotic and believable. With its epic scope, thrilling action, and emotional depth, Avatar is a cinematic experience that any fan of Rise of the Planet of the Apes should not miss.

7. Inception (2010)

Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller Inception follows a skilled thief named Cobb who has the rare ability to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets. Cobb is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: “inception”, the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious.

While Inception may not seem like an obvious choice for a movie similar to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, both films share a fascination with the power of the mind and the blurring of the lines between reality and illusion. Inception‘s stunning visual effects, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-see for any fan of intelligent, visually impressive sci-fi.

8. Minority Report (2002)

Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report is set in a near-future world where a special police unit is able to arrest murderers before they commit their crimes, thanks to a trio of psychics called “precogs”. When the head of the unit, John Anderton, is himself accused of a future murder, he goes on the run to prove his innocence and uncover a deeper conspiracy.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Minority Report explores the dangers of unchecked technological power and the consequences of playing God. The film’s sleek, futuristic visual style and inventive action sequences create a fully realized world that feels both familiar and unsettling. With its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and thrilling plot, Minority Report is a must-see for any fan of intelligent sci-fi.

9. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuarón’s dystopian thriller Children of Men is set in a near-future world where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. When a former activist named Theo is approached by his ex-wife to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, he becomes caught up in a desperate fight for the future of humanity.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Children of Men explores weighty themes of hope, survival, and what it means to be human in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film’s gritty, documentary-style cinematography and intense, immersive action sequences create a sense of urgency and realism that draws the audience into its bleak yet ultimately hopeful world. With its powerful performances, thought-provoking themes, and masterful direction, Children of Men is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, emotionally resonant sci-fi.

10. The Matrix (1999)

The Wachowskis’ groundbreaking sci-fi action film The Matrix follows Thomas Anderson, a computer hacker who goes by the alias “Neo”. When Neo is contacted by the legendary hacker Morpheus, he discovers the shocking truth: the world as he knows it is actually a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by machines to keep humans under control while using their bodies as an energy source. Neo joins Morpheus and his team of rebels on a mission to overthrow the machines and free humanity from the Matrix.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Matrix explores themes of rebellion, free will, and what it means to be human in a world controlled by oppressive forces. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects, including its iconic “bullet time” sequences, create a visually stunning world that blends the real and the virtual in mind-bending ways. With its thrilling action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, The Matrix is a landmark of sci-fi cinema that any fan of Rise of the Planet of the Apes should experience.

11. Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott’s neo-noir sci-fi classic Blade Runner is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, where genetically engineered humanoid “replicants” are used for dangerous off-world labor. When a group of replicants goes rogue and returns to Earth, a burnt-out cop named Rick Deckard is tasked with hunting them down. As Deckard pursues the replicants, he begins to question the nature of his own humanity and the blurred line between human and machine.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Blade Runner explores weighty themes of identity, empathy, and what it means to be human in a world where the line between natural and artificial is increasingly blurred. The film’s stunning visual style, which blends noir aesthetics with neon-soaked futurism, creates a fully realized world that feels both familiar and alien. With its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and influential visual style, Blade Runner is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, visually striking sci-fi.

12. Ex Machina (2014)

Alex Garland’s cerebral sci-fi thriller Ex Machina follows a young programmer named Caleb who wins a contest to spend a week at the private mountain estate of Nathan Bateman, the reclusive CEO of the tech company where Caleb works. When Caleb arrives, he discovers that he has been chosen to participate in a strange experiment involving Ava, a highly advanced AI created by Nathan. As Caleb interacts with Ava and begins to develop feelings for her, he starts to question the true nature of Nathan’s experiment and the ethics of creating artificial life.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Ex Machina explores themes of consciousness, empathy, and the blurred line between human and machine. The film’s sleek, minimalist visual style and claustrophobic setting create a sense of unease and tension that builds to a shocking climax. With its brilliant performances, thought-provoking themes, and masterful direction, Ex Machina is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, emotionally resonant sci-fi.

13. Her (2013)

Spike Jonze’s poignant sci-fi romance Her is set in a near-future Los Angeles, where a lonely writer named Theodore purchases a highly advanced AI operating system designed to meet his every need. As Theodore interacts with the AI, which calls itself Samantha, he begins to develop a deep emotional connection with her, blurring the lines between human and machine, reality and fantasy.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Her explores themes of consciousness, empathy, and the nature of relationships in a world where the line between human and artificial is increasingly blurred. The film’s warm, dreamy visual style and intimate, character-driven storytelling create a sense of emotional authenticity that draws the audience into its bittersweet love story. With its brilliant performances, thought-provoking themes, and masterful direction, Her is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, emotionally resonant sci-fi.

14. Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral sci-fi drama Arrival follows a linguist named Louise Banks who is recruited by the U.S. military to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors after mysterious spacecraft appear at locations around the world. As Louise attempts to decipher the aliens’ language and uncover their purpose on Earth, she begins to experience vivid flashbacks that blur the line between past and present, memory and premonition.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Arrival explores themes of communication, empathy, and the nature of consciousness across species boundaries. The film’s stunning visual effects, non-linear storytelling, and thought-provoking themes create a sense of awe and wonder that lingers long after the credits roll. With its brilliant performances, masterful direction, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Arrival is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, visually striking sci-fi.

15. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan’s epic sci-fi adventure Interstellar is set in a near-future world where Earth is facing an environmental catastrophe that threatens the survival of humanity. When a wormhole is discovered near Saturn, offering the possibility of reaching habitable planets in another galaxy, a team of astronauts led by Cooper embarks on a perilous mission to find a new home for the human race. As Cooper and his team journey through the wormhole and explore strange new worlds, they must confront the limits of human knowledge and the power of love across vast distances of space and time.

Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Interstellar explores weighty themes of survival, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film’s stunning visual effects, mind-bending scientific concepts, and emotionally resonant storytelling create a sense of awe and wonder that transports the audience to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. With its brilliant performances, masterful direction, and thought-provoking themes, Interstellar is a must-see for any fan of intelligent, visually stunning sci-fi.

These 15 movies share similar themes, genres, or storytelling elements with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, offering viewers a diverse range of sci-fi, action, and thriller experiences. Whether you’re looking for thought-provoking allegories, intense monster movies, or gripping post-apocalyptic tales, these films are sure to captivate and entertain.