War for the Planet of the Apes

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War for the Planet of the Apes

PG-13

2017

2h 22m

Sci-Fi

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

361 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both of their species and the future of the planet.

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Critics Consensus

War for the Planet of the Apes combines breathtaking special effects and a powerful, poignant narrative to conclude this rebooted trilogy on a powerful -- and truly blockbuster -- note.

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Jordan Hoffman

Times of Israel

09/26/2017

These are movies about gorillas who ride horses that feel, at first blush, like kiddie fare. And yet, once you take the step to suspend your disbelief, this is one of the sharpest franchises about the human condition.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

08/11/2017

4/5

These are characters. They are also animals, and when they are slain, there's a ghastly novelty to it, one that has long ago worn off the spectacle of dying humans

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K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

08/09/2017

War for the Planet of the Apes is a basic allegory that flirts, dangerously, with becoming an outright social issue drama.

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

05/12/2024

A great finale to the journey of Caesar, setting up what’s been a pretty flawless series of movies...

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Brian T. Carney

Washington Blade

12/15/2022

A visually inventive and thought-provoking continuation of the latest franchise reboot...

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/21/2022

4/5

It does justice to this central character who we’ve spent so much time with and genuinely care about.

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WHITNEY

05/04/2025

this was really good

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Idan Charles L

@Idanlevine 23h

Underrated, genuinely a near masterpiece

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Luca I

@Lucaiuly.94 Jul 11

Bellissimo la degna conclusione della trilogia di Cesare. Effetti speciali fantastici e le scimmie sempre più realistiche. Uno dei miei franchise preferiti in assoluto

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Chris S

@Janomi Jun 14

While the title suggests a large-scale action epic, Matt Reeves delivers something far more introspective with War for the Planet of the Apes. The film functions primarily as a character study of Caesar, exploring themes of revenge, leadership, sacrifice, and survival with surprising maturity. Rather than relying on nonstop action, the story focuses on the emotional toll of conflict and the difficult choices leaders must make. Andy Serkis once again delivers exceptional work, carrying much of the film's emotional weight. Woody Harrelson provides an intimidating presence as the Colonel, while Steve Zahn adds some welcome humanity and humor. The visual effects are among the best ever produced for digital characters. Some viewers may find the slower pacing and smaller scope surprising given the title, and the narrative occasionally leans heavily into familiar war-film influences. Nevertheless, the film offers a thoughtful and satisfying conclusion to Caesar's journey.

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Fenton S.

@RT94694289 Jun 6

Love this movie so much

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Brighton N

@RT09904023 May 30

Ultimately, while this film has some of the lowest lows since Beneath the Planet of the Apes, I can forgive this movie for its downfalls due to the fantastic action and lovable cast. I can't stress enough how great this movie is in terms of its choreography, cinematography, and character work. I recommend this film to anybody who loves sci-fi or action, and while it isn't perfect, it is still one of the best movies in the franchise. Check out my more in-depth review at The Reel Ranker by searching "War of the Planet of the Apes" ;)

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Matt Reeves

Director

Andy Serkis

Caesar

Woody Harrelson

The Colonel

Steve Zahn

Bad Ape

Karin Konoval

Maurice

Terry Notary

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War for the Planet of the Apes Trivia With Fans: Exclusive Interview

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War for the Planet of the Apes: Trailer 4

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War for the Planet of the Apes: 'Meeting Bad Ape' Trailer

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War for the Planet of the Apes: 'Meeting Nova' Trailer

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War for the Planet of the Apes: 'Compassion' Trailer

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War for the Planet of the Apes: Trailer 3

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War for the Planet of the Apes: Trailer 2

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War for the Planet of the Apes: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both of their species and the future of the planet.

Director: Matt Reeves
Producer: Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Screenwriter: Matt Reeves, Mark Bomback
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox, Bluegrass Films, Chernin Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Sequences of Sci-Fi Violence|Action|Some Disturbing Images|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 14, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $146.8M
Runtime: 2h 22m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)