Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Kernel Score: 83% · 12,079 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2014-07-08
Runtime: 130 minutes
Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Worth watching. A darker, more thoughtful sequel set after a plague has wiped out most of humanity, with apes and humans on a collision course. Strong effects and serious themes, though some of the human characters are thin.
Watch it if you
- liked Rise of the Planet of the Apes
- want serious, character-led sci-fi
- enjoy effects-driven storytelling
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the first film
- want fast, light action
Best for: Weekend sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
- Stream: Hulu, Fubo, FXNow
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A group of scientists in San Francisco struggle to stay alive in the aftermath of a plague that is wiping out humanity, while Caesar tries to maintain dominance over his community of intelligent apes.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a PG-13 sci-fi action film depicting a violent conflict between humans and intelligent apes after a pandemic.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts animal attacks and armed conflict between human survivors and apes, per keywords and PG-13 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
If you liked Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) — 85%: The film that sets up the story.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) — 81%: The powerful final part of the trilogy.
- The Batman (2022) — 88%: Same director with another dark, moody blockbuster.
- Planet of the Apes (1968) — 86%: The original that started the series.
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) — 80%: A later chapter set generations after.
- Logan (2017) — 88%: Mature, character-led story about survival.
Director
Cast
- Andy Serkis as Caesar
- Jason Clarke as Malcolm
- Toby Kebbell as Koba
- Gary Oldman as Dreyfus
- Keri Russell as Ellie
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Alexander
- Nick Thurston as Blue Eyes
- Karin Konoval as Maurice
- Terry Notary as Rocket
- Doc Shaw as Ash
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes FAQ
Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Worth watching. A darker, more thoughtful sequel set after a plague has wiped out most of humanity, with apes and humans on a collision course. Strong effects and serious themes, though some of the human characters are thin.
Where can I watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?
In the US you can stream Dawn of the Planet of the Apes on Hulu, Fubo and FXNow, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes OK for kids?
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a PG-13 sci-fi action film depicting a violent conflict between humans and intelligent apes after a pandemic.
What movies are like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?
If you liked Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, try Rise of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes, The Batman and Planet of the Apes.