Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Kernel Score: 85% · 12,590 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Thriller, Action, Drama, Science Fiction
Released: 2011-08-03
Runtime: 105 minutes
Is Rise of the Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Worth watching. A surprisingly moving reboot that makes you care about a chimp raised like a son who turns on humans. Caesar's performance carries the film, though the human characters are thin.
Watch it if you
- like smart science fiction with heart
- enjoy creature stories with real emotion
- want a tidy, well-paced blockbuster
Skip it if you
- want strong human characters
- dislike animal cruelty on screen
Best for: Weekend sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Rise 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 highly intelligent chimpanzee named Caesar has been living a peaceful suburban life ever since he was born. But when he gets taken to a cruel primate facility, Caesar decides to revolt against those who have harmed him.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a PG-13 sci-fi thriller involving animal testing and violent uprising.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts cruel medical testing on primates and a violent revolt, consistent with its 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 Rise of the Planet of the Apes
If you liked Rise of the Planet of the Apes, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) — 83%: The next chapter, bigger and darker.
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) — 81%: The final chapter of the Caesar story.
- 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 well after Caesar's time.
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) — 79%: Science fiction about a non-human who wants to belong.
Director
Rupert Wyatt
Cast
- Andy Serkis as Caesar
- James Franco as Will Rodman
- Freida Pinto as Caroline Aranha
- John Lithgow as Charles Rodman
- Brian Cox as John Landon
- Tom Felton as Dodge Landon
- Tyler Labine as Robert Franklin
- Karin Konoval as Maurice / Court Clerk
- Terry Notary as Rocket / Bright Eyes
- Christopher Gordon as Koba
Rise of the Planet of the Apes FAQ
Is Rise of the Planet of the Apes worth watching?
Worth watching. A surprisingly moving reboot that makes you care about a chimp raised like a son who turns on humans. Caesar's performance carries the film, though the human characters are thin.
Where can I watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes?
In the US you can stream Rise 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 Rise of the Planet of the Apes OK for kids?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a PG-13 sci-fi thriller involving animal testing and violent uprising.
What movies are like Rise of the Planet of the Apes?
If you liked Rise of the Planet of the Apes, try Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.