10 Must-Watch Chimpanzee Movies

Description: While primarily known for its bear and panther characters, the Disney animated classic also features King Louie, an orangutan who wants to learn the secret of fire from Mowgli. However, the 2016 live-action version includes a more realistic portrayal of chimpanzees.

Fact: King Louie was originally voiced by Louis Prima, whose jazzy rendition of "I Wanna Be Like You" became iconic.

Description: This action-comedy features Clint Eastwood and his orangutan sidekick, Clyde, but also includes scenes with chimpanzees. It's a light-hearted adventure with a touch of animal antics.

Fact: The orangutan named Manis who played Clyde became a star in his own right, appearing in several other films.

Description: A horror film where a paralyzed man receives a helper monkey named Ella, who becomes increasingly intelligent and vengeful. It's a unique blend of psychological thriller and animal horror.

Fact: The film was directed by George A. Romero, known for his work in the horror genre, particularly the "Night of the Living Dead" series.

Description: Based on Michael Crichton's novel, this adventure film features a team searching for diamonds in the Congo, where they encounter a group of highly intelligent and aggressive chimpanzees. It's a thrilling mix of science fiction and action.

Fact: The film was directed by Frank Marshall, who also produced many of Steven Spielberg's films. The chimpanzees in the movie were portrayed by actors in costumes and animatronics.

Description: A family comedy where an orangutan named Dunston causes chaos in a luxury hotel. While not about chimpanzees, the film includes scenes with other primates, making it a fun watch for animal lovers.

Fact: The film features a young Jason Alexander, known for his role in "Seinfeld," in a more comedic, family-friendly role.

Description: Based on the true story of Gertrude Lintz, who raised a gorilla as a child, this film also features chimpanzees in various roles, exploring the bond between humans and primates.

Fact: The film was directed by Caroline Thompson, known for her work on "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

Description: While not exclusively about chimpanzees, this film features Caesar, a chimpanzee who becomes the leader of an ape uprising. It's a modern take on the classic "Planet of the Apes" series, focusing on themes of intelligence, freedom, and evolution.

Fact: The film used groundbreaking motion capture technology to bring the apes to life, with Andy Serkis providing the performance for Caesar.

Description: This documentary follows the life of Nim Chimpsky, a chimpanzee raised as part of a controversial experiment to see if he could learn sign language. It's a poignant look at the ethics of animal research and the bonds that form between humans and chimps.

Fact: Nim's name is a playful nod to Noam Chomsky, whose theories on language acquisition were being tested. The film includes interviews with many of the people involved in Nim's life.

Description: A Disney Nature documentary that follows a young chimp named Oscar as he learns to survive in the wild after losing his mother. It's both educational and heartwarming, showcasing the life of chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Fact: The film was narrated by Tim Allen, who also voiced the character Buzz Lightyear. The movie was shot over three years to capture the full scope of Oscar's life.

Description: This documentary series follows wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan as he lives with a family of chimpanzees in Uganda, providing an intimate look at their daily lives and social structures.

Fact: The series was filmed over several months, allowing for an in-depth study of chimpanzee behavior. Buchanan had to undergo extensive training to safely interact with the chimps.