- The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
- Children of Men (2006)
- 28 Days Later (2002)
- I Am Legend (2007)
- District 9 (2009)
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
If you loved 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' (2011) for its gripping story of intelligence, rebellion, and humanity's ethical dilemmas, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same thrilling mix of sci-fi action, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of intelligent apes, dystopian futures, or moral quandaries, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: A classic sci-fi film that explores humanity's reaction to an alien visitor, emphasizing themes of peace and the consequences of aggression. The film's message and tension are timeless.
Fact: The film's iconic robot, Gort, was played by a 7-foot-7-inch actor in a suit. The phrase 'Klaatu barada nikto' became a cultural reference in sci-fi circles.


Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
Description: Follows intelligent apes who travel back in time to a human-dominated world, examining themes of prejudice and the fear of the unknown. The film's mix of drama and satire offers a unique take on the series.
Fact: The film introduced the concept of time travel to the 'Planet of the Apes' series. It was a commercial success despite its lower budget compared to the first two films.


Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Description: Depicts the uprising of enslaved apes against human oppressors, mirroring themes of rebellion and the fight for freedom. The film's gritty tone and social commentary reflect the tensions of its era.
Fact: The film was originally given an 'R' rating due to its violent content, but it was edited to secure a 'PG' rating. It was the fourth film in the original 'Planet of the Apes' series.


Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
Description: Focuses on the aftermath of the ape revolution and the fragile peace between humans and apes. The film explores themes of coexistence and the cyclical nature of conflict.
Fact: This was the final film in the original 'Planet of the Apes' series. The budget was significantly lower than previous films, leading to a more subdued scale.


Children of Men (2006)
Description: Set in a dystopian future where humanity faces extinction, the film explores themes of hope, survival, and the fight for a better world. Its long, uninterrupted shots and immersive storytelling create a visceral experience.
Fact: The film features several long takes, including a famous 4-minute single-shot action sequence. The dystopian world was inspired by real-world political and social issues.


28 Days Later (2002)
Description: Portrays a world ravaged by a virus that turns humans into violent creatures, focusing on survival and the breakdown of society. The film's gritty realism and intense pacing create a gripping narrative.
Fact: The film was shot on digital video to achieve a raw, documentary-like feel. The iconic opening scene of an empty London was filmed early in the morning to avoid traffic.


I Am Legend (2007)
Description: Centers on a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, grappling with isolation and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation. The film's tension and emotional weight resonate with themes of survival and humanity.
Fact: The film features over 500 visual effects shots, including the creation of the infected creatures. The ending was reshot after negative test audience reactions.


District 9 (2009)
Description: Examines the segregation and mistreatment of alien refugees, blending social commentary with action and sci-fi elements. The film's documentary-style approach adds to its realism and emotional impact.
Fact: The film was made on a relatively low budget of $30 million but grossed over $210 million worldwide. It was shot in a real slum in Johannesburg, South Africa.


Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Description: Explores the conflict between humans and intelligent apes, focusing on themes of survival, leadership, and the moral complexities of war. The film's visual effects and motion capture technology bring the apes to life with remarkable realism.
Fact: The film was shot using a revolutionary motion-capture technology that allowed actors to perform in outdoor locations, not just in a studio. It was the first film in the series to be released in 3D.


War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Description: Delves into the final struggle between apes and humans, emphasizing themes of revenge, redemption, and the consequences of violence. The film's emotional depth and stunning visuals highlight the apes' journey towards dominance.
Fact: Andy Serkis's performance as Caesar was widely praised, with many calling for an Oscar nomination for motion-capture acting. The film's score was composed by Michael Giacchino, known for his work on 'Up' and 'Lost'.
