37 Best Movies like War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

Continuing the saga of intelligent apes in conflict with humans, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes directly sets the stage for the events in War for the Planet of the Apes. Its exploration of uneasy alliances and growing tensions delivers both spectacle and thought-provoking drama, making it an essential part of the series’ narrative arc.

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 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 10m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.3 by 12,366 people. The movie made an estimated total of $710,644,566 in the box office.

Children of Men stands out for its gripping portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse, using its science fiction backdrop to examine humanity’s resilience. The film’s tense atmosphere and emotional depth make for a uniquely immersive and affecting journey.

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind. Children of Men is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,987 people. The movie made an estimated total of $70,595,464 in the box office.

The Road makes a strong impression with its desperate trek through a devastated world, highlighting the bond between father and son in a landscape of loss and danger. Its stark storytelling and emotional weight provide a haunting cinematic experience.

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind and water. It is cold enough to crack stones and, when the snow falls, it is gray. Their destination is the warmer south, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. The Road is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.0 by 4,351 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,635,305 in the box office.

District 9 utilizes a science fiction setting to present complex social tensions between humans and outsiders. What sets it apart is its clever mix of action, allegory, and documentary-style storytelling, creating a thrilling and unforgettable narrative.

Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth. Not to conquer or give aid, but to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9. District 9 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 52m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.5 by 10,501 people. The movie made an estimated total of $210,888,950 in the box office.

I Am Legend explores the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic environment, evoking isolation and the search for meaning. Its blend of suspense and human drama, anchored by a compelling protagonist, gives it lasting appeal.

Robert Neville is a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. I Am Legend is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.2 by 17,101 people. The movie made an estimated total of $585,410,052 in the box office.

The Book of Eli uses a war-ravaged, dystopian setting to follow a lone hero on a quest, much like a mythic journey. Its striking visuals, strong character journey, and atmosphere contribute to an impactful cinematic ride.

A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind. The Book of Eli is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.8 by 6,793 people. The movie made an estimated total of $157,107,755 in the box office.

Twelve Monkeys adopts a mind-bending narrative structure involving science fiction and questions of fate, creating a sense of intrigue and suspense throughout. Its imaginative approach to time and memory remains a standout element.

In the year 2035, convict James Cole reluctantly volunteers to be sent back in time to discover the origin of a deadly virus that wiped out nearly all of the earth's population and forced the survivors into underground communities. But when Cole is mistakenly sent to 1990 instead of 1996, he's arrested and locked up in a mental hospital. There he meets psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly and the son of a famous virus expert who may hold the key to the Army of the 12 Monkeys; thought to be responsible for unleashing the killer disease. Twelve Monkeys is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 7.6 by 9,260 people. The movie made an estimated total of $168,841,459 in the box office.

Blade Runner 2049 stands out for its philosophical exploration of humanity and identity in a future shaped by conflict. Combining stunning visuals with a contemplative tone, it offers a visually immersive and thoughtful adventure.

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Blade Runner 2049 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 44m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.6 by 15,415 people. The movie made an estimated total of $259,239,658 in the box office.

Snowpiercer places human conflict in a unique, confined setting; a train endlessly circling a frozen globe. Its striking world-building, class tensions, and intense pacing make for an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience.

In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer; a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. Snowpiercer is a movie from South Korea in Korean, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.9 by 10,549 people. The movie made an estimated total of $86,758,912 in the box office.

The Revenant captivates with a character’s survival-driven journey through unforgiving wilderness, holding viewers through its sense of primal struggle. Its raw intensity and atmospheric visuals contribute to a gripping, visceral adventure.

In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling. The Revenant is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 37m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.5 by 19,528 people. The movie made an estimated total of $532,950,503 in the box office.

Akira delivers a dystopian saga built around social upheaval and extraordinary transformations. Its influential animation, heightened intensity, and philosophical edge make it a landmark in science fiction.

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop. Akira is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 1988 with an average rating of 7.9 by 4,874 people. The movie made an estimated total of $49,000,000 in the box office.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence brings together advanced technology and profound emotional dilemmas, resulting in a stirring meditation on longing and self-discovery. Its combination of futuristic vision and poignancy gives the story a distinctive impact.

David, a robotic boy—the first of his kind programmed to love—is adopted as a test case by a Cybertronics employee and his wife. Though he gradually becomes their child, a series of unexpected circumstances make this life impossible for David. A.I. Artificial Intelligence is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 26m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.1 by 6,765 people. The movie made an estimated total of $235,926,552 in the box office.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes launches the journey of Caesar and the apes, introducing key themes of rebellion and empathy which build directly into War for the Planet of the Apes. Its compelling origin story and emotional conflicts make it an engaging entry point.

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 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 7.4 by 12,920 people. The movie made an estimated total of $481,800,873 in the box office.

Gattaca is included for its compelling scenario of a world shaped by genetic engineering, exploring themes of destiny, societal expectations, and personal ambition. The film’s sleek style and powerful narrative resonate beyond typical science fiction.

Vincent is an all-too-human man who dares to defy a system obsessed with genetic perfection. He is an "In-Valid" who assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. Gattaca is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 1997 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,030 people. The movie made an estimated total of $12,532,777 in the box office.

Enemy Mine stands out for its portrayal of adversaries forced into cooperation. The movie’s dramatic exploration of survival and understanding against challenging odds results in a memorable story of unexpected friendship.

A soldier from Earth crashlands on an alien world after sustaining battle damage. Eventually he encounters another survivor, but from the enemy species he was fighting; they band together to survive on this hostile world. In the end the human finds himself caring for his enemy in a completely unexpected way. Enemy Mine is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,100 people. The movie made an estimated total of $12,300,000 in the box office.

The Girl with All the Gifts uses a dystopian scenario with survival at its heart, drawing viewers into a fresh angle on the genre. Its original premise, suspenseful storytelling, and engaging character dynamics deliver a standout film.

In the future, a strange fungus has changed nearly everyone into thoughtless, flesh-eating monsters. When a scientist and a teacher find a girl who seems to be immune to the fungus, they all begin a journey to save humanity. The Girl with All the Gifts is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,198 people.

Battle Royale is selected for its depiction of desperate youth thrown into extreme conflict by authority, creating relentless tension and edge-of-your-seat stakes. The film’s bold approach and high-octane drama ensure its enduring reputation.

In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act. Battle Royale is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.3 by 3,896 people. The movie made an estimated total of $30,600,000 in the box office.

Pan's Labyrinth combines war-torn realities with fantastical elements for a powerful emotional resonance. Its imaginative visuals and layered storytelling provide a fairy tale for adults that’s both haunting and beautiful.

In post–civil war Spain, 10-year-old Ofelia moves with her pregnant mother to live under the control of her cruel stepfather. Drawn into a mysterious labyrinth, she meets a faun who reveals that she may be a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To return to her true father, she must complete a series of surreal and perilous tasks that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Pan's Labyrinth is a movie from Mexico in Spanish, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.8 by 11,608 people. The movie made an estimated total of $83,258,226 in the box office.

The Last of the Mohicans earns its place through its sweeping depiction of cultural and military conflict amidst breathtaking wilderness. The film’s memorable action and emotional core leave a lasting impression.

In war-torn colonial America, in the midst of a bloody battle between British, the French and Native American allies, the aristocratic daughter of a British Colonel and her party are captured by a group of Huron warriors. Fortunately, a group of three Mohican trappers comes to their rescue. The Last of the Mohicans is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 52m runtime, released in 1992 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,489 people. The movie made an estimated total of $75,505,856 in the box office.

Logan is included due to its focus on a character’s mythic journey for survival and vengeance, echoing profound personal struggle. Its gritty style and emotional storytelling set it apart as a singular take on the genre.

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hideout on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces. Logan is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 17m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.8 by 20,614 people. The movie made an estimated total of $619,021,436 in the box office.

Mad Max: Fury Road delivers breakneck action within a warlike post-apocalyptic wasteland, creating a relentless cinematic experience. Its unwavering momentum and striking visuals set a new standard for high-intensity storytelling.

An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order. Mad Max: Fury Road is a movie from Australia in English, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.6 by 24,347 people. The movie made an estimated total of $378,858,340 in the box office.

Twelve O'Clock High belongs on this list for its incisive look at wartime leadership and sacrifice. The film’s deeply human focus and powerful performances have solidified its place among classic war dramas.

In the early days of daylight bombing raids over Germany, General Frank Savage must take command of a 'hard luck' bomber group. Much of the story deals with his struggle to whip his group into a disciplined fighting unit in spite of heavy losses, and withering attacks by German fighters over their targets. Twelve O'Clock High is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 12m runtime, released in 1949 with an average rating of 7.2 by 162 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,225,000 in the box office.

Apocalypto distinguishes itself through a gripping pursuit set in a collapsing civilization and dense wilderness. Its relentless pace and visceral tension provide an immersive, heart-pounding experience.

Set in the Mayan civilization, when a man's idyllic presence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life. Apocalypto is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 18m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.7 by 6,546 people. The movie made an estimated total of $120,654,337 in the box office.

Fahrenheit 451 aligns with the dystopian aspect through its vision of repressive societal control. The film’s haunting premise and thought-provoking narrative make it a standout piece of speculative fiction.

In the future, the government maintains control of public opinion by outlawing literature and maintaining a group of enforcers, known as “firemen,” to perform the necessary book burnings. Fireman Montag begins to question the morality of his vocation… Fahrenheit 451 is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 1966 with an average rating of 7.1 by 1,090 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,000,000 in the box office.

Dead Man's Shoes is featured for its unflinching portrayal of vengeance and psychological unraveling in a rural setting. Its raw intensity and gripping performances make it an impactful drama.

A soldier returns to his small town and exacts a deadly revenge on the thugs who tormented his disabled brother while he was away. Dead Man's Shoes is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 7.1 by 620 people.

Come and See stands out as a harrowing depiction of war’s devastating effects on individuals, notably through a young protagonist’s eyes. Its emotional weight and unforgettable imagery solidify it as a powerful war film.

The invasion of a village in Belarus by German forces sends young Florya into the forest to join the weary Resistance fighters, against his family's wishes. There he meets a girl, Glasha, who accompanies him back to his village. On returning home, Florya finds his family and fellow peasants massacred. His continued survival amidst the brutal debris of war becomes increasingly nightmarish, a battle between despair and hope. Come and See is a movie from Soviet Union in Russian, with a total 2h 22m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 8.2 by 1,894 people. The movie made an estimated total of $20,929,648 in the box office.

The Host combines drama and science fiction elements as it follows the fallout from an extraordinary threat. The movie’s inventive blend of suspense and social commentary mark it as a fresh take on genre conventions.

A teenage girl is captured by a giant mutated squid-like creature that appears from Seoul's Han River after toxic waste was dumped in it, prompting her family into a frantic search for her. The Host is a movie from South Korea in Korean, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.0 by 3,193 people. The movie made an estimated total of $88,489,643 in the box office.

The Proposition brings a gritty war-like conflict into the harsh Australian outback, emphasizing moral ambiguity and survival. Its atmospheric storytelling and striking setting contribute to its enduring impression.

In 1880s Australia, a lawman offers renegade Charlie Burns a difficult choice. In order to save his younger brother from the gallows, Charlie must hunt down and kill his older brother, who is wanted for rape and murder. Venturing into one of the Outback's most inhospitable regions, Charlie faces a terrible moral dilemma that can end only in violence. The Proposition is a movie from Australia in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.0 by 726 people. The movie made an estimated total of $5,048,693 in the box office.

Stalker is chosen for its meditative journey through a mysterious zone, where philosophical questions take center stage. Its atmospheric storytelling and thought-provoking themes invite deep reflection.

Near a gray and unnamed city is the Zone, a place guarded by barbed wire and soldiers, and where the normal laws of physics are victim to frequent anomalies. A stalker guides two men into the Zone, specifically to an area in which deep-seated desires are granted. Stalker is a movie from Soviet Union in Russian, with a total 2h 42m runtime, released in 1979 with an average rating of 8.1 by 2,550 people.

Zulu distinguishes itself by portraying a desperate last stand during a historic battle, providing high-stakes conflict and leadership under pressure. Its grand scale and tension-filled narrative ensure lasting interest.

In 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, man-of-the-people Lt. Chard and snooty Lt. Bromhead are in charge of defending the isolated and vastly outnumbered Natal outpost of Rorke's Drift from tribal hordes. Zulu is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 18m runtime, released in 1964 with an average rating of 7.4 by 575 people. The movie made an estimated total of $8,000,000 in the box office.

Threads is included for its chilling depiction of nuclear war’s impact on society, emphasizing realism and the emotional toll of catastrophe. Its uncompromising presentation leaves a lasting sense of unease.

Documentary style account of a nuclear holocaust and its effect on the working class city of Sheffield, England; and the eventual long run effects of nuclear war on civilization. Threads is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 1984 with an average rating of 7.6 by 425 people.

Monos resembles the turmoil of War for the Planet of the Apes by immersing viewers in volatile group dynamics and survival amidst conflict. Its atmospheric visuals and intense storytelling create a unique, palpable tension.

On a faraway mountaintop, eight kids with guns watch over a hostage and a conscripted milk cow. Monos is a movie from Colombia in Spanish, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.6 by 449 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,929,915 in the box office.

The Outpost finds its place here with its gripping account of modern warfare, focusing on camaraderie and survival under siege. The film’s commitment to realism and tension delivers a memorable war narrative.

A small unit of U.S. soldiers, alone at the remote Combat Outpost Keating, located deep in the valley of three mountains in Afghanistan, battles to defend against an overwhelming force of Taliban fighters in a coordinated attack. The Battle of Kamdesh, as it was known, was the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War in 2009 and Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated units of the 19-year conflict. The Outpost is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,198 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,133,452 in the box office.

The Thin Red Line earns inclusion for its philosophical treatment of warfare and the psychological complexities faced by soldiers. Its poetic style and meditative approach distinguish it from traditional war films.

The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived. The Thin Red Line is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 51m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,366 people. The movie made an estimated total of $98,126,565 in the box office.

Avatar explores ecological conflict and the clash between civilizations using grand-scale science fiction spectacle. Its immersive world-building and visual innovation make it a remarkable adventure.

In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization. Avatar is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 42m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.6 by 34,379 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,147,483,647 in the box office.

The Iron Giant merits recommendation for its heartfelt narrative about an outsider in a fearful world. The film’s emotional resonance and blend of drama with science fiction have made it beloved across generations.

In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices. The Iron Giant is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 8.0 by 6,280 people. The movie made an estimated total of $23,300,000 in the box office.

The Breadwinner earns its spot by illustrating resilience and family bonds during times of political upheaval. Its striking animation and powerful storytelling offer a moving portrait of survival and courage.

A headstrong young girl in Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban, disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family. The Breadwinner is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.9 by 938 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,790,214 in the box office.