If you're a fan of both action-packed thrillers and the unique charm of monkeys, this curated list is your ticket to an unforgettable cinematic journey. These films blend high-octane action with the unpredictable nature of our primate cousins, offering a unique twist to the traditional action genre. Whether it's a tale of revenge, a fight for freedom, or a quest for survival, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat while showcasing the incredible capabilities of monkeys in film.

Project X (1987)
Description: A military experiment goes awry when chimpanzees gain super intelligence and escape, leading to a series of action-packed events as they outsmart their human captors.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of genetically enhanced animals in a mainstream action setting.


Monkey Shines (1988)
Description: A horror-thriller with action elements, where a paralyzed man's helper monkey turns malevolent, leading to a tense and action-filled struggle for control.
Fact: The film was directed by George A. Romero, known for his work in horror cinema.


Monkey Trouble (1994)
Description: A light-hearted action comedy where a young girl adopts a capuchin monkey that turns out to be a trained pickpocket. The film blends family-friendly action with the mischievous antics of a monkey.
Fact: The monkey in the film, named Dodger, was played by a real capuchin monkey named Finnegan.


Congo (1995)
Description: While not exclusively about monkeys, this adventure film features a group of explorers encountering aggressive gorillas in the Congo. The action is driven by the quest for diamonds and the survival against nature's fiercest primates.
Fact: The film was based on Michael Crichton's novel and featured animatronics and CGI to bring the gorillas to life.


Outbreak (1995)
Description: Although primarily a thriller about a deadly virus, the film features scenes with monkeys as carriers of the disease, leading to intense action sequences involving military intervention.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events like the Ebola outbreak and the Reston virus incident.


The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: This historical action film, while centered around man-eating lions, also features scenes with monkeys, adding to the exotic African setting and the tension of the hunt.
Fact: The film was based on the true story of the Tsavo maneaters, with Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas starring.


Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Description: This film kicks off the modern reboot of the iconic "Planet of the Apes" series, where a genetically enhanced chimpanzee named Caesar leads an uprising against humanity. It's a gripping tale of intelligence, power, and the quest for freedom, making it a perfect fit for our list.
Fact: The film used groundbreaking motion capture technology to bring the apes to life, with Andy Serkis providing the performance capture for Caesar.


Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Description: Continuing from the first film, this sequel explores the escalating conflict between the intelligent apes and the remnants of human society. The action sequences are intense, showcasing the apes' tactical prowess.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, enhancing the visual spectacle of the apes' movements and battles.


War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Description: The epic conclusion to the trilogy, this film delves into Caesar's quest for peace amidst a war with a human military faction. The action is both emotional and explosive, highlighting the apes' struggle for survival.
Fact: The film's director, Matt Reeves, used real-life military tactics to choreograph the apes' battle scenes.


The Mighty Peking Man (1977)
Description: This Hong Kong action-adventure film features a giant ape, akin to King Kong, causing havoc in the city. It's a wild ride with plenty of action and special effects for its time.
Fact: The film was originally released in the UK as "Goliathon" and features a mix of live-action and stop-motion animation.
