20 Best Movies Of 2024 (So Far)

The theme of legacy has run through the entirety of the Planet of the Apes franchise, but it's never been more pronounced than it is in Wes Ball's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, a bold sequel to a marvellous trilogy with heart to spare. 

Set three centuries after the death of Caesar in the previous film, Kingdom follows embattled ape Noa (Owen Teague) caught in a battle for power and home with a tyrannical bonobo (Kevin Durand) who wants to rule what's left of the earth with whatever lingering human technology he can find.

Bursting with stunning action sequences and incredible performances amplified by gorgeous visual effects, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes doesn't quite reach the emotional highs of the previous trilogy, but its assessments of power, peace and community ring true at every turn, creating a real sense of wonder and hopeful warmth. 

Proof this franchise has plenty of tricks left up its sleeve, Kingdom is a blockbuster that matches its visuals with powerful ideas effortlessly explored.