Add as a preferred source on Google HBO Max has been a little dependent on Disney’s 20th Century Studios for its sci-fi films lately, but now the former is getting one of the best science fiction movies of 2024. Starting today, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is streaming on HBO Max, and it continues the modern reboot of the franchise that began in 2011. It’s also Watch With Us ‘ pick for the one movie that you should stream this weekend. Now it’s time to share the three reasons why Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the movie to watch on HBO Max. Related: 15 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Movies on HBO Max Right Now (November 2025) If you love the sci-fi movies on HBO Max, then you may have noticed a curious thing. Many of the best science fiction films on the streamer came from other studios. That includes the modern Planet of the Apes films, with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes joining the lineup this month. Thank You! […] ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Is a Fresh Start Before directing this film, Wes Ball was only known for helming The Maze Runner movies. After his stunning work on this film, Ball was recruited to direct the live-action Legend of Zelda movie for Sony Pictures. It’s easy to see why in the beautiful shots in this movie. There’s a lot of CGI in Kingdom, especially with the ape performances. But the way Ball frames the landscape is breathtaking. It feels just otherworldly enough that the audience buys into it. This film also benefits from jumping 300 years ahead in time after War for the Planet of the Apes. That choice doesn’t retcon the previous films, but it allows for some significant changes in the interim. For example, the new leading ape, Noa (Owen Teague), is part of a clan that has formed a close bond with eagles. They’re the peace-loving apes in this story, but the tribe’s good times are short-lived when they’re captured and conquered by Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand) The Performances and Special Effects Are Excellent Among the ape actors, Durand stands out as the tyrant who has enslaved humans and apes alike for his new kingdom. Proximus may not know what a cult of personality is, but he’s set one up around him, and he presents himself as the heir to Caesar. It’s a perversion of everything the real Caesar (Andy Serkis) stood for in the previous films. Related: HBO Max's New Movies and TV Shows in November 2025: 'Materialists' and More HBO Max is gearing up for the holiday season in November by adding tons of new content that makes it a streamer worth subscribing to. At the top of Watch With Us‘ list is the streaming debut of Materialists, the critically acclaimed rom-com starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. Other notable premieres include […] Teague is also very compelling as Noa, which is fortunate since most of the movie revolves around him. Noa is a lot more naive than Caesar, but in some ways, more heroic as well. It’s also amazing how far the special effects have come since the Rise of the Planet of the Apes with James Franco in 2011. The ape performances are enhanced by the incredible CGI that captures subtle expressions and body language, as well as the big emotional moments. It Sets Up an Intriguing Future for the Sci-Fi Franchise Thank You! Source: https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/if-theres-1-movie-you-should-stream-this-weekend-watch-this-1-now-november-15-16/