Matt Reeves has been in the headlines lately, but not just for his work on The Batman sequel. The director recently stepped back from production on The Batman Part II due to a personal matter, with Steven Soderbergh stepping in to help finish the film. Reeves is expected to return for post-production, but fans are also revisiting his earlier triumphs—especially his stunning sci-fi epic that's currently streaming for free.
That film is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the 2014 sequel to Rupert Wyatt's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Reeves took the franchise to new heights, delivering a blockbuster that was both a box office juggernaut and a critical darling. It grossed over $710 million worldwide on a reported budget of $235 million, proving that smart, character-driven sci-fi can still dominate the multiplex.
The film picks up years after the simian flu pandemic, with Caesar (Andy Serkis) leading a thriving ape society. When a group of human survivors, led by Malcolm (Jason Clarke), ventures into ape territory seeking a dam, tensions escalate into a fragile, explosive standoff. The cast includes Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, all delivering powerful performances that ground the film's grand themes.
Critics were unanimous in their praise. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes holds a 91% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it "an exciting and ambitious burst of sci-fi achievement." The film's blend of motion-capture wizardry, moral complexity, and emotional weight set a new standard for the genre.
Reeves followed up with the equally acclaimed War for the Planet of the Apes in 2017, completing a trilogy that many consider one of the best in modern sci-fi. The franchise continued with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in 2024, directed by Wes Ball, and another installment is in the works with Matt Shakman at the helm.
If you haven't seen Dawn of the Planet of the Apes—or want to revisit it before it disappears—now's the time. It's streaming free on Tubi until November 1, after which it will be removed. Don't miss your chance to experience one of Reeves' greatest achievements.
For more on what's leaving streaming soon, check out our list of Clint Eastwood's Mystic River leaving Tubi and other titles. And if you're a fan of Reeves' work, you might also enjoy our ranking of James Cameron's greatest films—another master of epic storytelling.
Stay tuned for more updates on streaming removals and entertainment news. And if you're looking for more great sci-fi, check out our list of 2010s gaming icons—a different kind of epic adventure.
