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Top 20 Iconic Apes and Monkeys in Movies

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - March 22nd 2025, 19:25 GMT+1

Cropped Betsy — 20. Betsy – Outbreak (1995)

Before movies like *Contagion* made us all paranoid about pandemics, *Outbreak* gave us Betsy, the adorably dangerous Capuchin monkey who kickstarts a viral outbreak that threatens humanity. Played by real-life animal actor Katie, Betsy is the unsuspecting patient zero, carrying a deadly virus that has Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, and Rene Russo scrambling to contain the chaos. Of course, she doesn’t *mean* to unleash global panic – she’s just minding her own business before humans go and mess everything up (as usual). For a tiny monkey, Betsy sure has a knack for making people sweat, proving that even the cutest creatures can be cinematic villains. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Dexter — 19. Dexter – Night at the Museum (2006)

If there’s one primate who knows how to steal the spotlight – and Ben Stiller’s keys – it’s Dexter, the scene-stealing Capuchin from *Night at the Museum*. Played by Crystal the Monkey, a Hollywood veteran who’s worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper (*The Hangover*) to Jonah Hill (*We Bought a Zoo*), Dexter is as mischievous as he is adorable. Whether he’s slapping Larry Daley (Stiller) across the face or orchestrating tiny acts of chaos, this pint-sized troublemaker proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to comedic timing. With Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Ricky Gervais in the mix, it takes a *lot* to stand out, but Dexter does it effortlessly. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped That Damned Monkey — 18. That Damned Monkey – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Never trust a monkey wearing a tiny vest. That’s the hard lesson Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) learns in *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, thanks to this sneaky little turncoat. Affectionately (or not) referred to as "That Damned Monkey," this Capuchin may look cute, but he’s actually a Nazi spy – yes, really. He earns his keep by snitching on Indy and Marion (Karen Allen) before meeting an ironic end via a poisoned date (no, not *that* kind of date). In a film packed with legendary action sequences and ancient relics, it takes a special kind of primate to be both unforgettable *and* despicable. Mission accomplished. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Suzanne — 17. Suzanne – Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

In a movie packed with Kevin Smith’s signature irreverence, Suzanne the orangutan somehow manages to be both hilarious and heartwarming. Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) rescue her from an animal testing facility, and she quickly becomes their best friend – because of course she does. But Suzanne isn’t just here for comic relief; she’s also a surprisingly touching symbol of Jay’s softer side. With Will Ferrell, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon all making appearances, you’d think a monkey wouldn’t stand a chance at stealing the show. But this is a Kevin Smith movie, where weird and wonderful reign supreme, and Suzanne fits right in. | © Miramax

Cropped Spike — 16. Spike – Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) may be the star of this bizarrely brilliant detective comedy, but let’s be honest – his sidekick Spike, the Capuchin monkey, is the real MVP. Always ready to lend a hand (or a tiny paw), Spike is more than just comic relief; he’s Ace’s loyal partner-in-crime and a constant source of hilarity. Whether he’s helping Ace track down a missing dolphin or just making sarcastic expressions in the background, this little primate holds his own against Carrey’s rubber-faced antics – a true feat. Plus, let’s not forget the 90s were *peak* animal sidekick cinema, and Spike was right up there with the best. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Dunston — 15. Dunston – Dunston Checks In (1996)

Ever wonder what happens when you mix a high-end hotel, a jewel thief, and an orangutan in a tiny bathrobe? You get *Dunston Checks In*, the delightfully chaotic ‘90s family film where Dunston, a well-dressed but reluctant criminal, steals both jewels *and* hearts. Played by a real-life orangutan named Sam, Dunston is caught in the middle of a heist gone bananas – literally. With Jason Alexander (*Seinfeld*) as the hotel manager desperately trying to maintain order and Rupert Everett as the *actual* villain, Dunston proves that sometimes, the best getaway driver is covered in orange fur. Slapstick comedy, a mischievous primate, and pure ‘90s nostalgia – what more could you want? | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Jack the monkey — 14. Jack the Monkey – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

If there’s one monkey you don’t want to cross, it’s Jack. No, not *that* Jack – Jack the Monkey, the tiny undead Capuchin who terrorizes the seas in *Pirates of the Caribbean*. Loyal to the slimy Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and a constant thorn in the side of Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), this tiny menace is as cursed as the rest of the Black Pearl’s crew. He bites, he steals, and, like any true pirate, he knows how to make a dramatic entrance. Jack may not have much dialogue, but his chaotic energy is unforgettable, earning him a spot as one of the best (and most undead) primates in cinema. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Robbie Williams — 13. Robbie Williams – Better Man (2024)

Yes, you read that right – Robbie Williams *literally* has a monkey alter ego in *Better Man*, the recently released biopic about his life. In one of the most bizarre yet strangely fitting creative choices, director Michael Gracey (*The Greatest Showman*) decided that instead of using traditional narration or flashbacks, Robbie’s inner struggles would be represented by a CGI monkey. And honestly? It kind of works. The film dives deep into the highs and lows of Williams’s career, from his boy band days in *Take That* to his turbulent solo stardom. With a mix of musical spectacle and introspective drama, the monkey (who acts as a stand-in for Robbie’s self-doubt and fame-fueled chaos) is just one of the film’s many creative flourishes. | © Village Roadshow Pictures

Cropped Terk — 12. Terk – Disney’s Tarzan (1999)

If you’re growing up in the jungle, you *need* a best friend who’s fun, fearless, and ready to belt out a Phil Collins song at any moment. Enter Terk, Tarzan’s sassy, tough-loving gorilla pal, voiced to perfection by Rosie O’Donnell. In a movie packed with intense action and emotional gut punches (*That* Kerchak scene? Still not over it.), Terk brings a much-needed dose of humor, from teasing young Tarzan to leading the ultimate jungle jam session. Whether she’s roasting Tarzan or dodging an angry elephant stampede, Terk proves that best friends don’t just have your back – they’ll also make fun of you mercilessly while doing it. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Ape — 11. Ape – George of the Jungle (1997)

What’s better than an intelligent, wise-cracking gorilla? An intelligent, wise-cracking gorilla *with* the voice of John Cleese. Ape, the highly cultured and sarcastic best friend of George (Brendan Fraser), is what happens when you take a primate and give him the personality of a British aristocrat. While George swings into trees at full speed, Ape sips tea, reads fine literature, and wonders why on Earth he’s stuck in this ridiculous jungle. Fraser’s lovable himbo energy and Cleese’s sharp wit make for an unexpected but hilarious duo, proving that not all jungle sidekicks have to be goofy – some just have to be deeply exasperated. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Amy — 10. Amy – Congo (1995)

Amy, good gorilla. Amy, nightmare fuel. *Congo* is one of those movies that’s somehow both ridiculous and amazing at the same time, and a lot of that is thanks to Amy, the sign-language-speaking gorilla who drinks martinis and wears a high-tech voice glove to communicate. Played by a mix of animatronics and a human in a suit (because the ‘90s were *wild*), Amy is on a mission to return to her homeland – only to discover it’s guarded by some *very* angry killer apes. Featuring Laura Linney, Tim Curry hamming it up as a shady treasure hunter, and a plot that makes *Jurassic Park* look scientifically accurate, *Congo* is a glorious fever dream. And Amy? She’s the queen of it all. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Orange Juice — 9. Orange Juice – Life of Pi (2012)

Most people remember *Life of Pi* for its breathtaking visuals and the existential bond between a boy and a tiger, but let’s not forget Orange Juice, the sweet yet tragic orangutan who briefly joins Pi’s journey. Played by a mix of CGI and real-life footage, Orange Juice is the maternal presence in a lifeboat filled with escalating chaos. Unfortunately, she meets a grim fate at the hands of a particularly nasty hyena (seriously, why are hyenas always *like this*?). With Suraj Sharma delivering an emotionally gripping performance and Ang Lee turning a sinking ship into pure cinematic poetry, Orange Juice may not have had a long run, but she left a *big* impact. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Gordy — 8. Gordy – Nope (2022)

Jordan Peele’s *Nope* gave us one of the most unsettling movie moments in recent years, and Gordy the chimp is at the heart of it. Flashbacks reveal that Gordy was the star of a ‘90s sitcom (*Gordy’s Home*), but when something sets him off, things go *horribly* wrong. Played by Terry Notary via motion capture, Gordy’s rampage is disturbing because it feels so *real –* a haunting commentary on Hollywood’s treatment of animals and spectacle culture. Steven Yeun’s character, a former child actor, survived the tragedy, but his obsession with turning trauma into entertainment ultimately seals his fate. Gordy may only appear in glimpses, but he remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable primates in film history. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Curious George — 7. Curious George – Curious George Franchise (2006 - Present)

Some monkeys cause destruction; Curious George is destruction. This little ball of chaos and curiosity has been entertaining (and stressing out) audiences for generations. The *Curious George* movie (2006) brought him to the big screen, with Will Ferrell voicing The Man in the Yellow Hat, aka the poor soul tasked with keeping George from burning down the entire world. With a mix of hand-drawn animation and a heartwarming soundtrack (Jack Johnson’s *Upside Down* still hits differently), the film captured everything that makes George beloved: boundless energy, endless mischief, and an uncanny ability to turn the simplest task into an absolute catastrophe. And let’s be real, we’d all still adopt him in a heartbeat. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped King Louie — 6. King Louie – The Jungle Book (1967 & 2016)

Whether you’re vibing with the jazzy, scatting orangutan from Disney’s 1967 animated classic or feeling slightly terrified of Christopher Walken’s *mob boss* version in the 2016 remake, King Louie remains one of the most iconic primates in cinema history. In the original *Jungle Book*, he’s a fun-loving, swing-dancing ape voiced by jazz legend Louis Prima. But in Jon Favreau’s live-action reimagining, King Louie is a *massive* Gigantopithecus (yeah, they went extinct 300,000 years ago, but whatever), demanding that Mowgli spill the secrets of fire like some kind of jungle mafia don. With Walken’s eerie performance and those chilling temple ruins, this version of King Louie is less "I Wanna Be Like You" and more "I Will Find You." Either way, he’s unforgettable. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Nikko — 5. Nikko (And the Flying Monkeys) – The Wizard of Oz Franchise (1939 - Present)

There’s something about an army of flying monkeys that just sticks with you – probably because it’s *terrifying*. Nikko, the head honcho of the Wicked Witch’s winged nightmare brigade in *The Wizard of Oz* (1939), might not have much to say (or any lines at all), but his creepy stare and unquestioning loyalty to his green-skinned boss make him an unforgettable hench-monkey. Whether he’s snatching up Dorothy (Judy Garland) or generally haunting your childhood, Nikko proved that monkeys don’t need words when they have *wings*. Later adaptations, like *Oz the Great and Powerful* (2013), gave the flying monkeys a CGI makeover, but nothing beats the sheer nightmare fuel of those 1939 rubber masks and eerie little screeches. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Abu — 4. Abu – Aladdin (1992 & 2019)

Abu is the ultimate best-friend-turned-bad-influence. As Aladdin’s kleptomaniac, fez-wearing sidekick, he may not have the best moral compass, but he *does* have impeccable comedic timing. Whether he’s swiping apples, stealing a *literal* magic lamp, or turning into an elephant thanks to Genie (Robin Williams, at his absolute peak), Abu proves that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got enough attitude. Frank Welker’s brilliant voice work made every little chirp and grumble iconic in the 1992 animated classic. In the 2019 live-action version, Abu went full CGI but kept his signature sass, thanks to *Aladdin* star Mena Massoud and a *very* expressive digital makeover. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Rafiki — 3. Rafiki – The Lion King (1994 & 2019)

If you didn’t chant *"Asante sana, squash banana"* at least once as a kid, did you even *watch* *The Lion King*? Rafiki, the wise but slightly unhinged mandrill, is more than just a mystic guide – he’s a staff-wielding, prophecy-dropping, Simba-smacking legend. Voiced by Robert Guillaume in the 1994 animated classic and John Kani in the 2019 CGI remake, Rafiki perfectly balances humor and wisdom, delivering some of the most quotable lines in Disney history (*"It is time" chills every time*). Whether he’s cracking jokes or cracking skulls (*who knew he had ninja skills?*), Rafiki is the ultimate sage-meets-slapstick primate. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped King Kong — 2. King Kong – King Kong Franchise (1933 - Present)

The undisputed king of cinematic apes, King Kong has been terrorizing and occasionally befriending humans since 1933. From the stop-motion classic to Peter Jackson’s epic 2005 remake and the more recent *MonsterVerse* films (*Kong: Skull Island* and *Godzilla vs. Kong*), Kong has evolved from a misunderstood beast to a full-fledged action star. Whether he’s swatting planes off the Empire State Building, throwing hands with Godzilla, or catching Naomi Watts with surprising gentleness, Kong proves that you don’t have to be human to be *iconic*. With actors like Jack Black (*King Kong* 2005) and Tom Hiddleston (*Kong: Skull Island*) sharing the screen with this cinematic legend, it’s clear that Kong’s reign isn’t ending anytime soon. | © Universal Pictures / Warner Bros.

Cropped Caesar — 1. Caesar – Planet of the Apes Franchise (2011 - 2017)

There are plenty of smart monkeys in cinema, but none quite like Caesar. Played to perfection by Andy Serkis through groundbreaking motion capture, Caesar’s journey from an intelligent lab chimp in *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* (2011) to the wise, battle-worn leader of the ape revolution in *War for the Planet of the Apes* (2017) is nothing short of *Shakespearean*. The way Serkis brings emotion, rage, and quiet dignity to a CGI ape is *next-level* acting. With James Franco, Gary Oldman, and Woody Harrelson all playing key roles in the franchise, Caesar had some serious star power around him – but make no mistake, he was the true king of this story. "Apes together strong" isn’t just a movie quote – it’s a *movement*. | © 20th Century Studios

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From mischievous sidekicks to terrifying villains, apes and monkeys have played some of the most memorable roles in cinematic history. Whether they bring humor, heart, or havoc, these primates have left an undeniable mark on the silver screen. In this list, we explore the top 20 most iconic apes and monkeys in movies – characters that have entertained audiences, shaped pop culture, and showcased the incredible intelligence and emotion of these fascinating creatures. Get ready to swing through Hollywood’s best primate performances!

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From mischievous sidekicks to terrifying villains, apes and monkeys have played some of the most memorable roles in cinematic history. Whether they bring humor, heart, or havoc, these primates have left an undeniable mark on the silver screen. In this list, we explore the top 20 most iconic apes and monkeys in movies – characters that have entertained audiences, shaped pop culture, and showcased the incredible intelligence and emotion of these fascinating creatures. Get ready to swing through Hollywood’s best primate performances!