King Kong | Rotten Tomatoes

King Kong

PG-13

Released Dec 14, 2005

3h 7m

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

List

84%

Tomatometer

268 Reviews

50%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

Peter Jackson's expansive remake of the 1933 classic follows director Carl Denham (Jack Black) and his crew on a journey from New York City to the ominous Skull Island to film a new movie. Accompanying him are playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) and actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), who is whisked away by the monstrous ape, Kong, after they reach the island. The crew encounters dinosaurs and other creatures as they race to rescue Ann, while the actress forms a bond with her simian captor.

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Critics Consensus

Featuring state-of-the-art special effects, terrific performances, and a majestic sense of spectacle, Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong is a potent epic that's faithful to the spirit of the 1933 original.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

It clocks in at over three hours, but Peter Jackson's remake of the 1933 classic is gripping nonetheless.

May 29, 2011

Full Review

Bob Mondello

NPR.org

It takes a while to get everybody to Skull Island, about 70 minutes, but it's time extremely well-spent.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Kong is a showy, state-of-the-art popcorn movie, faithful to the spirit of the 1933 original but generously adrenalized with the best effects money can buy.

Nov 1, 2007

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Peter Jackson draws on the original 1933 classic in his 2005 remake of King Kong and the film is every bit the epic that one would expect.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 27, 2023

Full Review

Arnold Wayne Jones

Texas Triangle/TXT

The visual effects are glorious -- a circus of cliffhanging suspense sequences that go on and on and on. But rather than just padding the story with gummy exposition and silly action, Jackson delves deeply into the psychology of the characters.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 7, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... an old-fashioned monster movie/jungle thriller pushed to the limits with new technology by a filmmaker with both the skill and the heart to recapture the thrills of his adolescent moviehouse dreams.

Jan 7, 2023

Full Review

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DW L

This is not only the quintessential King Kong movie, it is probably one of the best adventure movies of all time. Staying true to the plot of the 1933 version (and the 70's version) this film expands that story in significant ways. The time and setting give it the feel of an Indiana Jones type serial with interesting characters on board a steamship heading for Asia. One would think this would be the boring part of the movie, but it actually the part I like the most. Then, when the action starts it is spectacular and meaningful. The acting is great, Kong is great, the love story (between Ann and Kong, I mean) feel true. There is not a boring moment. Unlike later versions from the ridiculous monster universe, this film has heart and makes me want to return to it over and over.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/24

Full Review

Jamie W

This is a fantastic film: Upon rewatching it I realised that it's effectively 3 different genres. The first act is a Sirkian melodrama, the second is an action thriller (with some horror elements), the third is Romance of the star-crossed lover type. Naomi Watts' performance is incredible. Andy Serkis probably should have won an Oscar. I've been reading audience reviews of the "OMG TOO LONG" variety and they do make me worry about Western civilisation, but they aren't necessarily wrong. It could have been a little more economical but- that being said- I'd welcome any Director's Cut because the acting, cinematography and plot are superb and I like films that let scenes breathe.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/03/24

Full Review

Korra N

A dark adventure epic with some astounding visuals, pulse-pounding sound design and brilliant performances. Another win for Mr. Jackson!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/30/24

Full Review

Rich A

Yes it's long but it's done with love and it shows! A visual of epic proportions must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/24

Full Review

Tag

The best Kong film. The story, cast, and visuals are amazing. This movie is a must watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/06/24

Full Review

warrigal_ld

really great but too long

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

Full Review

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Peter Jackson

Director

Naomi Watts

Ann Darrow

Jack Black

Carl Denham

Adrien Brody

Jack Driscoll

Andy Serkis

King Kong

Jamie Bell

Jimmy

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

King Kong: Official Clip - Giant Bug Attack

2:57

King Kong: Official Clip - Human Sacrifice

2:59

King Kong: Official Clip - Dinosaur Stampede

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King Kong: Official Movie Clip - Kong Battles the T-Rexes

2:57

King Kong: Official Clip - Kong's Rampage

2:54

King Kong: Official Clip - Climbing the Empire State Building

2:17

King Kong: Official Clip - The Fall of Kong

1:45

King Kong: Official Clip - Kong Rescues Ann

1:42

King Kong: Official Clip - Ice Skating in Central Park

1:34

King Kong: Official Clip - Kong Battles the Airplanes

2:39

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Synopsis

Peter Jackson's expansive remake of the 1933 classic follows director Carl Denham (Jack Black) and his crew on a journey from New York City to the ominous Skull Island to film a new movie. Accompanying him are playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) and actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), who is whisked away by the monstrous ape, Kong, after they reach the island. The crew encounters dinosaurs and other creatures as they race to rescue Ann, while the actress forms a bond with her simian captor.

Director: Peter Jackson
Screenwriter: Merian C. Cooper, Edgar Wallace, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Some Disturbing Images|Frightening Adventure Violence)
Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $218.1M
Runtime: 3h 7m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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