Witness the rise of a new civilization in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) — the gripping and visually stunning sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Directed by Matt Reeves, the film follows Caesar and his growing ape society as they face a fragile coexistence with the surviving remnants of humanity. Tensions escalate as old wounds, mistrust, and betrayal threaten to ignite a full-scale war.
Think you can remember every key moment, character, and twist from this critically acclaimed sci-fi epic? Test your knowledge with our 10-question trivia quiz. Only true fans of the Apes saga will survive with a perfect score!
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who directed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)?
Correct Answer: Matt Reeves
Matt Reeves took over directing duties for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, bringing a darker and more emotionally charged tone to the sequel. His direction received critical acclaim for its balance of large-scale action, deep character development, and thoughtful commentary on trust, fear, and the cost of war.
- What is the name of the leader of the apes in the film?
Correct Answer: Caesar
Caesar, performed through motion capture by Andy Serkis, is the intelligent and compassionate leader of the apes. Raised by humans in the previous film, Caesar strives to protect his people while trying to maintain peace with the humans, making him one of the franchise’s most complex and beloved characters.
- What virus devastated humanity in the film’s backstory?
Correct Answer: Simian Flu
The Simian Flu, a genetically engineered virus introduced in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, wipes out most of the human population. While the virus decimates humanity, it inadvertently boosts the intelligence of apes, setting the stage for the struggle for dominance and survival seen in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
- What is the name of Caesar’s loyal orangutan friend?
Correct Answer: Maurice
Maurice is a wise and gentle orangutan who serves as Caesar’s most trusted advisor. Unlike many apes in the film who are eager for conflict, Maurice advocates for understanding and peace. His loyalty and deep moral compass play a key role in guiding Caesar through the escalating tension.
- What city is the human colony located near in the film?
Correct Answer: San Francisco
The events of the film take place in and around a post-apocalyptic San Francisco. The human survivors live in a fortified colony within the city, struggling to rebuild society in the wake of the Simian Flu outbreak while navigating the growing presence of the apes in the nearby forests.
- Who is the main human protagonist in the film?
Correct Answer: Malcolm
Malcolm, played by Jason Clarke, is a compassionate and diplomatic survivor who becomes the key human ally of Caesar. His efforts to establish peace and cooperation between humans and apes drive much of the film’s narrative. Malcolm’s relationship with Caesar is central to the film’s emotional tension and tragic outcome.
- What is Koba’s attitude toward humans?
Correct Answer: Hostile and distrustful
Koba, a scarred and embittered bonobo, harbors deep hatred toward humans due to years of abuse and experimentation in laboratories. His distrust and resentment ultimately lead him to betray Caesar and orchestrate a violent conflict, setting the stage for war between apes and humans.
- What crucial resource are the humans trying to access near the apes’ territory?
Correct Answer: A hydroelectric dam
The human colony needs to repair a hydroelectric dam located near the apes’ forest home to restore power to their city. This mission brings the two groups into contact, and the struggle over access to the dam becomes a key source of tension and conflict throughout the film.
- What does Caesar ultimately seek in the film?
Correct Answer: Peace between apes and humans
Despite mounting tensions and betrayals, Caesar’s goal is to preserve peace between apes and humans. He believes in coexistence and mutual respect, but the actions of both sides — particularly Koba’s treachery — make this vision increasingly impossible, leading to tragic consequences.
- What is one of the key themes in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?
Correct Answer: Trust and betrayal
The film explores complex themes of trust, fear, and betrayal. It shows how fragile peace can be when fueled by suspicion and past wounds, and how a single act of treachery can ignite conflict. The relationship between Caesar and Koba, as well as between humans and apes, illustrates how easily trust can be broken — and how devastating the fallout can be.
