Performance & Direction: The Ape Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Ape (1940) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Ape features a noteworthy lineup led by Boris Karloff . Supported by the likes of Maris Wrixon and Gene O'Donnell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Ape (1940) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Ape
Quick Plot Summary: The Ape is a Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Ape
Ending Breakdown: The Ape attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Ape reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Ape?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Ape
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Ape Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
CultpixThe Ape Parents Guide & Age Rating
1940 AdvisoryWondering about The Ape age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Ape is 62 minutes (1h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Ape stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ape worth watching?
The Ape is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Ape parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Ape identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Ape?
The total duration of The Ape is 62 minutes, which is approximately 1h 2m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
