Award-winning performer Andy Serkis reprises his role as Caesar, the ape leader, in War for the Planet of the Apes, which airs on ITV this evening.

This sci-fi action blockbuster serves as the concluding chapter in the celebrated trilogy, reimagining the classic 1968 Planet of the Apes series that featured Charlton Heston.

The films explore profound themes such as prejudice, societal breakdown, authority and intellect.

Critics universally regard this trilogy finale as the strongest entry, praising it as a “truly great finale” and potentially the finest film across the entire franchise.

Taking place in 2028, a US military unit led by The Colonel, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, hunts for Caesar’s ape settlement, reports the Mirror.

Two years have passed since the events of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and conflict between humans and the evolved primates has finally broken out.

Caesar faces the challenge of safeguarding his family and entire community from human infiltration and assaults.

During their journey to find a more secure habitat, they encounter heartbreak and learn that humanity faces danger from a deadly virus that could transform them into primitive beings. Under Matt Reeves’ direction, the film proved to be both a box office triumph and critical darling upon its 2017 debut.

Amassing an impressive $490.7 million globally, the picture also garnered recognition from prestigious award bodies, securing nominations for both BAFTA and Academy Awards.

The film ultimately claimed 16 different honours and received widespread acclaim from reviewers.

On Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an outstanding 94% approval rating, one critic said: “Don’t discredit this Apes trilogy as a standard Hollywood remake. The conclusion is epic, thought provoking, and proves its light years ahead of the old Heston films.”

Another reviewer added: “War for the Planet of the Apes truly is a great finale to the journey of Caesar, setting up what’s been a pretty flawless series of movies that open up such a unique and turbulent new world.”

Several critics hailed it as the franchise’s pinnacle achievement, with one saying: “The best entry in the rebooted series and might be the best film in the entire saga,” adding: “It’s a genuinely risky and powerfully adult tale told with the biggest canvas possible.”

A fellow reviewer said: “War for the Planet of the Apes is not only a poignant film but also the most satisfying conclusion to a trilogy in a long time.”