Ten years ago, humans paid a heavy price for their stupidity. The dangerous and deadly simian flu virus spread across the globe, destroying the world. In the primitive jungle adjacent to San Francisco, Caesar (Andy Serkis) led his gorilla companions to build a carefree kingdom, until one day, the tranquility of the gorilla's home was broken by humans again. The humans who are struggling to survive in the old city are facing an energy crisis. They try to use the power station of the dam in the hinterland of the forest to provide energy. Young scientist Malcolm (Jason Clarke) tries to persuade Drivs (Gary Oldman), the head of the gathering place, to gain the trust and consent of the gorilla tribe through peaceful means. However, Caesar's good ally Koba (Toby Kebbell) cannot get rid of his hatred for humans. He tries to challenge Caesar's authority. Humans and gorillas are cautiously testing each other, and war is inevitable...