Is The Monkey's Uncle Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Monkey's Uncle is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Monkey's Uncle Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1965, The Monkey's Uncle enters the Family genre with a narrative focused on College whiz-kid Merlin Jones concocts a method for teaching advanced information to a chimpanzee, then creates a flying machine of his own design, ultimately raising havoc on the campus. Under the direction of Robert Stevenson, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tommy Kirk. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Monkey's Uncle offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Monkey's Uncle resonates with current cultural themes in the Family space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Monkey's Uncle is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Monkey's Uncle centers on a unique premise within the Family landscape. College whiz-kid Merlin Jones concocts a method for teaching advanced information to a chimpanzee, then creates a flying machine of his own design, ultimately raising havoc on the campus. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1965 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Monkey's Uncle has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Monkey's Uncle sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Monkey's Uncle (1965): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Family, Comedy, Science Fiction cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Monkey's Uncle Online?
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Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Monkey's Uncle is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Monkey's Uncle stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1965 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monkey's Uncle movie hit or flop?
The Monkey's Uncle has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Monkey's Uncle worth watching?
The Monkey's Uncle is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Monkey's Uncle online?
The Monkey's Uncle may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Monkey's Uncle movie hit or flop?
The Monkey's Uncle has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Monkey's Uncle worth watching?
The Monkey's Uncle is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Monkey's Uncle online?
The Monkey's Uncle may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of The Monkey's Uncle?
The Monkey's Uncle is a Family, Comedy, Science Fiction movie that follows: College whiz-kid Merlin Jones concocts a method for teaching advanced information to a chimpanzee, then creates a flying machine of his own design, ultimately raising havoc on the campus....
Is The Monkey's Uncle family friendly?
Yes, The Monkey's Uncle is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Family, Comedy, Science Fiction movie.
What language is The Monkey's Uncle available in?
The Monkey's Uncle is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
College whiz-kid Merlin Jones concocts a method for teaching advanced information to a chimpanzee, then creates a flying machine of his own design, ultimately raising havoc on the campus.
Critic Reviews
Slow and formulaic, it does at least have an amusing eventual pay-off. 'The Monkey’s Uncle' is a sequel that never needed to be made. It isn't an awful film at all but struggles in a similar way as 'The Misadventures of Merlin Jones' does, just without the promising beginning. The premise is dull, there is minor intrigue in the Darius Green III (Arthur O'Connell) plot but everything that builds up to it is uninteresting and mostly predictable. Tommy Kirk (Merlin) and Annette Funicello (Jennifer) are solid, but the performance of Leon Ames (Holmsby) comes across more sillier than in the 1964 production. Disney continue to be iffy with their live-action sequels.