Behind the scenes, trainers work closely with these animals to ensure their safety and comfort, and in recent years, CGI has taken over some of their more dangerous roles. But whether real or digital, their energy, curiosity, and personality make them perfect for the big screen. Movies with monkeys remind us of the playful side of life—and sometimes, they even steal the show. Monkeys have been a part of cinema almost as long as movies have existed. Their expressive faces, playful nature, and surprising intelligence make them perfect for adding humor, chaos, or even a little heart to a story.