King Kong Lives Poster

King Kong Lives 1986

★ 5.2253 votes105 min📅 1986-12-16

"America's biggest hero is back... and he is not happy."

In "King Kong Lives (1986)", director John Guillermin revives the legendary giant ape for a high-stakes adventure that blends fantasy, action, and heart-stopping chaos.

Director: John Guillermin

Cast

Linda Hamilton
Linda Hamilton
Amy Franklin
Brian Kerwin
Brian Kerwin
Hank Mitchell
Peter Elliott
King Kong
George Antoni
George Antoni
Lady Kong
John Ashton
John Ashton
Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
Peter Michael Goetz
Peter Michael Goetz
Dr. Andrew Ingersoll
Frank Maraden
Dr. Benson Hughes
Robin Cahall
Mazlansky
Jimmie Ray Weeks
Major Peete
Michael Forest
Michael Forest
Vance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is King Kong Lives (1986) about?

Kong survives a decade-long coma and a life-saving heart transplant only to face a new threat: his heart is failing. With scientists racing against time, a massive female ape is captured to provide a vital blood transfusion, awakening Kong's primal instincts. Once revived, Kong and the female ape embark on a wild escape, tearing through civilization in a spectacular display of destruction and newfound companionship.

Who directed King Kong Lives?

King Kong Lives was directed by John Guillermin, known for helming large-scale adventure films and bringing spectacle to the screen.

Who stars in King Kong Lives?

The film features Linda Hamilton as Dr. Amy Franklin, Brian Kerwin as Dr. Hank Mitchell, and Peter Elliott in the physically demanding role of Kong, alongside supporting performances by George Antoni and John Ashton.

Is King Kong Lives (1986) worth watching?

With its over-the-top creature action, nostalgic 80s charm, and a surprisingly earnest take on survival and connection, King Kong Lives offers a fun ride for fans of adventure and spectacle. While not as beloved as the original, its audacious premise and practical effects make it a cult curiosity worth experiencing—if you can overlook some dated elements.

How long is King Kong Lives?

King Kong Lives runs for 105 minutes, delivering a brisk and action-packed adventure.

🎥 Trailer

King Kong Lives (1986): A Giant Ape's Epic Return — Full Movie Info

In "King Kong Lives (1986)", director John Guillermin revives the legendary giant ape for a high-stakes adventure that blends fantasy, action, and heart-stopping chaos. A decade after his fatal plunge from the Twin Towers, Kong awakens from a coma to face a new peril—his failing heart. With the clock ticking, scientists implant an artificial heart, but survival hinges on an even more dangerous gamble: transfusing blood from a massive, unknown female ape captured from the wilds of Borneo. As Kong regains his strength, the stage is set for a spectacular escape and a rampage through civilization, fueled by instinct, survival, and an unmistakable bond with his newfound counterpart.

This 1986 adventure leans into the timeless allure of mythic creature mayhem, offering a blend of spectacle and raw emotion. Linda Hamilton and Brian Kerwin lead a talented cast that grounds the outlandish premise in human stakes, while Peter Elliott's physical performance as Kong delivers larger-than-life presence. The film's themes of resurrection, symbiosis, and humanity's uneasy relationship with nature create a rich backdrop for the sheer thrill of seeing King Kong back in action—bigger and bolder than ever.