2014 has been a year of great films, with more promising titles coming up in the second half of the year. There are several potential contenders for the best picture award, while there are several mainstream blockbusters as well. However, no film has proven to be worthy of being called a big blockbuster and a contender for best picture at the same time -- until now.

Matt Reeves' "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" has been critically acclaimed for successfully integrating emotional impact and intelligence with striking special effects in a sci-fi setting. Critics said that the movie went beyond their expectations as a sequel to 20th Century Fox's 2011 film "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" -- the first installment in the reboot of the original "Planet of the Apes." Its underlying philosophical challenges and complex moral implications make it comparable with the depth of movies like "The Dark Knight."

Caesar (Andy Serkis), leads the growing nation of genetically evolved apes who are threatened by a group of humans who survived the deadly virus unleashed a decade earlier. Peace between the two sides proved to be short-lived as they are pushed to enter into a war that ultimately determines who will become the dominant species on the planet.

Rotten Tomatoes has given "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" a rating of 91 percent from 122 critic reviews, while the audience has rated it 93 percent.

Critics have praised the patience and intelligence that can be perceived throughout the film. Furthermore, it has also been called one of the very best movies so far this year. It's not just a good movie to watch over the summer, especially with all the blockbusters this year, but it's a great science-fiction film, said HitFix.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is definitely a film that shouldn't be missed.