A daring filmmaker, Carl Denham, leads an expedition to a mysterious, uncharted island known as Skull Island. Along with his cast and crew, including the beautiful Ann Darrow and adventurous Jack Driscoll, Denham aims to shoot an exotic film. Upon their arrival, they discover a primitive tribe that worships a colossal ape named Kong. The tribe abducts Ann and offers her as a sacrifice to Kong, who takes her deep into the jungle. Driscoll and Denham mount a daring rescue operation, confronting numerous prehistoric dangers along the way.

As they venture deeper into the island, Driscoll and Denham witness the sheer might and ferocity of Kong as he battles other monstrous creatures to protect Ann. Ingeniously, they manage to subdue Kong and transport him back to New York, intending to exploit him as a spectacle. The massive ape, however, breaks free from his chains, causing chaos and destruction in the city. His fascination with Ann persists, setting the stage for a climactic encounter atop one of New York's tallest buildings.