Emotional expressions in human and non-human great apes

•Emotional expressions are frequently used in all great ape species.•Compared to apes, humans have evolved communicative faces where all the expressive parts are emphasized.•Also in great apes species-specific facial characteristics have evolved to enhance communication.•Smiles have been ritualized to a greater extent in humans than in apes, laughter is similar and seen in comparable contexts.•Great apes do have voluntary control over some expressions.