The Elephant Man poster
FilmDramaHistory

The Elephant Man (1980)

PG · 1980-10-09 · 2h 4m · EN
81%
User score
3,262 votes
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A true story of courage and human dignity.

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

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David LynchDirector
Budget
$5M
Box office
$26M

Where to watch The Elephant Man

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Where to watch The Elephant Man in your country →

Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

▶ First 10 Minutes [4K Remastered]▶ Official 40th Anniversary Restoration Trailer▶ Official Trailer

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Anthony HopkinsAnthony HopkinsDr. Frederick TrevesJohn HurtJohn HurtJohn MerrickAnne BancroftAnne BancroftMrs. KendalJohn GielgudJohn GielgudCarr GommWendy HillerWendy HillerMothersheadFreddie JonesFreddie JonesBytesMichael ElphickMichael ElphickNight PorterHannah GordonHannah GordonMrs. Anne TrevesHelen RyanHelen RyanPrincess AlexJohn StandingJohn StandingDr. FoxDexter FletcherDexter FletcherBytes' BoyLesley DunlopLesley DunlopNora

Keywords

BiographyBased on a true story19th centuryHospitalExploitationCuriosityDisfigurementSideshowPhysical deformityFreakDignityBased on true story

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDrama · HistoryTheme affinityBiography · Based On A True Story · 19th CenturyDialogue densityDramaDirector preference144260Actor preference16258 · 11997 · 111740Country preferenceUs

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Frequently asked questions about The Elephant Man

What is The Elephant Man about?

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

How long is The Elephant Man?

The Elephant Man has a runtime of 124 minutes.

Where can I watch The Elephant Man?

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