The Elephant Man

1980 · 2h04 · Film

Directed by David Lynch

Starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, Helen Ryan, John Standing

Ideal when you feel… Sad / low Exhausted

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.

Original language

English

Screenplay

David Lynch, Christopher De Vore, Eric Bergren

Music

John Morris

Cinematography

Freddie Francis

Cast

John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, Helen Ryan, John Standing, Dexter Fletcher, Lesley Dunlop

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

How to watch