12 Movies Like The Elephant Man: A Must-Watch List

If You Could See What I Hear is reminiscent of The Elephant Man in its portrayal of disability, but with a lighter and more comical tone. While The Elephant Man explores the themes of dignity and human exploitation, If You Could See What I Hear focuses on overcoming adversity and finding love. Both movies depict the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, but The Elephant Man delves deeper into the psychological torture endured by its protagonist. If You Could See What I Hear, on the other hand, presents a charming and funny love story based on the life of a blind musician. While The Elephant Man is a mature and sophisticated work by David Lynch, If You Could See What I Hear is a pleasant and lighthearted movie that will leave you with happy memories. So if you enjoyed The Elephant Man and want to watch a film that explores disability in a different way, If You Could See What I Hear is definitely worth a watch.

84 Charing Cross Road is a delightful film that shares some similarities with The Elephant Man. Both movies are based on true stories and explore deep connections between people who never actually meet. While The Elephant Man focuses on the relationship between a surgeon and a heavily disfigured man, 84 Charing Cross Road tells the story of a transatlantic friendship that blossoms through a correspondence about used books. Both films beautifully capture the essence of human connection and showcase the power of empathy and understanding. However, 84 Charing Cross Road takes a more subtle and understated approach compared to the emotionally intense journey of The Elephant Man. It portrays love and friendship in an unspoken way that might not be fully understood by today's standards. The performances, particularly by Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins, are exceptional in both films, with Hopkins delivering a heartbreakingly beautiful moment in 84 Charing Cross Road when he reacts to Helene canceling her trip due to dental work.

"The Sea Inside" is reminiscent of "The Elephant Man" because both movies explore the themes of dignity and the human condition in the face of adversity. While "The Elephant Man" focuses on the mistreatment of a disfigured man and his journey towards self-discovery, "The Sea Inside" tells the story of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic who fights for euthanasia and his right to die. Both films tackle controversial topics with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, raising important questions about the value of life and personal autonomy. Despite their similarities, the movies differ in their settings and cultural contexts. "The Elephant Man" takes place in Victorian England, while "The Sea Inside" is set in Spain during the late 20th century. Additionally, the visual styles and directorial approaches of David Lynch and Alejandro Amenabar contribute to the distinct atmospheres of the films.

Fatso, released in 1980, is reminiscent of The Elephant Man in several ways. Both movies explore themes of self-acceptance and societal expectations. While The Elephant Man delves into the mistreatment of a heavily disfigured man and reveals the kindness and intelligence hidden behind his appearance, Fatso tackles the weight problem of an overweight bachelor who must come to terms with his own struggles after the death of his obese cousin.
Despite their differences in genre (The Elephant Man is a drama, while Fatso is a comedy-drama), both films touch on the vulnerability and insecurities that individuals face when society imposes certain standards upon them. They highlight the pressure to conform and the internal battles that arise from trying to fit into societal norms.
Although The Elephant Man is a critically acclaimed masterpiece by David Lynch, Fatso, directed and written by the talented Anne Bancroft, offers a unique perspective on overeating that has not been explored in depth before.

The Lion in Winter, a film released in 1972, shares similarities with The Elephant Man. Both movies are biographical dramas that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles faced by their main characters. While The Elephant Man explores the themes of dignity, disability, and human exploitation, The Lion in Winter takes us back to medieval times and showcases the British royal family's power struggles. Despite their different historical settings, both films captivate audiences with their engrossing narratives and exceptional performances. The Lion in Winter, much like The Elephant Man, has received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, indicating its undeniable quality. So, if you enjoyed the emotional depth and thought-provoking nature of The Elephant Man, The Lion in Winter is a must-watch for you. It will transport you to a different era while engaging you in a tale of betrayal, family dysfunction, and political intrigue.

Slipstream: Aging screenwriter Felix Bonhoeffer has lived his life in two states of existence: in reality and his own interior world. While working on a murder mystery script, and unaware that his brain is on the verge of implosion, Felix is baffled when his characters start to appear in his life, and vice versa.
"The Elephant Man" and "Slipstream" share a common thread of blurring the lines between reality and imagination. While "The Elephant Man" explores the inner life of a heavily disfigured man, "Slipstream" delves into the mind of an aging screenwriter. Both films showcase the complexities of the human psyche and the power of the imagination. However, they differ in tone and execution. "The Elephant Man" is a poignant and mature drama that highlights the themes of dignity and human exploitation, while "Slipstream" takes a more surreal and comedic approach, poking fun at Hollywood and its idiosyncrasies.

Raging Bull - The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it. Raging Bull is not a boxing movie per se, but a character study of a near psychotic pugilist. This guy is just overflowing with testosterone and has a severely unbalanced mental state. Anything that gets in his way, he promptly smashes. Raging Bull is a study of male rage which knows no bounds. Jake LaMotta has a massive inferiority complex which drives him to the heights of brutality. In the ring, Jake is the pride of his neighborhood. Outside the ring, however, he hurts his family and friends. He wants to maintain control over his wife and does so through bullying and physical abuse. He realizes she is the better person and feels she must be having an affair whenever he is away. His performance in the ring takes away from his sex life with her.

Pride of the Marines is reminiscent of The Elephant Man in its exploration of disability and the resilience of the human spirit. While The Elephant Man tells the story of a heavily disfigured man finding kindness and sophistication beneath his monstrous appearance, Pride of the Marines follows Marine hero Al Schmid as he returns home blinded from battle and readjusts to civilian life. Both films delve into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity. However, while The Elephant Man focuses more on the emotional and psychological aspects of the protagonist's experience, Pride of the Marines portrays the physical and practical struggles of rehabilitation. Additionally, The Elephant Man is set in Victorian times, offering a period piece perspective, whereas Pride of the Marines is firmly rooted in World War II, providing a historical context. Despite their differences, both movies offer powerful narratives that remind us of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reach for the Sky is reminiscent of The Elephant Man in its portrayal of the indomitable human spirit. Just like the disfigured man in The Elephant Man, Reach for the Sky tells the inspiring true story of RAF Group Captain Douglas Bader, who lost both his legs but went on to fly a British fighter plane during World War II. Both films showcase individuals who defy their physical limitations and rise above adversity. While The Elephant Man focuses on the themes of dignity, disability, and psychological torture, Reach for the Sky explores the themes of resilience, determination, and the power of the human will. Despite their differences in genre and setting, both movies leave a lasting impact and serve as a reminder of the extraordinary strength that lies within us all. So, if you enjoyed The Elephant Man, I highly recommend watching Reach for the Sky for its uplifting and inspiring story.

In "Walk. Ride. Rodeo.", we meet a courageous teenager who refuses to let a paralyzing spinal cord injury shatter her dreams of competing in rodeo. This inspiring story is reminiscent of "The Elephant Man" in its exploration of overcoming physical obstacles and defying societal expectations. Both films showcase individuals who face adversity head-on, displaying unwavering determination and resilience. However, while "The Elephant Man" delves into the psychological torment and exploitation of its protagonist, "Walk. Ride. Rodeo." takes a more uplifting approach, focusing on the power of belief and family support. This heartwarming film reminds us that with unwavering determination and the right people by our side, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way. So saddle up and watch "Walk. Ride. Rodeo." for a truly inspiring and feel-good experience.

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot is reminiscent of The Elephant Man in its exploration of disability and the power of redemption. Both movies delve into the lives of individuals who have experienced great physical and emotional challenges, and through their journeys, they discover their own resilience and the transformative nature of art. While The Elephant Man focuses on the story of a heavily disfigured man mistreated as a side-show freak, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot follows the path of John Callahan, a cartoonist left wheelchair-bound after a drunk car accident. Both films emphasize the healing power of artistic expression, as their protagonists find solace and strength in their respective crafts. However, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot takes a more comedic approach, infusing dark humor into its narrative, while The Elephant Man maintains a somber and introspective tone.

Amorosa. Swedish author Agnes Von Krusenstjerna defies convention and her family's wishes by writing erotic fiction. As she harnesses her talent and explores her own sexuality, she puts herself on a dangerous path. Reminiscent of The Elephant Man, Amorosa delves deep into the complexities of human nature, pushing societal boundaries and challenging the status quo. While The Elephant Man explores the themes of dignity, disability, and psychological torture, Amorosa takes a different approach by exploring themes of sexuality, creativity, and self-discovery. Both films captivate audiences with their thought-provoking narratives and exceptional performances. If you enjoyed the profound and mature storytelling of The Elephant Man, you'll find Amorosa to be a compelling and daring exploration of human desires and the consequences of pursuing one's passions.