Overview
A heartwarming tale of friendship and courage unfolds as two unlikely companions plot their escape from captivity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- sincere
- heartwarming
- family movie night
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics generally found the film emotionally sincere and visually impressive, while considering its storyline generic and its treatment of darker captivity themes uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ivan and the other circus animals endure confinement while the story moves toward a more natural sanctuary.
The gorilla, elephant, and other animal characters are rendered with detailed CGI alongside live-action performers.
Ivan pieces together his past with help from Ruby and the other animals as his memories return.
Julia recognizes the animals' suffering and helps translate Ivan's needs into action.
Films like The One and Only Ivan, and why
Dumbo
family-friendly animal fantasy combining live action, talking animals, captivity themes, and emotional lessons about empathy
War Horse
heartwarming family drama about an intelligent captive animal seeking freedom and a more humane home
The Jungle Book
live-action and CGI family adventure centered on animal friendship, perseverance, and finding belonging
Charlotte's Web
emotionally sincere animal story with realistic digital effects and themes of companionship and liberation
Movie Details
- Director
- Thea Sharrock
- Release Date
- 2020-08-21
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (651)
Cast
- Bryan Cranston
- Sam Rockwell
- Brooklynn Prince
- Angelina Jolie
- Danny DeVito
- Ariana Greenblatt
- Helen Mirren
- Phillipa Soo
- Mike White
- Ron Funches
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The One and Only Ivan about?
- A captive gorilla and his elephant companion find courage, friendship, and a path toward freedom through an imaginative family adventure.
- What is The One and Only Ivan like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The One and Only Ivan as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The One and Only Ivan violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The One and Only Ivan.
- What did critics think of The One and Only Ivan?
- Critics generally found the film emotionally sincere and visually impressive, while considering its storyline generic and its treatment of darker captivity themes uneven.
- Which films are like The One and Only Ivan?
- Films with a similar feel include Dumbo, War Horse, The Jungle Book, and Charlotte's Web.
- How long is The One and Only Ivan?
- The One and Only Ivan runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch The One and Only Ivan?
- In United States, The One and Only Ivan is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
