Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- rugged
- oppressive
- visceral
- historical adventure night
- survival movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the adaptation as a visually ambitious but dramatically weak prehistoric adventure.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ayla is an adopted child of the Others living among Neanderthals, and her difference shapes her relationships and status.
Cave-dwellers, Neanderthal society, primitive language, animal threats, and Stone Age technology define the world.
Ayla’s spirit and capabilities challenge the clan’s expectations for women, provoking Broud’s jealous hostility.
The film uses caves, wilderness, tribal life, and encounters with animals to create an expansive early-human adventure.
Films like The Clan of the Cave Bear, and why
Quest for Fire
shared prehistoric setting, survival drama, and conflict between human groups
The New World
shared early-human setting, adventure framework, and emphasis on survival against nature
The Last of the Mohicans
shared historical fantasy atmosphere, outsider protagonist, and gendered social oppression
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Chapman
- Release Date
- 1986-01-17
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 5.3 / 10 (138)
Cast
- Daryl Hannah
- Pamela Reed
- James Remar
- Thomas G. Waites
- John Doolittle
- Curtis Armstrong
- Martin Doyle
- Nicole Eggert
- Salome Jens
- Joey Cramer
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 Clan of the Cave Bear about?
- An adopted outsider challenges the customs and jealous authority of a Neanderthal clan while struggling to survive in the prehistoric wilderness.
- What is The Clan of the Cave Bear like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Clan of the Cave Bear as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Clan of the Cave Bear violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Clan of the Cave Bear as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Clan of the Cave Bear?
- Critics broadly regarded the adaptation as a visually ambitious but dramatically weak prehistoric adventure.
- Which films are like The Clan of the Cave Bear?
- Films with a similar feel include Quest for Fire, The New World, and The Last of the Mohicans.
- How long is The Clan of the Cave Bear?
- The Clan of the Cave Bear runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Clan of the Cave Bear?
- In United States, The Clan of the Cave Bear is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
