An Elephant Sitting Still (2018)
Kernel Score: 85% · 225 ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 2018-12-14
Runtime: 230 minutes
Where to watch An Elephant Sitting Still
- Stream: Fandor, OVID, AsianCrush
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Cineverse
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the northern Chinese city of Manzhouli, they say there is an elephant that simply sits and ignores the world. Manzhouli becomes an obsession for the protagonists of this film, a longed-for escape from the downward spiral in which they find themselves.
An Elephant Sitting Still parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that this somber Chinese drama deals with despair and hopelessness among young people in a bleak industrial city.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like An Elephant Sitting Still
If you liked An Elephant Sitting Still, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dead Poets Society (1989) — 91%
- The Sunset Limited (2011) — 79%
- 8½ (1963) — 91%
- Eternity and a Day (1998) — 87%
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- Precious (2009) — 82%
- The Miracle Season (2018) — 82%
- Nobody Knows (2004) — 87%
Director
Hu Bo
Cast
- Peng Yuchang as Wei Bu
- Wang Yuwen as Huang Ling
- Zhang Yu as Yu Cheng
- Li Congxi as Wang Jin
- Zhenghui Ling as Li Kai
- Xiaolong Zhang as Yu Shuai
- Li Danyi as Wang Jin's Daughter
- Kong Wei as Wang Jin's Son-in-Law
- Kong Yixin as Wang Jin's Granddaughter
- Wang Chaobei as Yu Cheng's Friend
An Elephant Sitting Still FAQ
Is An Elephant Sitting Still good?
An Elephant Sitting Still has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 225 audience ratings.
Where can I watch An Elephant Sitting Still?
In the US you can stream An Elephant Sitting Still on Fandor, OVID and AsianCrush, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Cineverse and rent it from Prime Video and Apple TV.
Is An Elephant Sitting Still OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that this somber Chinese drama deals with despair and hopelessness among young people in a bleak industrial city.
What movies are like An Elephant Sitting Still?
If you liked An Elephant Sitting Still, try Dead Poets Society, The Sunset Limited, 8½ and Eternity and a Day.