The One and Only Ivan is a 2020 Disney+ movie based on the beloved Newbery Medal-winning book by Katherine Applegate. It tells the true-ish story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla (voiced by Sam Rockwell) who lives in a roadside mall attraction called the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Ivan has spent 27 years performing in shows alongside an elderly elephant named Stella (Angelina Jolie), a stray dog named Bob (Danny DeVito), and other animals. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan begins to see his world differently and makes a promise that changes everything.
The film blends live-action with CGI animals (think The Jungle Book (2016) style), creating realistic-looking creatures who talk and express themselves in ways that feel emotionally authentic without being overly cartoonish. It's directed by Thea Sharrock and features Bryan Cranston as Mack, the struggling mall owner who cares for the animals but is trapped in his own way.
The animal characters are genuinely engaging. Ivan is funny, thoughtful, and relatable—he's an artist who processes his world through drawing, which resonates with creative kids. Bob the dog provides comic relief without being annoying (no small feat), and Ruby's innocence and curiosity about the world make her instantly lovable.
The friendship dynamics are what really hook kids. The relationship between Ivan and Stella feels authentic—she's his mentor and surrogate family. When Ruby arrives, the protective bond that forms between all three of them gives the story emotional weight without feeling manipulative. Kids respond to stories about found families and characters who look out for each other.
There's also something compelling about Ivan's journey of remembering who he really is. He's been in captivity so long he's almost forgotten he's a gorilla. That theme of self-discovery and finding your voice (literally—he learns to communicate with humans through his art) speaks to kids who are figuring out their own identities.
Ages 6-8: This is probably the sweet spot for the lower end. The movie has some genuinely sad moments—Stella's storyline will make kids (and you) cry, and there are scenes showing the animals in distress that younger or more sensitive kids might find upsetting. The themes of captivity and loss require some emotional maturity to process. That said, the resolution is hopeful and the overall message is empowering.
Ages 9-12: Perfect range. Kids this age can fully appreciate the nuanced storytelling and engage with the deeper themes about freedom, ethics, and doing the right thing even when it's hard. They're also old enough to have conversations about the real Ivan and what his story means.
Teens: Still worth watching, especially if they read the book. The environmental and animal rights themes become more relevant as kids get older and start thinking about activism and their own values.
Content notes: There's no violence or scary content in the traditional sense, but the emotional scenes around Stella are intense. One character dies (off-screen, handled gently), which you'll want to be prepared to discuss. There's also the underlying sadness of animals living in captivity, which some kids will pick up on even if it's not explicitly stated.
This is one of those rare family movies that doesn't talk down to kids OR bore adults. The voice acting is genuinely good (Sam Rockwell brings real depth to Ivan), and the story trusts its audience to handle complex emotions.
The captivity question is handled thoughtfully. The movie doesn't paint Mack as a villain—he's a man who's struggling financially and genuinely believes he's giving the animals a good life. This nuance creates space for conversations about how good intentions don't always equal good outcomes, and how systems can be harmful even when individuals aren't trying to be cruel.
It's based on a true story, sort of. The real Ivan lived at a shopping mall in Tacoma, Washington from 1964 to 1994 before being moved to Zoo Atlanta, where he lived until 2012. The movie takes significant creative liberties (the real Ivan didn't paint his way to freedom quite so dramatically), but the core emotional truth remains. You can explore the real story with your kids
after watching.
The art angle is beautiful. Ivan's drawings are a major plot point, and the movie shows creativity as a form of communication and resistance. If you have artistic kids, this could spark some great conversations about how art can change the world.
Runtime is manageable: At 95 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome, and the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed.
This movie opens up so many conversation opportunities:
About zoos and captivity: "What do you think about animals living in zoos? How is the Big Top Mall different from a modern zoo? What do animals need to be happy?" This can lead to discussions about wildlife conservation and the ethics of keeping animals for human entertainment.
About promises and doing the right thing: Ivan makes a promise to Stella that's really hard to keep. Talk about times when doing the right thing requires sacrifice or courage.
About remembering who you are: Ivan has almost forgotten his gorilla nature after decades in captivity. This can open conversations about identity, peer pressure, and staying true to yourself even when circumstances push you in other directions.
About the real story: After watching, look up the real Ivan together. What parts of the movie were true? What was changed? Why might the filmmakers have made those choices?
The One and Only Ivan is a genuinely good family film that respects its audience. It's sad in places—bring tissues—but ultimately hopeful. It's the kind of movie that can spark meaningful conversations without feeling like homework.
If your kids loved this, consider reading the book—it's beautifully written and even more nuanced than the film. You might also enjoy Hachi: A Dog's Tale, My Octopus Teacher (for older kids), or Dolphin Tale for similar animal-centered stories with heart.
Recommended for: Ages 6 and up, especially kids who love animals, creative kids, and families who want to have deeper conversations about ethics and doing the right thing.
Watch with: Tissues, and maybe some art supplies for after—your kids might be inspired to create their own stories.