Films About Cancer
Films about cancer explore the profound emotional, psychological, and physical impact of the disease on individuals and their loved ones. These movies often delve into themes of hope, struggle, love, loss, and resilience. They provide viewers with a poignant look at the journey of those battling cancer, highlighting both the harsh realities and the moments of human strength and connection.
Notable Films About Cancer
“50/50”, 2011
Director: Jonathan Levine
A comedy-drama inspired by a true story, it portrays a young man’s unexpected cancer diagnosis and his journey through treatment, supported by his best friend and therapist.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston, Serge Houde, Andrew Airlie, Matt Frewer, Philip Baker Hall, Donna Yamamoto;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“A Walk to Remember”, 2002
Director: Adam Shankman
This romantic drama, based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, follows the love story of a rebellious teenager and a quiet, religious girl who is secretly battling leukemia.
Starring: Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah, Lauren German, Clayne Crawford, Al Thompson, Paz de la Huerta, Jonathan Parks Jordan, Matt Lutz;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Stepmom”, 1998
Director: Chris Columbus
A touching film about a terminally ill mother who attempts to prepare her family for life without her, while forming a bond with her ex-husband's new partner.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Ed Harris, Jena Malone, Liam Aiken, Lynn Whitfield, Darrell Larson, Mary Louise Wilson, Andre B. Blake, Jack Eagle;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Stepmom” on the website imdb.com
“The Bucket List”, 2007
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, this film follows two terminally ill men who embark on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they die.
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Alfonso Freeman, Rowena King, Annton Berry Jr., Verda Bridges, Destiny Brownridge;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Bucket List” on the website imdb.com
“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”, 2015
Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
This unique drama centers on a high school senior and his friend who make films, and their developing friendship with a classmate diagnosed with leukemia.
Starring: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Nick Offerman, Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Jon Bernthal, Matt Bennett, Katherine Hughes, Masam Holden;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” on the website imdb.com
“Miss You Already”, 2015
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
A poignant story about two lifelong friends whose relationship is tested when one of them is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette, Paddy Considine, Dominic Cooper, Tyson Ritter, Jacqueline Bisset, Honor Kneafsey, Ryan Baker, Frances de la Tour, Anjli Mohindra;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Miss You Already” on the website imdb.com
“Now Is Good”, 2012
Director: Ol Parker
A British drama about a young girl with terminal leukemia who creates a list of things she wants to accomplish before she dies, including falling in love for the first time.
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Jeremy Irvine, Paddy Considine, Olivia Williams, Kaya Scodelario, Edgar Canham, Joe Cole, Julia Ford, Julian Wadham, Josef Altin;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Now Is Good” on the website imdb.com
“Life as a House”, 2001
Director: Irwin Winkler
This drama focuses on a man diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to build a house with his estranged son, hoping to mend their relationship before he dies.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Hayden Christensen, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jena Malone, Mary Steenburgen, Mike Weinberg, Scotty Leavenworth, Ian Somerhalder, Jamey Sheridan, Scott Bakula;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Life as a House” on the website imdb.com
“Biutiful”, 2009
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
A Spanish-language film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, it follows a terminally ill man in Barcelona as he tries to reconcile his life and provide for his children before he dies.
Starring: Javier Bardem, Maricel Álvarez, Hanaa Bouchaib, Guillermo Estrella, Eduard Fernández, Cheikh Ndiaye, Diaryatou Daff, Chen Taisheng, Luo Jin, George Chibuikwem Chukwuma;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
These films offer a range of perspectives on the experience of cancer, from personal battles to the impact on families and relationships, providing insight and empathy for those affected by the disease.
In conclusion, films about cancer offer much more than just tales of illness; they provide audiences with poignant narratives of resilience, love, and the complexities of human emotion. These films carefully balance the harsh realities of cancer with life-affirming moments that celebrate the strength of the human spirit. By delving into the personal stories behind the disease, these films foster empathy, awareness, and, ultimately, a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of those affected by cancer. Whether they make us cry or inspire hope, films about cancer undeniably leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, reminding us of the preciousness of life and the power of connection.
