Movies About Chronic Illness

Updated May 1, 2024

Multiple movies have explored Movies About Chronic Illness. We assembled 25 of our favorites.

Forrest Gump (1994)

★★★★

3.5 out of 4 stars

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American epic romantic-comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted, good-natured and emotionally naive man from Alabama who bears witness to, and unwittingly influences, some of the defining events of the latter-half of the 20th century in the United States. Throughout the film, Forrest recounts his life story to a variety of people he encounters, from strangers on a bus to President of the United States John F. Kennedy. The film follows Forrest on his journey through life as he experiences a series of hardships, adventures and romantic relationships, culminating with his reunion with his long lost love, Jenny. Along the way, Forrest meets a variety of people and has many life experiences, such as serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, becoming a successful entrepreneur, and accidentally becoming a famous ping pong player. Through his life story, Forrest teaches valuable lessons to those around him and discovers that life is like a box of ch

My Left Foot (1989)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a biographical drama film directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. It tells the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who could only control movement in his left foot. Despite his physical disability, Christy was determined to become a writer and painter, and was eventually able to achieve international recognition for his artwork. Throughout his life, Christy was supported by his family, especially his devoted mother, who helped him to overcome his disability and live a full life. The film is a powerful exploration of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Wind Rises (2013)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miori Takimoto, Masahiko Nishimura
Rated PG-13

The Wind Rises is an animated historical drama film directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an ambitious engineer in Japan prior to and during World War II. Through a series of flashbacks and dreams, Jiro's life from childhood to adulthood is explored, as well as his ambition to design and build airplanes. Along the way, he meets a girl named Naoko who he falls in love with, but their love is tested as Japan descends into war. Ultimately, the film follows Jiro's life and his struggles with balancing his ambition, his love for Naoko, and the dangerous reality of war.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Josh Boone, starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern
Rated PG-13

The Fault in Our Stars is a 2014 romantic drama directed by Josh Boone, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. The movie follows the life of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old cancer patient who meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, another cancer patient. Despite their illnesses, the two explore their unpredictable future and ultimately find strength and courage in their love for each other. Filled with hope, humor, and emotion, the film is a powerful exploration of life and death, and the strength and beauty that can be found in facing the unknown together.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, starring Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Nick Offerman
Rated PG-13

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a 2015 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon. The film stars Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, and RJ Cyler. It follows the friendship between awkward high school senior Greg (Mann) and the titular dying girl, Rachel (Cooke). Greg is persuaded by his mother to befriend Rachel, who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Despite being initially reluctant, Greg and Rachel become close friends and he is able to offer her support and companionship as her health deteriorates. Meanwhile, Greg's creative partnership with his friend Earl (Cyler) leads to their making of bizarre spoofs of classic films. In the end, Greg learns to appreciate his friendship with Rachel, as well as the meaning of life itself.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones that follows the life of world-renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author Stephen Hawking. The film traces Hawking's life from his college days at Cambridge University, where he fell in love with fellow student Jane Wilde, to his rise to fame and groundbreaking work on black holes and relativity. The film also explores the couple's intense relationship as Hawking is diagnosed with motor neuron disease, a condition that eventually leaves him almost completely paralyzed, and the physical and emotional struggles the two face together. Throughout it all, Hawking's brilliance and determination to make the most of his life, despite his physical limitations, is a testament to the human spirit.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent
Rated PG-13

Moulin Rouge! is a 2001 musical romantic comedy directed by Baz Luhrmann. It tells the story of a young poet, Christian (Ewan McGregor), who falls in love with the beautiful courtesan Satine (Nicole Kidman) at the Moulin Rouge, a grand Parisian nightclub. As the two pursue a passionate affair, they must navigate the complex and dangerous social circles of the club. In addition, Christian must win over Satine’s patron, the Duke (Richard Roxburgh), who is determined to make her his own. Set in the late 19th century, the film features a combination of modern music and classic Moulin Rouge!-style cabaret. A spectacular visual and musical experience, Moulin Rouge! is a timeless story of love and passion.

50/50 (2011)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

50/50 is an American comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Levine. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick. The film tells the story of Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27-year-old radio journalist who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. With the support of his best friend (Seth Rogen), his mother (Anjelica Huston) and a young therapist (Anna Kendrick), Adam learns to cope with his illness and finds comfort in unexpected places. Adam struggles to maintain a positive outlook in the face of his illness, and his relationships with the people in his life become strained. Throughout his ordeal, Adam discovers the importance of friendship, family and finding love. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing over $35 million worldwide.

The Big Sick (2017)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Michael Showalter, starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano
Rated R

The Big Sick is a 2017 romantic comedy-drama directed by Michael Showalter and written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani. It stars Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan as a couple dealing with a medical crisis, as well as Ray Romano and Holly Hunter as the couple's parents. The story centers on Kumail, a Pakistani comic who falls in love with Emily, a grad student. Due to cultural differences, Kumail is afraid to tell his family about Emily. Things become even more complicated when Emily becomes ill and has to be placed into a medically induced coma. With his family pressuring him to accept an arranged marriage, Kumail is forced to make a difficult decision. In the end, he must decide between his family's expectations and his own happiness.