50/50 (2011)
Kernel Score: 80% · 4,025 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2011-09-30
Runtime: 100 minutes
Is 50/50 worth watching?
Worth watching. A young man learns he has cancer, and his friends handle it badly and humanely. It's funny without being cruel, sad without milking it, and Gordon-Levitt and Rogen work well together.
Watch it if you
- like comedies with real feeling
- want a story about illness that isn't grim
- enjoy buddy chemistry
Skip it if you
- find cancer stories too close to home
- dislike crude humour
Best for: Honest night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch 50/50
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.
50/50 parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that 50/50 is an R-rated comedy-drama about a young man facing cancer, with raunchy humor and hospital/medical content.
- Violence & scariness: A little — No physical violence, but medical/cancer content including chemotherapy and vomiting may be intense for sensitive viewers.
- Language: Moderate — Frequent crude language is typical of this raunchy R-rated comedy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like 50/50
If you liked 50/50, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Miss You Already (2015) — 84%: Friendship tested by illness, funny and sad
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%: Buddy dramedy about facing death
- All My Life (2020) — 89%: Cancer story told with warmth and romance
- Life Is Beautiful (1997) — 93%: Comedy and tragedy balanced by love
- My Sister's Keeper (2009) — 84%: Family drama shaped by illness
Director
Jonathan Levine
Cast
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam Lerner
- Seth Rogen as Kyle Hirons
- Anna Kendrick as Katherine McKay
- Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachael
- Anjelica Huston as Diane Lerner
- Serge Houde as Richard Lerner
- Philip Baker Hall as Alan
- Matt Frewer as Mitch
- Andrew Airlie as Dr. Ross
- Peter Kelamis as Phil
50/50 FAQ
Is 50/50 worth watching?
Worth watching. A young man learns he has cancer, and his friends handle it badly and humanely. It's funny without being cruel, sad without milking it, and Gordon-Levitt and Rogen work well together.
Where can I watch 50/50?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is 50/50 OK for kids?
50/50 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that 50/50 is an R-rated comedy-drama about a young man facing cancer, with raunchy humor and hospital/medical content.
What movies are like 50/50?
If you liked 50/50, try Miss You Already, Paddleton, All My Life and Life Is Beautiful.