The Big Sick (2017)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,595 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2017-03-30
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is The Big Sick worth watching?
Worth watching. A warm, funny true-story romance about a comedian, his family's expectations and a sudden medical crisis. It balances real jokes with real feeling, and the parents steal the best scenes.
Watch it if you
- like romantic comedies with actual heart
- enjoy stories about family pressure and culture clash
- want comedy that can turn serious
Skip it if you
- can't stand hospital-set drama
- want a light, fluffy rom-com
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Big Sick
- Stream: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.
The Big Sick parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Big Sick is an R-rated romantic comedy-drama based on a true story about a couple navigating cultural and family conflicts during a medical crisis.
- Language: Some — As an R-rated comedy, expect scattered adult language throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Big Sick
If you liked The Big Sick, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Annie Hall (1977) — 86%: Neurotic stand-up-flavored comedy about a relationship's ups and downs
- The Apartment (1960) — 91%: Funny and sad at once, with a bruised romance at its core
- Man on the Moon (1999) — 82%: Stand-up comedian's life told with feeling
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) — 93%: Love tangled up with family and cultural expectations
- Love, Simon (2018) — 89%: Warm, funny story of love against family expectations
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Charming, funny and heartfelt coming-of-love story
Director
Michael Showalter
Cast
- Kumail Nanjiani as Kumail Nanjiani
- Zoe Kazan as Emily Gardner
- Holly Hunter as Beth Gardner
- Ray Romano as Terry Gardner
- Anupam Kher as Azmat Nanjiani
- Zenobia Shroff as Sharmeen Nanjiani
- Adeel Akhtar as Naveed Nanjiani
- Bo Burnham as CJ
- Aidy Bryant as Mary
- Kurt Braunohler as Chris
The Big Sick FAQ
Is The Big Sick worth watching?
Worth watching. A warm, funny true-story romance about a comedian, his family's expectations and a sudden medical crisis. It balances real jokes with real feeling, and the parents steal the best scenes.
Where can I watch The Big Sick?
In the US you can stream The Big Sick on Prime Video.
Is The Big Sick OK for kids?
The Big Sick is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Big Sick is an R-rated romantic comedy-drama based on a true story about a couple navigating cultural and family conflicts during a medical crisis.
What movies are like The Big Sick?
If you liked The Big Sick, try Annie Hall, The Apartment, Man on the Moon and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.