The Bucket List (2007)
Kernel Score: 80% · 4,024 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2007-12-25
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is The Bucket List worth watching?
Worth watching. Two terminally ill men, a billionaire and a mechanic, set out to do everything on their list. It's predictable and sentimental, but Nicholson and Freeman make it easy and warm company.
Watch it if you
- like feel-good road-trip comedies
- enjoy two veteran stars bouncing off each other
- don't mind sentimental tearjerkers
Skip it if you
- dislike obvious, tidy emotion
- want a realistic look at terminal illness
Best for: Cosy night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Bucket List
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.
The Bucket List parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Bucket List is a PG-13 comedy-drama about two terminally ill men taking a final road trip, dealing with cancer and mortality.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Bucket List
If you liked The Bucket List, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006) — 87%: Family road-trip comedy with real warmth under the jokes
- Miss You Already (2015) — 84%: Friendship and illness handled with humour
- All My Life (2020) — 89%: Tender story about making the most of limited time
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) — 80%: Gentle adventure about finally living your life
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door (1997) — 87%: Two dying men go on a wild last ride
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%: Two friends facing death with dry humour
Director
Cast
- Jack Nicholson as Edward Periman Cole
- Morgan Freeman as Carter Chambers
- Sean Hayes as Thomas
- Beverly Todd as Virginia Chambers
- Alfonso Freeman as Roger Chambers
- Dawn Lewis as Flight Attendant
- Rob Morrow as Dr. Hollins
- Brian Copeland as Lee
- Rowena King as Angelica
- Annton Berry Jr. as Kai
The Bucket List FAQ
Is The Bucket List worth watching?
Worth watching. Two terminally ill men, a billionaire and a mechanic, set out to do everything on their list. It's predictable and sentimental, but Nicholson and Freeman make it easy and warm company.
Where can I watch The Bucket List?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Bucket List OK for kids?
The Bucket List is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Bucket List is a PG-13 comedy-drama about two terminally ill men taking a final road trip, dealing with cancer and mortality.
What movies are like The Bucket List?
If you liked The Bucket List, try Little Miss Sunshine, Miss You Already, All My Life and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.